Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Aug-Sept 97

Martineau Update

Well!, our Birmingham City Council was "unable to change" their decision to cease funding the Centre so the bad news is that the Centre will have to close on the 31st of July.

However the GOOD news is that a steering committee formed by FoE activists, head-teachers, members of environmental organisations, parents and interested members of the public has been created to save the centre. These wonderful people have volunteered to take on the task of raising approximately £20,000 to keep the centre open in the short term and are looking for ways to expand it in the longer term. All offers of help . . . in preparing the business plan, with fundraising bids or donations large or small are extremely welcome.

Why not volunteer to help out in the tranquil gardens in this lovely weather we're having (at time of going to press!) Unfortunately, the animals have been evacuated for a holiday, but hopefully after "The Blitz" is over, we can bring them back home for Christmas! We have been approaching local and national companies and organisations to see how we can work in partnership with them. Hopefully we will be able to get local colleges and adult education to use the site for their studies eventually. We're also making a lottery bid and approaching other organisations for funding.

Watch this space!

James Martin & Caroline Starr

Martineau Campaigners