SLM Digest 25-9-15

SLM Weekly Digest Keep Our Marshes Open and Green! Thank you to everyone who came along to the "Great Katy Event" on Wednesday evening to remember and celebrate Katy Andrews and share, songs, poems and memories of Katy.  We were lucky that the weather  great; the scenery blissful, apart from the "prison-like" exterior of "Countryside Live", which our event coincided with.  By the way, if anyone is missing an unusual shaped vegetable knife - I have it safe and will return if you contact me via http://saveleytonmarsh@hotmail.co.uk A BETTER USE FOR CAR PARKS -  we have received the latest blog from John of Forage London who is promoting his film made in a car park featuring wild plants that can be used for food to view go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s&6B5KVk0 John's website also has details of extra dates (one's that are not already booked), such as walks at the Castle Climbing Centre and a mushroom growing workshop happening in November. http://http??www.foragelondon.co.uk/walks-courses IN THE PRESS -  The Waltham Forest Guardian features the "Countryside Live" event describing it as "an annual showcase which attracts thousands of visitors".  This includes 3,000 school children who come to experience "countryside" life including horses, cows, sheep, ducks and farm animals.  This weekend, entrance is free to children with financial partnership with Countryside Learning, £5 for adults or £7 for a two-day pass  http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news What the article doesn't say, is that it involves vehicles driving across the land; post holes in the ground and security fencing around most of Leyton Marsh.  Plus lighting at night. SLM thinks that there must be a better, more sustainable way to both protect the land andget children and families interested in wildlife and the countryside, which is more relevant to the local area and would encourage more people to volunteer.  Maybe you disagree, but if not, please tell the Lea Valley Regional Park Authority, who are in a more listening mood at the moment. visitleevalley.org.uk  There is an on line article on funding for parks which is worth a read on http://www.hortweek.com/cuts-putting-parks-road-ruin-say-experts/parks-and-gardens/article/1364251 PETITION OF THE WEEK - if you haven't yet managed to lend your support to the plight of Southwark Woods and graveyard - the petition date has been extended to 5 Octobergo to http://savesouthwarkwoods.org.uk/object EVENTS - On Saturday 10 October from 10.00 a.m.- 5.00 p.m. at Friends Meeting House, Euston Road, NW1 is The People's Housing Conference - Building a Movement for Homes.  Book tickets (by 26 September is recommended) via the website http://www.peopleshousingconference.org (Childcare available). Next SLM  Meeting is Monday 5 October at 7.30, Princess of Wales pub, Lea Bridge Road, E5 - new people or old friends always welcome. And Finally - members of SLM were interviewed by a flim maker from Hamburg, this week about the experience of the 2012 Olympics and Leyton Marsh.  Hamburg are looking at bidding for a future Games and there are some who want to learn from our experience and try and fend it off...