It’s the summer holidays and that can only mean one thing, yes it’s time for the annual fun day at Woodfield Park .

Mick Steele from the Welland Residents Association invited us to attend this annual event and, as we had enjoyed this event so much last year, we are really looking forward to pitching the PECT gazebo and spreading the eco message to the residents who attend in their thousands, well nearly, mmm.

Last year Patrick and I gave away hundreds of free Warm Homes energy packs and we found our 500th survey participant for the Seeding Sustainable Communities project that I was working on at the time. This event was a great marker for us, it led to lots of conversation based around comments such as ‘this time last year’ and it was really great to sum up all the things we have achieved over the past year. Patrick has completed hundreds of surveys and is well into the second year of his project where he helps people find their way out of fuel poverty buy offering friendly and effective energy saving advice and I was promoting the Greeniversity, Peterborough’s green skill and green experience website.
Also joining us during the year was Sophie and her Green Team who have just completed their 2,000th free eco audit. At the event Scott and Chris from the Green Team spent the day helping people to identify ways they could cut their carbon. They even persuaded me that I should make the effort and get on my bike!

We were particularly lucky that the deputy mayor Bella Saltmarsh joined us at the PECT stand, Bella has been particularly supportive of PECTs projects on her patch and we are really grateful for all her efforts. We were also grateful to the Mayor who helped us to set up the stall then stayed around for a while helping to attract attention to the PECT stand.

The event itself was fabulous. Patrick loved the huge boot sale and I got both my dogs a new teddy each. I was able to buy a big yellow sunflower for my garden and the bees pleasure and some of the most delicious peaches I’ve ever had from the fresh produce stall. I didn’t fancy wall climbing, Patrick wanted to do bungie jumping but said that he had a medical condition that prevented him from doing anything dangerous – likely story!

  Along with all those that attendedr we really did have a great time When works this good who needs Saturdays off?   

Tags: Greeniversity | Green backyard | Energy Efficiency | Warm Homes Peterborough | Patrick McLintock | Karen Lawrence

I’ve recently started work on an exciting and new PECT project ‘Faith in the Environment’.
 

This 3 year project is working with people from different faith backgrounds to promote environmental awareness. The project also aims to raise the profile of these groups and highlight the great environmental work they are doing in Peterborough to help create the UK’s Environment capital.

The four groups that I am working with are from the Drolma Buddhist centre on Dogsthorpe road, the Hindu temple on Rock road, Peterborough’s Sikh community and the Muslim women’s group who meet at Thorpe school in Netherton. Through the project I have already met so many interesting people and have been impressed by the scope and level of faith work that is already going on in the city.

In just one week I attended a meeting of the Interfaith Cohesion network at the Cathedral, where I met, among others, Father David who is going to kick start the Faith Lunch’n’learns which are going to take place at the PECT office. Next I attended the Muslin Community Reference Group’s (MCRG) Community Leadership Conference. Here not only did I meet some inspirational people and get fed delicious food I found out about the tremendous community spirit that exists in our Asian community and how welcoming it is of new ideas. The third and final event I attended was the Interfaith Councils AGM at the Town Hall. The theme was ‘religious symbols’ and I learnt so much about the great significance of symbols to religion from the speakers who represented each of the faiths. And, more importantly I think, I learnt about what a fantastic community we have in Peterborough, where else would you find such a diverse mix who were prepared to give up there Sunday to promote multifaith understanding and cohesion? Only in Peterborough I think!  

Tomorrow I’m going on a temple tour arranged by Assistant Cohesion Manager Sue Rampal of the GPP. We’ll be visiting a Mosque, the Hindu Temple, a Sikh Gurdwara, the Buddhist centre and the Cathedral. I really do feel privileged to be working on this project it’s a great opportunity for me to learn so much about the different fibres that are woven into Peterborough’s multi faith tapestry.

For more information about the Faith Lunch’n’Learn sessions contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01733 866441

To book a place on the Temple Tour which is happening on the 12th August contact
Sue Rampal at the GPP This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or 01733 207337   

Tags: Partnership working | Climate change | Creating the UK Environment Capital | Faith and the Environment | Karen Lawrence

The first Love Local cooking demonstrations were a real success for PECT’s Love Local team.  The demonstrations, which took place in Peterborough’s newly refurbished cathedral square, allowed the Trust's Janine Starling to put her fabulous cookery skills to the test when she demonstrated how to cook some great seasonal recipes using locally sourced food. Broad beans on toast, spinach and herb frittata and rhubarb and strawberry compote were the featured recipes which were wolfed down eagerly by an army of school children and passersby.

The benefits of eating local food which is in season extend far beyond the good value these products prove to be, especially if they are bought from one of the city’s markets. When you buy local not only are you saving food miles, supporting local farmers and helping the British economy you are eating the most nutritious and tasty food when it was made to be eaten. Who wants winter strawberries that taste of water? Not me!

