Green news update for Mole Valley and Epsom & Ewell
Peaceful protest prohibited
Nine people have recently been arrested at the Brockham oil drilling site, where a protection camp has been in place for two months. They included many local Dorking and Westcott residents, two of whom are Green Party members. They are on police bail and due to appear in court on charges relating to slow walking in front of lorries. If you’d like to support them at court or in other ways please get in touch. We are disturbed that peaceful protests against the proposed huge increase in drilling at the site have been prevented in this way, and hope there won’t be any more arrests.
Greens call for greater tree protection
We've been in touch with the Tree Officer at MVDC about the risks to the mosaic of Ancient Woodland near the proposed drilling site at Leith Hill. We're concerned that the potential for severe and permanent damage hasn't been properly assessed. But MVDC have said they won’t take any action. We have replied, explaining that it is legally incumbent on MVDC to have due regard to the protection of these trees. For more information, contact Vicki Elcoate.
Ongoing need for Leafleters and Canvassers in Redhill and Dorking
With our eyes on the forthcoming County Council elections on 4th May, volunteer leafleters are needed for both Redhill and Dorking, and door-knockers in Redhill (training provided). We’ve already helped deliver over 4000 leaflets and enjoyed a lovely lunch thanks to a Redhill Green. We have a realistic chance of winning a second council seat in Redhill, but only with significant input from nearby local parties. Please contact East Surrey Greens if you can help there. If you can't make it to Redhill, your help leafletting in Dorking would also be very much appreciated – please contact Jacquetta Fewster for information.
New Officers Elected at AGM
The following officers were elected at MVEEGP’s recent AGM:
Co-ordinator - Janice Baker
Public Contact - Janice Baker
Treasurer - Jeff Zie
Secretary and Membership Secretary - Tony Cooper
Volunteer Co-ordinator - Jacquetta Fewster
Campaigns Officer - Chris Crook
Representative to the Federation of Surrey Green Parties - Vicki Elcoate and Janice Baker job-sharing
Communications Officer - Vicki Elcoate (press), Ann James (newsletter) & David Scoffield (social media) job-sharing.
Countryside Rangers under threat
Surrey County Council plans to cut its funding for Surrey Wildlife Trust, resulting in redundancy for many Countryside Rangers. For more information and to sign a petition, http://petitions.surreycc.gov.uk/SWTfunding/sign
Did you know?
An independent study for the European Parliament looking at the impacts of organic food on human health has found that organic farming practices can help develop food systems which are good for public health. Peter Melchett has written about it here .
Forthcoming Events
Wednesday 15th February: MVEEGP business meeting, Epsom.
Thursday 2nd March: Dinner with Caroline Lucas in aid of East Surrey Green Party.
Saturday 4th March: Regular meeting of Federation of Surrey Green Parties. Includes training in the morning on canvassing as we move into the critical phase of our county elections campaign.
Thursday 30th March to Sunday 2nd April: National Party Conference combined with Global Greens Gathering in Liverpool. Some members of MVEEGP have already signed up as this promises to be the biggest Green Party conference ever.
