Smoke free pubs in Essex

I don't know about you, but one of the main reasons I don't go to pubs more often is I do not like coming home and having to put every item of clothing in the washing immediately. So I was delighted to find a database of smoke-free pubs. This is the link to places in Essex Fresh Air Online Essex or you could just start at the home page

As far as the Chelmsford area is concerned, I have also seen mention of the Dog & Gun, Boreham Road, Little Waltham.

Anyone know of any more?

Green Drinks, Peak Oil and more

Attended the Chelmsford Green Drinks last night. Good to meet up with others from Chelmsford concerned about the environment. One of the group was Frank Davis, a bit of an expert on peak oil theory. He is speaking at the Chelmsford Liberal Democrat meeting in two weeks time.

Update Nov.2008: Chelmsford Green Drinks info now here

Do something amazing - donate blood

Found out that I will not be able to donate blood this Sunday (12 November) as hoped, but hope to soon. You can search the National Blood Service website for your nearest donation session (just type 'Chelmsford' into the search box).

There are afternoon and early evening sessions at St Cedds Hall near Chelmsford Cathedral [map] every two weeks but I usually go to the Sunday sessions at Mildmay Infant school, Robin Way (usually once a month). It really is very easy and you are helping to save lives.

Greener Chelmsford

I have put together the Greener Chelmsford website with Chelmsford Lib Dem colleagues as a single place to list ideas to make our town more sustainable, including how we can all make a difference individually.

Please put any comments here or make suggestions via the website.

News Stories from October

Springfield Road crossing fiasco - inquiry call.

Essex Conservatives don't sign up to "go green".

Robinson back in the classroom.

Get weeding those pavements!

Supporting Chelmsford Fairtrade AGM.

Green Drinks

The next Chelmsford Green Drinks is this Thursday, 9th November. It is an occasional get-together for the environmentally minded.

Email from Daniel:-
We meet from about 7.30pm. There's no agenda, just a chance to meet & network and have a (very fine real) beer and catch up on what is happening and what we're doing here for sustainability - perhaps it would be interesting for those of you with policy interests to share some ideas about responses to the Stern Report here in the land of Range Rovers and wide screen TV?

Venue: The Queen's Head, Lower Anchor Street Many thanks to Mike Collins at the Queen's Head for his hospitality and lovely beer. It's a 5-6 min walk from Chelmsford railway station, or about £2.50 in a taxi. Map and directions on the pub's website (above), and a car park with some sturdy bike racks too.

Who: Anyone interested in or working in or studying environmental or sustainability issues (so tell your friends & colleagues about it too). Why: For enjoyment, new contacts, a drink, some info, gossip, inspiration, business and pleasure.

When you get there: Go to the back of the pub (where the old church pews are) and ask someone if they're with Green Drinks.

PS To get ONTO the email list, send an email

Looking forward to seeing you at the Queen's Head.

Daniel Kenning, on behalf of Chelmsford Green Drinks