Initiated by ....

Initiated by Michael Soth, a resident in West Oxford for nearly 20 years, on the occasion of his 50th birthday, we are creating this one-day one-off event in co-operation with local projects, community initiatives and climate change and other campaigns. We are inviting local people who live and work in West Oxford, as well as interested people and groups from across Oxford, Oxfordshire and beyond.

The day will bring together a wealth of knowledge, skills and information, as we are inviting presenters and contributors who are highly respected in their field of expertise, to see what kind of ideas, practices, actions from across the planet may be applicable locally here in Oxford. But the presenters are not just jetting in and out, doing their presentation and are then quickly off again - they are all people we know and are connected with via family, social or professional networks. Most of our presenters and contributors will attend most of the day and will keep themselves available for questions, discussions and networking.
Apart from that, the whole organisation of the event is carried by local groups, people and neighbours, friends and acquaintances from West Oxford and Botley, largely on a voluntary basis.
Specifically, this event is meant to support the work of Low Carbon West Oxford, and although they will be present and involved, they are in no way responsible for the day nor for any of the mistakes we will make, or errors we commit.
We hope you will have your own ideas that can help shape the day and contribute to the experience. Or you may want to lend a helping hand with the preparations or the practical and organisational work on the day - please feel free to comment, criticise, improve or offer suggestions, contacts, help or advice.
We look forward to hearing from you ....

Our Event Organiser Andrew Ventham

Michael has been supported in the organisation of the day over the last few months by Event Organiser Andrew Ventham, who has been working above and beyond the call of duty as well as well beyond the initial job description. He has been dedicated and fully committed to making this event work and getting the word spread. He has also been organising the stalls as well as loads of publicity. He has been paid for this work (nd is therefore part of our expenses - see our summary of the finances), but without him you would probably not be here reading this. Andrew has brought his experience, creativity and ingenuity to the task, as well as a friendly, charming yet clear, precise and focussed presence and attitude. A big thank you to him is due from all of us ....

If you have a public event to organise and want somebody who has got their head and heart in the right place, Andrew is the man for you - here is what he says about himself:

“Andrew is a mature student at the University of Birmingham, reading European Politics, Society and Economics, with French. He is currently in his final year and is passionate about issues related to wealth redistribution, the free movement of peoples, the environment and international ethics. Before he entered full time education, he was a team and project manager working for an international publisher. He has drawn on his versatile skills and experience to fund his education, having found work as an economic researcher, social marketing officer, and now event organiser. Andrew has relished the opportunity to work with the important issues that relate to ‘Thriving Sustainably’ and hopes that the experience he has gained in event management, publicity and fundraising will provide a launch pad for working with future projects of this nature.”
Andrew Ventham
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Mobile: 07794927816

Special thanks for help in the last few weeks go to: Phil Pritchard, Jane Brown, Nicki Parsons, Bridget Belgrave and Jasmine who helped out at crucial stages and with dedication ....
And special thanks to all our contributors and presenters who are giving so freely and generously of their time and experience ....