Become a Master Composter!

Would you like to become a master composter?  Oxfordshire residents are being invited to become volunteer master composters.

Would you like to find out more about composting and help pass on the message to others? You will be trained to encourage your friends and neighbours to compost at home by attending events, writing articles and talking to local groups and schools. Volunteers are asked to give 30 hours of their time in order to qualify as a Master Composter.
You will join the existing volunteer group, who have been working in the community since 2008 to help keep biodegradable waste out of landfill.
The scheme is run by the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership (representing the county’s local authorities) and Garden Organic, who provide the training and technical support. Oxfordshire is part of a nationwide ‘Home Composting’ campaign, which offers subsidised compost bins to all householders in the county. The Master Composter programme runs alongside and strengthens this campaign.
Training is free, and covers the basic elements of home composting and related environmental issues. It takes place over two consecutive days at Garden Organic's Ryton Gardens (near Coventry). Refreshments are provided and transport to be confirmed nearer the time. The training will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th November 2012, and attendance at both days is required.
The Master Composter scheme is open to everyone – you don’t have to be a composting expert. All we ask is that you are willing to contribute your time and enthusiasm as a volunteer.
There are a limited number of spaces available on the training, and applications are invited by Friday 26th October.
Please return the application form, either by email or post, to:
Eiles Robinson
Household Waste Reduction Officer
Oxfordshire County Council
Speedwell House
Speedwell Street
Oxford  OX1 1NE
Direct Dial: 01865 816043
Email: waste.management@oxfordshire.gov.uk

(news article copied from CAGOxfordshire website)

Community Litter Pick - this Sunday

Following our successful spring litter pick on some of the village's most popular footpaths, it's time to continue the good work.  The Greening Chinnor Campaign, with the support of Chinnor Parish Council are organising another community litter pick on Sunday 30th September on some of our most well walked public footpaths and bridleways.

Just turn up at White's Field car park (Mill Lane, Chinnor) at 10am for a briefing ready for a 10:30 start. Make sure you bring/wear suitable clothing including gardening gloves or similar and suitable footwear together with some refreshments. We plan to finish about 13:00 latest.

For further information or to register your interest please call Alan Brawn on 01844 352753

Swap shop/bike exchange 29th Sept

Chinnor and Thame Friends of the Earth will be holding a swap shop at Chinnor Village Hall on 29th Sept from 10am-noon.  The bike exchange at the FoE Green Fayre is always really popular and they've been asked to do another one - please help publicise this event.  If you've a bike to sell or buy then this is your first port of call!

Chinnor and Thame Friends of the Earth

SWAP SHOP  

and

                       BIKE EXCHANGE

Saturday 29^th September 2012

10am to 12 noon

                                  Village Hall, Chinnor

Bring and /or take for free:

Books - Clothes - Bric-a-brac - Baby equipment

Toys and games - Household items - CDs/DVDs/Videos

 Electrical CE marked goods accepted, no large items please.

 If you wish to sell a bike, please bring at 9.45am clearly labelled

with your name, contact details and the asking price.

We charge £5 for every bike sold.

Recycle stations available for the following items:

Inkjet cartridges - Mobile phones - Light bulbs 

Spectacles - Household batteries – CDs

Used postage stamps - Foreign coins

For further information contact Maureen Dyroff, Chinnor & Thame  Friends of the Earth on 01844 352816 or e-mail mdyroff@tiscali.co.uk