Action Briefing Feb 2006 - Mar 2006
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Warehouse News

Finally, finally (on 17th January), we have a new owner for the Warehouse Cafe! You may remember that we took over the cafe back in July 2005, for a few weeks only (or so we thought).

The intervening 6 months have been hard work for all concerned, not least for the cafe staff who have made tremendous efforts to maintain (and improve) the high standards.We had several people interested in taking over the cafe, but these soon narrowed to one Mirabel Foster. She gradually took over the management on our behalf, whilst negotiating a contract with us. IN the last few months, the cafe has had good features in The Metro, The Guardian and What’s On. The food continues to be vegetarian, with specific vegan meals; and is open 6 lunchtimes and 3 evenings (Thurs - Sat) per week. These may change, as the cafe develops, but you can always check by phoning them on 0121 633 0261.

New(ish) owners in both the Cafe and the End Bay (Sprocket Cycles) have given impetus to market the Warehouse in a more positive way. Although the Warehouse is City Centre (yes, officially!), it's still not capturing the numbers it needs to be (financially) sustainable; thus also not being able to get our message on 'sustainability' to a great many more people. Maybe you can help with this? When our new promotional leaflets are available, could you deliver some to suitable venues, such as churches, shops, surgeries, libraries, etc.? If you can, please contact Maud or myself.

Solar power? Maybe it’s a dull Winter, but we don't seem to have had much sun in December. Roll on Spring.

Membership Cards
In the last edition of Action Briefing we apologised for our membership labels not being ready due to transferring our database to a linux based system and promised to send these out with this edition. We are sorry to let you know that we have not yet been able to rectify this situation and so you will receive your card with the next newsletter.

In the meantime, your 2005 card will be honoured, for 10 per cent discount, in the Warehouse Cafe, Sprocket Cycles and for stationery sales in Reception.

Dave Clare