Get ready for autumn events

 

 

Planet Shaftesbury event: our next meeting is a casual gathering at the Black Cactus Cafe, Thursday 19th September. Come along to unwind, connect - or reconnect - with others 'doing their bit' across our network and beyond. Drop in any time after 7pm. This will be a good opportunity for newcomers or the simply curious to check us out. Our hosts Julie and Glen will have hot drinks, wine, and maybe cake on sale till 9pm. Feel free to invite friends or neighbours and to bring information to share informally.

 

A 'heads up' from Amber Harrison: Folde's autumn series of author events covers a broad range of topics likely to be of interest - trees, compost, death, England's nature and more. See details and book tickets (selling fast) here https://www.foldedorset.com/events

Homes that support greener living

Over two September weekends (14/15 & 21/22), there will be many Dorset homes, allotments and more open to visitors and with hosts willing to share their experience of the changes that have supported greener living. The options across north Dorset range from older homes that have been retrofitted to make them more energy efficient, better insulated, drier etc., to new builds with the latest low carbon technologies and ventilation systems - full details here. This event is organised by Dorset CAN (climate action network) and sponsored by Dorset Community Energy.

Shaftesbury Homegrown, our community farm, will be open to visitors on both Sundays 15th & 22nd from 10am to 1pm. Drop in to find out how farm volunteers get to 'grow their own' ... without the commitment needed for an allotment.

Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW), 20-29th September

Born from a desire to shake up the fashion industry, SFW is all about celebrating creativity, community, and conscious choices. There are films, clothes swaps, repair workshops and more taking place across Dorset thanks to collaboration between Defashion Dorset, Bridport Fashion Revolution, and Sustainable Dorset. Their aim is to promote slow fashion, celebrate a local clothing culture and raise awareness about the environmental impacts of fast fashion. The special theme for SFW 2024 is 'The Power of Repair'. Events in or near Shaftesbury are as below (details also on our website). Full Dorset program here.

 

Film Screening & Clothes Swap, Sun 22 Sep, 6:30pm, Shaftesbury Arts Centre
'River Blue' chronicles an unprecedented around-the-world river adventure led by renowned paddler and conservationist, Mark Angelo. Can fashion save the planet?  Followed by a stylish clothes swap, please bring up to five garments in good clean condition. Tickets £10 from box office (available soon).

 

Jewellery Making & Clothes Swap, Wed 25 Sep, 7pm, Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost
Dive into the world of upcycling with a jewellery-making session using old buttons followed by a stylish clothes swap. Refreshments included. Please bring buttons and up to five garments in good clean condition. Tickets £10, reserve at:
defashion.dorset@gmail.com

 

Clothing Repairs & Visible Mending, Thu 26 Sep, 10am - 12:30pm, Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost
Turn garment flaws into fashion statements with hands-on repair techniques that bring new life to old favourites. Learn skills to repair and mend garments - embroidery, visible mending and applique. This
weekly session is free to attend, book a place at: 
defashion.dorset@gmail.com. 

 

NOTE: A recent article about Defashion Dorset 2024 delves into the annual event which took place in May this year at Hawker’s Farm. It highlights how the event fosters a community-driven approach to fashion, featuring local makers, workshops and discussions on sustainable practices. Next year’s Defashion Dorset event will be held on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May 2025 (save the date!)

Link here: https://www.ourcommon.market/post/defashion-dorset-a-celebration-of-rural-makers-reclaiming-our-clothing-culture-from-big-industry

Food & Farming

Our 'Eat Well' food information leaflet (strapline 'Food that's healthy for you and healthy for the planet') is now available from several town centre outlets, including The Kitchen Table which has 'spares' available for onward distribution on request. Farmers and food producers who contributed are being encouraged to join us for one or both of the following events planned for the autumn.

 

'Six Inches of Soil' film & short panel discussion, Thu 10th Oct, doors 7pm, Shaftesbury Town Hall.

The film tells the inspiring story of young British farmers standing up against the industrial food system and producing food regeneratively, in order to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities. We're aiming for a panel representing a variety of perspectives for a broad discussion afterwards. Admission will be free but you'll need to reserve a place - details to be added to the website shortly.

 

The Food Conversation, Mon 4th Nov, 7-9.30pm, Friends Meeting House

This is Shaftesbury's own contribution to a nation-wide conversation organised by the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission (FFCC) to find out what people want from food. Are you satisfied that farmers get a fair deal? Do you have concerns about food security, diet-related ill health, the impact of food production on nature and climate, or food bank usage? We will take steps to ensure a broad mix of participants and what comes out of our conversation will be communicated to government via FFCC. Again, admission free but booking will be required.

 

To express advance interest in either of these, email Rachel c/o planetshaftesbury@gmail.com

Click for website (event details & more)

Sustainable Shaftesbury: the town council's Advisory Committee (SuSAC) now has five themed sub-groups - energy, transport, nature, food, and health & well-being. The way in which they will work alongside the town council is still taking shape. The town council has approved two recommendations from the AC: expressing support for the ambition to become the UK's first officially designated Nature & Wildlife Friendly Town; and agreeing changes to the Castle Hill management plan to manage The Mound separately (as is Bury Litton) and commission an independent technical appraisal of the natural ponds at the foot of Castle Hill (including Breach Common). However, the criteria determining when SuSAC becomes involved in issues arising at town council meetings are still to be clarified. The AC meets monthly, next on 10th September at 5.30pm. Meetings are open to the public and contact person (chair) is Richard Thomas (richardgthomas01@gmail.com). 

Hedgehogs: Anyone interested in being a foster carer/ overwintering rehabilitating hedgehogs may like to join a training day being run by Dorset Mammal Group on 22nd September in Blandford. Email planetshaftesbury@gmail.com to receive booking details.

What do you want from Dorset Council? Dorset Council has launched 'A Big Conversation' to find out what local people want to see in their plan for the next five years, particularly about our economy, housing provision, response to the climate crisis, and supporting inclusive communities. You can meet some of their cabinet in Shaftesbury next week, Thursday 29th August, outside the town hall between 9.30am & 2.30pm. Alternatively, contribute on paper at the Library or online Dorset dialogue

 

Connect across Dorset: Last year more than 100 organisations and 250 individuals concerned about the implications of the crises facing climate and nature came together in Dorchester for the UK's first community-led COP (Conference of the Parties). Work is now taking place to prepare for this year's event - The Power of Community, Saturday 2nd November at Bournemouth University. The aim is to help build the local resilience plans that community groups need to put in place throughout the coming year. Latest information and booking link are here. 

This newsletter appears once or twice a month. Please send news or event details to planetshaftesbury@gmail.com for sharing across our network

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