As well as our most valuable resource – people power (!) – we are also in need of materials to transform these spaces. If you have anything to offer, or know of a great place to get things (either for free or at good value) then please let us know by posting a comment below or emailing shiona_macp@hotmail.com.  The most obvious items we will need are:

• Compost
• Well rotted manure
• Top Soil
• Wood and other materials to make raised beds
• Screws/nails etc
• Water butts (or equivalent)
• Seeds
• Plants
• Trees for replanting
• Organic plant food (eg comfrey tea, seaweed extracts)

Any ideas on sources of funding for these items would also be extremely welcome!

Many thanks, the Growing Team

The speaker Miguel Mendonca at our meeting next Wednesday has played an significant role in a new government scheme that cash rewards will be available for small scale low carbon electricity production via a feed-in tariff to be introduced on April 1st. This means if you installed a solar photo-voltaic system you can use the elctricity as it is produced and get paid for what is excess.

The meeting is consequently evolving into an exciting event as we anticipate a variety of local residents, businesses, faith and community buildings accross the neighbourhood attending and considering become part of this exciting development and taking up the grant offers currently available for installation or considering how we as a community can benefit.

The agenda and format for the open meeting is as follows:

• 7.30 Welcome chat / Park Group AGM in other room
• 7.45 Introduction to the evening
• 7.55 Miguel Mendonca
• 8.15 Project introductory pitches (energy, food, open spaces, steets) plus 1 minute notices on other matters
• 8.40 Tescos update
• 8.45 Project discussions work
• 9.45 Feedback end

It would be great if people could bring a cake or food to share and their own mug. We will be setting up from 5.00 and help arranging seating etc will be most appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you.

ENTRANCE IS OPPOSITE 26 FAIRFIELD ROAD

The Bean Feast was a much loved annual event in Montpelier in the 1700s.  This year we are bringing it back to life as a community celebration of local heritage, local harvest and local genius.

Expect a feast for the ears, eyes, noses, tastebuds and imaginations!  With plenty for everyone to experience and enjoy, you’d be a fool to miss it.

Here’s a few of the Bean Feast happenings:

Two live music stages…Feast zone…Election of Montpelier Mayor and Queen Bean…Spoken word area…Local chef bean cook-off…Village green games, races and sports…Market stalls…Crafts for children…Garage door art transformations…Local produce exchange market…Procession…Park developments consultation…Giant freecycle…Skate features…Skills sharing workshops…Great food and drink…and more!

If you are a Montpelier resident, we actively seek your involvement. Whether you can volunteer a couple of hours on the day or are able to help with  preparations, we want to hear from you!

For more information please email montpelierbeanfeast@yahoo.co.uk or call 07866 748193

Can you help build the Bean Feast Garden?

Do you have a container (bath, boot, pot or other) which has plants (ideally herbs or vegetables) growing in it? Much loved and hyperlocal charity GROFUN are looking to borrow enough plants to create a temporary garden for the Bean Feast. The garden will hopefully demonstrate the diverse and creative ways people without suitable garden space can grow in random found containers and your help will make a wonderful oasis to inspire and educate everyone.

GROFUN could collect from you that morning or better still you could deliver to St Andrews Road if you have your own car. Containers will be stored somewhere nearby for collection afterwards.

Please message or phone the GROFUN posse with your details, collection/delivery info and what you can lend/donate……. info@grofun.org.uk / Tel 07973847894

(GROFUN is a local organisation seeking to empower and inspire communities to meet some of their food needs. Look at our websites for details of how our projects meet these needs and achieve these aims.)

What can I do?

Can you put a poster in your window please?

Download the poster from here, print it, pop it in your window

More information about the Bean Feast:

• Indymedia article
• Bean Feast looking for artists for garage doors
• Definition of a bean feast on wikipedia