News March 2015


I'm a few days late with this newsletter but do read it straight away as there are a couple of events tomorrow, organised by our sister organisations in Brampton and Newcastle, and a Wildlife Group film in Haltwhistle next Tuesday. Our very own Scale of Sustainability season kicks off in Bardon Mill's beautiful Village Hall on 20th March.





The Scale of Sustainability
A Real Green Pop-Up Cinema season of four films and meetings exploring the themes of architecture, home and community. All events are free and everyone is welcome.

Eco-architecture on Friday March 20th,
from 7.00pm, Bardon Mill Village Hall.

7.30pm Garbage Warrior (2007)
Directed by Oliver Hodge, USA. 88 mins

This film documents the epic story of radical eco-architect Michael Reynolds and his fight to build off-grid, self-sufficient homes and communities using unconventional and waste building materials.

Bardon Mill Village Hall designed by local eco-architect, Liam Newton, is the only earth-sheltered village hall in the country. Refreshments available from 7pm, sales will contribute to the continued development of this unique Hall which is available for private hire.



Future Screenings:
30th April - Building Community. Grand Designs episode following inexperienced self-builders as they construct homes and a lasting community in Brighton. Also talks about Co-housing and Housing Co-Ops
17th May - Manufactured Landscapes. Scale of Sustainability short films submitted by graduate students and Manufactured Landscapes in The Shed at Whistle Art Stop
5th June - Tiny Houses. Screening of We the Tiny House People and discussion of alternative living spaces at Burnlaw Community, Whitfield.

Full details of all these events at http://haltwhistlefp.co.uk



Verges and Pollinators Project 2015

We've a joint meeting with South Tyne Wildlife Group on 10th April when the National Park's Shaun Hackett will talk on 'Helping the Pollinators'. 7.30pm, Comrades Club Haltwhistle.
Our stand at the Spring Plant Festival in Haltwhistle on May 16th will include a seed swap - we're especially keen to swap seeds of food plants, that's plants which provide food for people and those that feed pollinating insects. We'll also have details of this years verge walks which Lesley Silvera is leading for us again this year.




On Tues 10th March at 7.30pm South Tynedale Wildlife Group is showing Elemental in The Comrades Club, Haltwhistle. This film tells the story of three individuals, from India, Canada and Australia, united by their deep connection with nature and driven to confront some of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. All welcome, £2.00 on the door.



Brampton and Beyond Energy Fair - Sat 7th Mar. You are invited to attend BABE's Energy Fair in the Brampton Community Centre, Union Lane, CA8 1BX on 7th. It will be open from 11am to 3.30pm. Experts and contractors will be on hand to handle any enquiries about renewable energy, energy saving, heating and insulation. They can also advise on the current range of grants, loans and tariffs that are available to offset installation costs. Chance to win one of three Smart energy meters worth £50.

http://www.babenergy.co.uk/ We do hope you can come!



Northumberland County Council is consulting on proposals to reduce subsidies to bus services. The Council plans to reduce its funding by £200K. You are invited to contribute to the process by completing their survey:
https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=142248427690



Editorial Opinion - there's an election coming up… To me there appears to be a fundamental incompatibility between the aspiration for perennial economic growth and sustainability. There is only one political party prepared to question this basic tenet of capitalism - the Greens. We have a parliamentary candidate in Tynedale Hexham schoolteacher, Lee Williscroft-Ferris, and an active local party




And finally - A big thank you to artist and STS supporter Amanda Callis for designing our new logo.


South Tyne Sustainability aims to reduce the impact of the community of Haltwhistle and surrounding villages on our environment. This will help individuals, families and our community save money and resources and ensure a more sustainable future for us all.

To join STS contact Sue Seymour, sue@mosspeteral.com 016977 47359