The Co-operative has launched Plan Bee, a campaign and 10-point plan to help save the bee. Worried about the disappearance of bee colonies in recent years the campaign aims to get research going on the causes of the losses and to get people involved in saving bees.

As part of the Campaign the Dukes Cinema is showing the film The Vanishing of Bees on Thursday 21st of Jan at 6.30pm

The Plan BEE website has suggestions on what people can do to help including:

North Lancashire Green Party Parlimentary Candidates Gina Dowding and Chris Coates met local Wyre farmer Ian Pye and  representaives of the National Farmers Union to discuss farming issues and the NFU’s “Why Farming Matters” Election Manifesto.

Keen to learn the view of local farmers, the Green Party candidates asked about the NFU’s views on how farming can provide renewable energy, the power of supermarkets and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. Mr Pye, who hosted the meeting at Old Holly Farm near Garstang, said that the most useful think that could be done to help farmers would be to reduce the ammount of paperwork that has to be done to qualify for enviromental schemes.

The Gina Dowding said after the meeting: “I fear there will be little discussion about farming in the run up to the next general election so I thank the NFU for this opportunity. Farming needs to be high on the agenda.”

For further info on thise story see the NFU Website

Green County Councillor Chris Coates a supporter of the Compassion in World Farming campaign against intensive farming welcomed the councils move “The County has followed the lead set by Lancaster City Council who introduced free-range eggs in the districts town hall catering earlier in the year. This is really good news especially if you are a chicken!”

In 2007, more than 573,558 eggs were used by Lancashire school kitchens and other venues supplied by commercial services. These include the Bowland Visitor Centre café at Beacon Fell Country Park, Turton Tower, Lancaster’s Adult College and County Hall itself. These will all now be serving only free-range eggs.

If you have had this leaflet through your door, please report it to the police (01524 63333) as a clear incitement to religious hatred. It has already reported by Lancaster Unity, but a few more reports might encourage the police to take action.

For more on this story see the Lancaster Unity Website.

10am-4pm. Sunday 17th August
Victoria Institute, Caton, Lancaster, LA2 9QT.

Entry is Free. Refreshments available.
Full details on the website www.lunevalleycraftfairs.co.uk

New party chair Melanie Forrest said “Everybody is trying to be environment friendly these days, but the Greens are still the only political party to put the principles of environmental and social justice at the heart of all our policies. We hope the Big Green View will help to get across our ideas to more people.”

The 8 page paper will be delivered free to households across the District. It includes; local news, interviews, a special feature on sustainable fisheries and a green business page.

If the Government does not award the contract to the Post Office, the network will go into further decline The NFSP estimates that the loss of POCA income and associated footfall will force 3,000 more post offices to close.

The NFSP has supplied subpostmasters across the UK with posters to display in their offices; postcards for customers to complete for return to local MPs; and guidance on how to contact their local MP and newspaper Editor.

Thursday March 6th, 7.30-9.00 pm,

Victoria Institute, Caton

The meeting will address some of the frequently asked questions about climate change and give examples of how other village communities are tackling this challenge.

If you want find out whether you can get a grant for insulation, or want to join a group trying to reduce their carbon footprint, or just want to ask some questions, please come along. All welcome – whether you’re 7 or 70!

Professional Home Energy Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions and distribute free energy saving light-bulbs.

More information from Gill Fenna – 771396

Postoffices in the Lancaster Distict threatened with closure are:

• Quernmore
• Kellett Road, Carnforth
• Carr Lane, Middleton
• Bargain Booze, Higher Greaves, Lancaster
• The Ridge, Lancaster
• Nether Kellett
• Yealand Village Hall
• Calder Vale
• Glasson Dock

The Post Office is carrying out a six week consultation on the closures. If you want to tell them what you think about thier proposals;
Write to post Office Ltd at:
National Consultation Team,
Post Office Ltd,
FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM
Telephone: 08457 22 33 44
E-mail: consultation@postoffice.co.uk
www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange