Action Briefing Feb 2003 - Mar 2004
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Warehouse News

A new year brings a new owner for the Warehouse Cafe (this time it’s true!!). Malcolm Currie has taken over from Molly, who has run the Cafe for 13 years.

Some of you will remember that in those days the Cafe was where the kitchen now is and seated 16 people at the most. Molly ran it for a while entirely as a vegan cafe, as it had been in its previous incarnation as the ‘Amazon Cafe’. This was too much of a niche market however, and following expansion to 40 seats (now 50), the range of food was expanded to vegetarian and vegan. This will continue under the new ownership.

To ensure a smooth transition, Molly is staying on for a month; her last day is 18th February. Malcolm is keen to continue the cafe in a similar style, but with extended opening hours and some new ideas. More will be revealed in your next Action Briefing. For the time being, opening hours are Mon-Fri 12-2.30pm; Sat 12-3pm; Fri-Sat evenings 6-9pm.

Special event nights include:

• Valentine’s Day Sat 14th Feb;
• Bon Voyage to Molly Weds 18th Feb;
• Pancake Tues 24th Feb;
• Wine Tasting Weds 10th Mar;
• Irish Night Weds 17th March;
• Mother’s Day Sun 21st Mar.
  

For bookings and enquiries phone 0121 633 0261.

As planned, our Top Office re-decorations were completed over Christmas. We’re still looking for carpet, and to sort out all the accumulated files, folders, etc. Do you remember when it was predicted that the introduction of computers would lead to the ‘paperless’ office? Has anyone out there managed it? We haven’t!

We are looking to have at least some of our water heated by solar power soon. Unfortunately, we have no water system as such, because all our hot water is from instant electric or gas appliances. So, is there anyone who would be able to help (or advise) us on the installation of a header and hot water tanks? We may decide to install the solar ourselves, as well (much cheaper!), or have it professionally installed. Please give Dave a ring, if you can help in some way.

Finally, we'd like to extend our thanks to the lady and her daughter who, in answer an appeal in the last Action Briefing, kindly donated a television.

Dave Clare

Annual General Meeting

Friends of the Earth (Birmingham) Ltd.
Mon 5th April 2004, the Warehouse, 7.30pm

• Full report of the year’s campaigning activities
  
• Developments within and around the Warehouse
  
• Presentation of the Accounts for 2003-2004
  
• Appointment of an Auditor (if required) and election of Committee Members.
  

All Supporters are welcome. A buffet will be provided. For further information, contact Dave Clare on 0121 632 6909.