Action Briefing Aug 2005 - Sept 2005
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

Warehouse News

The Warehouse is so busy these days I almost don't know where to begin! Our solar hot water system continues to give hot water, sometimes too hot. We could really use a 'sink', say a shower, to feed it into.

The Warehouse is a very old building with several types of roofing and no cavity walls, so, continuing our drive towards sustainability, we have added substantial insulation. One large area of pitched roof has proved a particular problem: it's a fairly environmentally-friendly corrugated, coated felt, but it does get very cold in winter and very hot in summer. Churches with similar problems tend to use spray-on insulation, but this uses and contains some unfriendly chemicals. We hope we have solved the problem with a new French material called XL Mat Par Reflexion. It's like a thicker version of the silver stuff you put behind radiators, comes in rolls, and is just stapled on to battens or joists. For the technical experts, the U-value is 0.19 w/m2/kw, which I'm told is very good!

Finally, with the Warehouse such a hive of activity, we thought we needed a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle for a few moments. Visitors, volunteers and staff can now take time out in a shady spot at side of the Warehouse, where we have installed a bench, specially constructed in the Middle Bay workshop from some tree trunk logs and an old railway sleeper. Thanks to Chris for pushing the idea, Brett and Tracey for the sleeper, Malcolm for transport and Russell and Keith for their ingenuity, tree trunks and sheer hard work.

Tenants' news
It's all change on the tenants front: the Warehouse Cafe (see below) has come into our ownership; the One Earth Shop has had a reality-TV makeover when a BBC television crew showed up to film a programme in the 'Mind Your Own Business' series; and we are delighted to welcome our newest tenant, Sprocket Cycles, a brand new cycle shop run by Adrian Durnall. Sprockets is now open to the public Wednesday to Saturday 10am-4pm, but expect extended opening hours before too long. To check, call the Warehouse Reception on 0121 632 6909. Show your Birmingham FoE supporter card for 10 per cent discount. (Not a supporter? Tut, tut! Click here and join today.)

Glastonburied
Another band of happy campers descended on the Glastonbury Festival at the end of June to staff the property lock-ups and raise money for Birmingham FoE. The weather was as crazy as the entertainment, but we all survived, and had a great time. Although we don't yet know how much money has been raised, it should reach at least the £5,000 we raised last year.

Thank you to everyone who took part, especially Karen Leach for ably co-ordinating us volunteers. As there will be no Glastonbury Festival next year, we'd welcome any fundraising ideas you have and any help you can offer to fill the gap in 2006.

Dave Clare

The All New Warehouse Cafe
From September 2005, the Warehouse Cafe will be under new management. We are testing a range of new vegetarian and vegan menu options, so come down and let us know what you think, and what else you'd like to see on the menu.

During August, the Cafe will be open 12pm-4pm, with lunches served until 2.30pm Mon-Fri, 3.30pm Sat. From 19th to 24th September, along with our regular menu and specials, we will be featuring food inspired by the flavours of Morocco, and from 1st October we will be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with a new menu accompanied by taster sessions where you can sample a range of the new options available. Watch this space or call the Cafe on 0121 633 0261 to find out more and arrange bookings.

The Cafe also offers an external catering service for work and leisure functions. We can provide a light, three course (soup, sandwiches and salads, cake and/or fresh fruit) for up to 60 people at £6.50 a head.

More news soon, but for the time being, e-mail info@birminghamfoe.org.uk if you would like to join the Cafe mailing list.

Mirabel Foster