SLM Digest 31-7-15

SLM Weekly Digest Keep Our Marshes Open and Green! Here's where the text of the digest goes... Save Lea Marshes is an open group of  local people concerned to keep the marshes and green spaces of the Lea Valley open and green for wildlife and local people.  For further information go to www.saveleamarshes.org.uk We have to start this week with the really sad news of al young man from Clapton who drowned in the River Lea and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.  A memorial has been set up on the bridge by Leyton Marsh.  Jack Susianta  (17), following what seems to be an uncharacteristic outburst at home, was being pursued by the Police, when he jumped into the water.  There is now going to be an investigation as to why the Police rescue attempts took so long.  The full story is reported in the Evening Standard 30 July, p7 www.eveningstandard.co.uk/news Further coverage is also in the Waltham Forest Gazette www.walthamforest-guardian-series.co.uk/news  LOVE PARKS WEEK - politicians and the public are being urged to "do everything they can" to protect London's green spaces, following a London Councils report suggesting that parks funding had been cut by 18 per cent in four years - which could rise to 60 per cent by 2020.  Love Parks Week events, backed by  Keep Britain Tidy and features events in green spaces across the capital.  See Evening Standard p26, 29 July, www.eveningstanard.co.uk/news IN THE MEDIA Other stories this week include:  "Council slammed for taxi PR stunt", p,1, Hackney Gazette www.hackneygazette.co.uk  criticism over Hackney's attempt to extend its survey and project called "A Place for Everyone Project" - the biggest every discussion about the borough by interviewing people in a special taxi - if you live in Hackney and have not received your survey (only one per household), go to https://consulation.hackney.gov.uk o rwww.hackney.dialogue-app.com  In the Waltham Forest Guardian there is a story about a proposal for new designer street furniture for Leytonstone.  The GLA are putting up funding of £20k with the designer raising another £5k to provide places for people to sit, enjoy plants and play board games in the street. WASTE NOT/WANT NOT ... following initial consultation in 2013, consultation is now taking place to get people's views in seven boroughs about the draft North London Waste Plan.  To find out when the workshops and open meetings are in your area (from July to September) go to http://www.nlwp.net or events@nlwp.net    Workshops have to be booked but evening meetings are open. THE MILL - the community centre which took over an old library in Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow is celebrating its fourth year.  It is putting out a call for more volunteers, friends and help with fundraising.  If you think you could help go to http://themill-coppermill.org/about/volunteer. EVENTS Earth First Summer Gathering - from 19-24th August in the Peak District.  Five days of skill sharing for grassroots, ecological and direct action groups and preparation for the forthcoming Paris Climate Change Summit in Paris see http://earthfirst.org/actionreport/ Gone Wild Herbs are inviting people to join them at their pop up Herbal Health Bar in the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden in Dalston, E8  Free sessions are from 6.30-8.30 on Thursdays and lengthier workshops are scheduled for Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. until September 17.  Tickets for these cost between £15 and £30 (sliding scale).  More details from rasheeqa@hedgeherbs.org.uk Next SLM meeting - Monday 3 August at the Princess of Wales pub at 7.30 - new people always welcome.   View this email in your browser