The next Love Local demonstrations take place on Monday 16th August at Fulbridge rec as part of a healthy BBQ event. I’m really pleased with this theme as it coincides with the Greeniversity course, BBQ heaven, which I taught a few weeks ago at the city college. A good BBQ has all the usual meats, fish & quorn products but a great BBQ is made by the quality of its salads!

So if you want to know how to make a salsa, a great couscous salad or Janine’s famous beetroot salad join me Monday morning (16/08/10) at Fulbridge rec.
Yum, yum, yum,

Tags: Greeniversity | food | Janine Starling | Love Local | Karen Lawrence

I first met Ruth and Kevin Bell last October, the Greeniversity was just an idea then and Nick Goodman from the GPP said “talk to these guys, they might be able to help”. Since that time we’ve been working in partnership. Ruth became a member of the Greeniversity steering group (now the Greeniversity board) she brought her volunteers along to meeting to gain experience and they have hosted several Greeniversity classes at their community interest company’s premises.
 

Their premises are called ‘Bestdeal4baby’ which started life in one of the couple’s bedrooms in their home in Dogsthorpe by making use of unwanted equipment, furniture and clothing, now they transform lives. The project quickly outgrew the home and commercial premises were taken up in Norfolk Road Peterborough, today, just ten months since that first meeting, I was lucky enough to be invited to the open day of the new premises in Newark Avenue Dogsthorpe.

Now I’ve always been impressed by Ruth’s down to earth can do, just get on with it attitude but what the couple have achieved in this building in just ten weeks really takes the biscuit! To be fair a generous description of the place might have been something like a rundown dump before Mrs Bell waved her magic wand now it is a vibrant building that sings with life and positive attitude.

It hosts a children’s clothes shop full to the brim with beautiful attire at next to nothing cost for all ages & I mustn’t forget to mention all the baby equipment that’s there as well. The new conference room has swish blue seating that would make any executive proud. The loos have amazing doors that wouldn’t be out of place in a plush rustic restaurant and I still haven’t mentioned the computer suit – incredible ‘Bestdeal4baby’ has achieved online status and is offering free computer courses and also will providing a free crèche for anyone on one of those courses. If that’s not enough they are also offering training in health and safety and food hygiene! There is also an impressive community cafe run by volunteers with a spread to rival any establishment in the city with prices that really are as good as the food on offer.

Ok why do I think this is all so great, well you see every item in the place has been sourced sustainably, the loo doors used to be pallets, the flooring was an end of line going to landfill, the computers were destined for a tip in India until the Bells stepped in to rehome and reuse all this stuff – I think they need a medal or perhaps two all this work as been done by volunteers with no building experience and completed in just ten weeks!!!

Ruth and Kevin you’re amazing and I wish you all the good luck and prosperity you deserve. Well done ‘Bestdeal4baby’.

Ruth and a volunteer in the new pc suite.

And don't forget if you want to use this stunning new venue for you're Greeniversity class you can access the booking details through the Greeniversity website.

Tags: Peterborough Volunteers | Eastex Materials Exchange | Peterborough Greeniversity | Karen Lawrence

Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has been awarded a Highly Commended status at The Charity Awards 2010, the UK charity sector’s most prestigious award scheme.

The Greeniversity was shortlisted in the Environment and animal’s category and missed out narrowly in wining the overall prize to the Travel Foundation which was established with a unique focus on engaging travel companies in developing and delivering tourism that creates new local economic opportunities, protects the environment and promotes local culture. It has raised £5.7m from industry donations and has 24 industry partners, whose support has enabled the creation of over 30 sustainable projects in 16 destinations.

Despite not winning the main prize Greeniversity project officer Karen Lawrence and Chair of the PECT board Steve Magenis enjoyed a star studded evening hosted by the comedian Jo Brand at the Grosvenor House hotel in London’s Mayfair.

Karen is delighted that Greeniversity has been recognised nationally, she said:  “It was a fantastic evening, really inspirational all of the projects that were nominated were outstanding.”

Tags: Karen Lawrence | Peterborough Greeniversity | 2010 Charity Awards

Just to let you know the following courses are running next week at the Greeniversity.

Monday 21st June

Spin for a free swim -  throughout Bike Week
If you're cycling to The Lido Swimming Pool on Bishops Road why not stop off for a free dip?

23rd June

Pedal for pasties - Cornish Pasty Company, Bridge Street
If you cycle down Bridge Street between 7.30 and 9.00am, why not stop off for a free breakfast?

For further details and to enrol on any of these free courses go to:

www.greeniversity.org.uk

Don’t forget if you have a green skill you want to share it’s as easy as 123 at your Greeniversity.

