A monthly meeting with a difference21 July 2010
Harwich Peninsula Friends of the Earth recently held a monthly meeting with a difference. They swapped their usual get together for a trip to local eco-venue The Apricot Centre.
Situated on a 4-acre organic market garden near Manningtree the centre provides courses and experiences on the theme of sustainable living. We caught up with group coordinator Adam to find out more
How did you hear about The Apricot Centre?
At our monthly meeting in March we discussed how we could strengthen ties with other local groups and organisations. One of our members Raisa mentioned the centre and we all agreed we should find out more about it.
So what happened next?
Our group treasurer Jo agreed to contact the centre. She discovered they offered free visits for groups and schools and worked with them to arrange a visit. As a group we then agreed to look around the centre in place of a normal monthly meeting. We wanted to mix business and pleasure.
How did you publicise the trip?
We set up a Facebook page to help with publicity and asked all group members to make sure they spread the word. It definitely worked as several local groups contacted us. Both North-East Essex Vegans and Colchester Greenpeace got in touch to see if they could join us.
One of the greenhouses at The Apricot Centre
A real mixed bag then?
Yes, on the day we had a couple of apologies from our group but there were ten of us in total from the three groups. It was great to build ties too and find out more about what the other two groups were up to.
What's the centre like?
They use nature's own systems to make fruit production easier - all without pesticides. They also have beehives and produce honey which they sell locally along with the fruit. They gave us a tour of the centre and a talk showing us how it works.
Beehives are used to produce honey sold locally.
Would you do it again?
Definitely! We've arranged a screening of the Food Inc film in Harwich on 24 September. After that we'd like to have another social event - maybe a BBQ or picnic. As a group we think it's good to be flexible with monthly meetings and play around with them when possible.
Occasionally you have to look at alternatives, maybe even things that aren't specifically campaign related. The trip to the Apricot Centre has shown us that now and again you need inspiration.
Find out more
Find your nearest Friends of the Earth group to see how you can get involved locally.
© Harwich Peninsula Friends of the Earth
