Join Su Billington from Community Hub at FRONT and local climate expert Patricia Thornley as they welcome you to the second series of friendly CK Futures monthly community group gatherings focussing on sustainable living.

There will be a different topic discussed at each session; from eating more environmentally friendly food, and buying less and reusing more, to looking at ways to use less energy, and planting to meet the challenges of our changing weather.

The informal monthly group meetings will take place on a Wednesday evening every month, from October '22 to March '23, at the Community Hub at FRONT, Sixways.

Knowledgeable local volunteers will be on-hand to inform and guide, bring the group together to support each other in tackling climate change, and making a difference for our community.

Feedback from the first series: "I learnt a lot and it was ideal to talk to others who had tried things and hear their experience".

Tickets are free of charge. You are welcome to sign up using Eventbrite or by emailing ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sustainable Living Workshop 1: Energy

In this session we will discuss simple ways to reduce home heating costs, learning about heat loss and insulation, plus ways to increase the efficiency of your heating system.

We'll discuss the electricity consumption of home appliances, understanding how much energy an appliance actually consumes and share experiences of lower energy alternatives.

Want to know about smart meters - we'll talk about their role as well. And, those with experience of technologies such as heat pumps and solar will share their experience.

Come along to learn and contribute your ideas and experience in these free, friendly, informal workshops.

Visit Eventbrite or email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk to register for this session.

Sustainable Living Workshop 2: Food

Join us for a nutritious meal at the Front Community Café in the second of this series of Sustainable Living workshops. We will eat and discuss the impact of our choice of food, both on the planet and on our health.

We will look at what we eat, how our food is grown and what impact food production (and waste) has on the environment.

How much difference does vegetarianism/veganism make? Is organic and free-range better? Is it always best to buy locally produced?

We will share practical tips on reducing food waste and recipe ideas for lower impact eating.

Come and enjoy some delicious food and share your experiences, favourite dishes, and thoughts about how we can eat well and sustainably.

There is no charge for these workshops but a donation of £10 per person is suggested for this Food workshop to cover the cost of the meal provided. The meal with be plant-based and attendees should inform the hosts on arrival of any allergies.

Visit Eventbrite or email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk to register for this session.

Sustainable Living Workshop 3: How to shop (or not)

Wednesday 7th December, 7.00 - 9.00pm

This month we are focusing on how we can try to be ethical consumers. Join us for a lively, friendly conversation at the Front Community Café in the third of this series of Sustainable Living workshops, as we share our own experiences of trying to shop in a way that treads lightly on the planet's resources.

We will look at big purchases and small purchases and consider the ways in which we can reduce the number of things we need to purchase too.

How much difference does shopping locally really make? Is second hand or freecycled always better? How can we be sure that companies we purchase from are ethical and what does ethical mean to us?

We will share practical tips on how we have reduced our spending on new items over the last 12 months and how we are planning to continue that going forwards.

Come and enjoy great conversations in an open and collaborative environment. There is no charge for these workshops but a donation of £1 per person is suggested for this workshop to cover the cost of tea and coffee in the break.

Visit Eventbrite or email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk to register for this session

Sustainable Living Workshop 4: Ethical Investment

Wednesday 11th January, 7.00 - 9.00pm

This month we are focusing on how we can try to be ethical investors. Join us for a lively, friendly conversation at the Front Community Café in the fourth of this series of Sustainable Living workshops.

Come and enjoy great conversations in an open and collaborative environment. There is no charge for these workshops but a donation of £1 per person is suggested for this workshop to cover the cost of tea and coffee in the break.

Visit Eventbrite or email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk to register for this session

If you are unable to attend after booking a ticket please email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk and let us know before the event starts. We appreciate that plans change, but as our events are free with limited ticket availability we like to ensure that all spaces are filled on the night.

Sustainable Living Workshop 5: Water and Waste

Wednesday 1st February, 7.00 - 9.00pm

This month we are focusing on how we can reduce the water use and waste production within our households. Join us for a lively, friendly conversation at the Front Community Café in the fourth of this series of Sustainable Living workshops.

Come and enjoy great conversations in an open and collaborative environment. There is no charge for these workshops but a donation of £1 per person is suggested for this workshop to cover the cost of tea and coffee in the break.

Visit Eventbrite or email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk to register for this session

If you are unable to attend after booking a ticket please email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk and let us know before the event starts. We appreciate that plans change, but as our events are free with limited ticket availability we like to ensure that all spaces are filled on the night.

Sustainable Living Workshop 6: Gardening in a changing climate

Wednesday 1st March, 7.00 - 9.00pm

Join us for a discussion about how we can adapt our growing practices, identify adaptable plants, improve soil and manage water in the garden and allotment in the future as the climate changes.

With Malcolm Allison, an expert in botany and forestry.

Come and enjoy great conversations in an open and collaborative environment. There is no charge for these workshops but a donation of £1 per person is suggested for this workshop to cover the cost of tea and coffee in the break.

Visit Eventbrite or email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk to register for this session

If you are unable to attend after booking a ticket please email ckfutures@charltonkingsparishcouncil.gov.uk and let us know before the event starts. We appreciate that plans change, but as our events are free with limited ticket availability we like to ensure that all spaces are filled on the night.