Tags: Karen Lawrence | Peterborough Greeniversity | Upcoming Greeniversity courses

Peterborough  Evening  Telegraph is launching  the ‘ET's Green awards’ which have been set up in recognition of the wealth of good work that goes on across the city in aid of the environment. 

One of the categories is ‘Most Innovative Environmental Project’ - sponsored by Peterborough Renewable Energy Ltd.

It would be brilliant for the Greeniversity to be nominated for this award as it would be a fantastic recognition of all the hard work that our teachers and learners put into the project.

Casting your vote is simple and you can do it online by clicking on the link below

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/community/green-peterborough

Best wishes
Greeniversity Team

Tags: Peterborough Evening Telegraph | Peterborough Greeniversity | Karen Lawrence

Just to let you know the following courses are running next week at the Greeniversity
 

Saturday 5th June

The Ultimate Green Wheel Ride, 9.00 -12.00
Walk on the Wildside, 10.30-15.00
Pitch in Community Picnic, 11.00-17.00
Bus-Walk: Helpston and John Clare Country, 12.50-16.35
Guided Wildlife Walk, 14.00-17.00

Sunday 6th June

Bat Walk at Ferry Meadows, 8.30-10.00
Springwatch Wild Day Out - Green Festival Finale, 10.00-16.00
Shilling Toll Spring (6 mile walk), 12:00-15:00
Bus-Walk: Secrets of Ferry Meadows, 13:00-17:00

Monday 7th June

Veda: SECRETS from the EAST, 18.00-20:00
Building an Eco Business, 12:00-13.00

Thursday 10th June

Literary walk, 11:00-12:00
Nordic Walking Taster, 17:45-18:15

For further details and to enrol on any of these free courses go to: www.greeniversity.org.uk




 

Tags: Karen Lawrence | Peterborough Greeniversity | Upcoming Greeniversity courses

The Green Festival is upon us again and we look forward to the bigger and better than ever before launch day tomorrow (29th May 2010) Greeniversity is looking forward to a really fun packed day.

The Greeniversity stand will be welcoming people all day and giving away goodies and signing up people to the website. So come along and meet the team.
There is a free programme of workshops running though out the day so come and join us at:

12.00 For a Nordic Walking taster session with Sue Burnett
13.00 For a net making session with John Garton
14.00 For a drumming workshop with Darren Goodale
15.00 Veg box cookery with Rachel Huxley

We look forward to meeting to tomorrow come rain or shine

Happy green festival!

Tags: Peterborough Greeniversity | Green Festival | Do your bit for the environment | Karen Lawrence

Come and meet the Greeniversity team this Saturday 29th May at our stand in Peterborough city centre at this year’s Green Festival. There will be workshops running throughout the day that you can join in with or just come along and say hello.

The following courses are running next week at the Greeniversity.

29th May
Best Dressed Bicycle: 12.00-1.00pm in Cathedral square
Bus Walk: Milton Park: 1.30-4.00pm meet at Queensgate Bus Station, Bay 1
Back to Nature: 2.00-4.00pm at King's Dyke Nature Reserve

30th May
Bus Walk: Sutton, Yarwell, Wansford:12.10-5.11pm meet at Queensgate Bus Station, Bay 9 (for Bus 404)

31st May
Cono Sur Outdoor Challenge:10.30-2.00pm meet at Ferry Meadows – water sports centre
Walking for Health Walk: 10.30-11.30am at Ferry Meadows Country Park
Bus Walk – Ailsworth: 12.10-5.10pm Meet at Queensgate bus station (bay 9)

1st June
Back To Nature: 12.00-10.00pm at King's Dyke Nature reserve
Trashion Textiles: 10.00-4.00pm, Adult Education College

2nd June
PEP Evening Tour: 6.00-9.00pm Railworld
Cycling John Clare Country w/Refreshments: 6.15-9.00pm meet at Werrington Centre

3rd June
Bus-Walk: Nene Way, Ashton and Oundle: 1.00-5.00pm meet at Queensgate Bus Station, Bay 15 (for Bus X4)
Back to Nature: 2.00-11.00pm at King's Dyke Nature Reserve
Orchid Walk: 7.00-8.30 at Barnack Hills and Holes

4th June
John Clare Country Guided Bus Trip: 10.00-4.00pm meet at Queensgate Bus station
Great Fen Greenwatch Events and Volunteering: 1.00-3.30pm Ramsey Heights Countryside Classroom and Nature Reserve
Bus Walk: Wittering, Thornhaugh, Wansford: 1.30-5.35pm meet at Queensgate Bus Station, Bay 10 (for Bus 9)
Cycling the Nassaburgh Trail: 6.15-9.00pm meet at Bretton Centre

For further details and to enrol on any of these free courses go to: www.greeniversity.org.uk

Tags: Peterborough Greeniversity | Karen Lawrence