We are very pleased to announce that we have received funding for Nettlefest from http://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/
Another way we are raising funds is by way of TeeChip, I like this idea as opposed to usual crowd funding as you can by a Nettlefest T-shirt or mug for your money, TeeChip take a charge and then produce and ship the items. This is all done on the basis that they are made and shipped once ordered so we have no initial outlay. If you would like to check out colours and prices please follow the link below.
https://teechip.com/nettlefest#id=0&c=584130&sid=fruit-of-the-loom-cotton-t&s=front
So We Grow Together
The Sow We Grow Together Project has turned the somewhat neglected garden at Bleakhouse Library in Oldbury into a welcoming green space where local people can take part in workshops and events or simply relax in natural surroundings, you can read more about the project here http://countershade.org/blog/
The Sandwell and Birmingham Permaculture group will be looking after the garden and using Bleakhouse library as a base. We also have lots of ideas about how we would like to develop the space we will be basing our community Seedbank there, holding social community events as well as implementing a permaculture plan for the space, we will be holding regular workdays and are organising a small monthly farmers market.
This space is available to be used by every one in the community individuals and groups, schools and other organisations for recreation and social purposes as well as education and holistic therapy.
We are launching this phase of the project on 8th April 11am till 3pm
The Location is Bleakhouse Library, Bleakhouse Rd, Oldbury B68 9DS
On the day we will be holding a Seed/Plant swop, there will be kids activities, music, food and refreshments and local stalls. There will also be a chance for you to do some light gardening if you would like to get your hands dirty, Both Stephen Whitehead of Countershade and Annie and myself of the permaculture group will be there on the day to chat about our respective work and the past, present and future plans for the garden. Please come along weather its to find out more if you are interested to get involved or just to enjoy the space, atmosphere and community vibe.
More Info and promotion to follow soon....
Nettle fibre looms on the horizon!
SPARK TIME...
And now to this
the spaces in between
a dizzying ascent up the beanstalk
traversing through the vault of heaven
hurtling in perpetual spin to the schism
there I raised a storm
and sat in its (I)eye
Now I travel new dimensions
carried on the wings of a gander
mental calm crashes through new boundaries
brings intuitive foresight and inspiration
New quill, New will
Knew ways to think
berries of red became my ink
sparks of creativity open new portals
Divided we stand and united we fall...
Miocene wisdom of the ages
teaches synchronicity in flight
connection of Mind, Body and Motion
the more we flock together
the higher we fly
understand the power of community
together we travel long journeys on thermal winds
to gain strength and endurance.
Now, strong in my husk amid the chaos
I attempt to explain the unexplainable
greed looses all by striving to gain
but nothing is lost
All is changed
some things slot together and others remain
some energies repel- matter ripped asunder
I keep focused on my journey
to wander through wonder.
So here I am...I feel
shit just got real
in the sacred circle
on this earth
place of birth
bringer of new beginnings
not asking to be thanked
or ranked
vocal about my boundaries
I occupy my own territory
and I ween that there are more fools
that pass through this place
than remain in it
choose providence
like the three wise men of Gotham.
A treasure hunt to seek the golden egg
The Arc(t/k) of the covenant
by the power (in)vested in me
by the power that I know myself to be
once upon a time
darkness was my clock, my rock
now I embody dusk and watch
comme un conte de la mere oye
my candle illuminates
an idiom of the flock
spread with good intent
exist in happiness
give respect
joy and love enter next
as we gather and spiral higher
I acknowledge that
We do not follow for comfort, we follow for survival.