Chester World Development Forum

Thurs 17th Nov - "How Change Happens" (and how to make it happen)
2016-11-17 19:30 - 21:00 UTC | Best Building, University of Chester, Exton Park Campus, off Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
Oxfam’s Duncan Green makes a return visit to Chester in the wake of the launch of his latest book, How Change Happens.
How Change Happens explores how political and social change takes place, and the role of individuals and organizations in influencing that change. He discusses the challenges to traditional aid practices, and argues that activists, whether in campaigns, companies or governments, must fundamentally rethink the way they understand the world and try to influence it.
Organised by the University of Chester’s Department of Geography & International Development in association with CWDF.

Tues 15th Nov - "Compassion - who cares?"
2016-11-15 18:30 - 20:15 | Binks Building, University’s Parkgate Road Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
West Cheshire Interfaith Forum is pleased to invite you to their “Open Mic” Launch during Interfaith week. The aims of the event are:

To present brief information on the viewpoint held by different faiths and non-faith regarding various key themes and topics.
To provide a safe space for people of various backgrounds to ask questions to further their understanding of the topic showcased.
LISTEN LEARN ENJOY

If you would like to talk, email westcheshireinterfaith@gmail.com. You will have 10 minutes to share your point of view.
The venue is Room 106/2 the Binks Building on the University of Chester camous, just off Parkgate Road. If you would like to attend the event please email westcheshireinterfaith@gmail.com
They hope you can join them. Please feel free to let others know too.

Tues 8th Nov - CWDF Forum meeting
2016-11-08 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
Our regular bi-monthly meeting at The Unity Centre. This will be an opportunity for us to reflect on the various issues raised at the sessions on 21st September and 7th October and what these may mean for CWDF’s future priorities.

Sat 29th Oct - Play "For Conscience Sake"
2016-10-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Quaker Meeting House Chester, Union Walk, Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3LF
A play by Plain Quakers Theatre. Thought provoking and humorous, the play explores the choices faced by conscientious objectors in World War 1 against the backdrop of growing militarisation today.Invite your friends, young and old. Entry is free. https://www.facebook.com/plainquakerstheatre/

Sat 22nd Oct - Autumn Craft Fair
2016-10-22 10:30 - 15:30 | Hoole URC, Hoole Road, Chester, CH2 3NT
Autumn Craft Fair
Craft Fair including various craft stalls, along with free children’s activities. Held in aid of Chifundo UK, charity empowering girls and women in Malawi. Admission adults £1, children free. Tables £10. Contact Susan Flynn 01244 381490 or chair@chifundomalawi.org

Fri 14th Oct - Quiz Evening
2016-10-14 19:30 - 21:30 | St Columba’s Hall, Newhall Road, Chester CH2 1SA
Quiz Evening
A social occasion organised on behalf of ChurchesTogether in Upton with all proceeds split between Christian Aid and CAFOD. Admission £1 on the door, make up tables of six. Includes light refreshments but bring your own wine. 01244 350323.

Fri 7th Oct - Stephen Twigg MP, talk on the work of the Commons Select Committee on International Development
2016-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Binks Building, University’s Parkgate Road Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
With the assistance of Chester MP Chris Matheson we have extended an invitation to Stephen Twigg (MP for Liverpool, West Derby) to give a talk on the wide-ranging work of the Commons Select Committee on International Development, of which he is Chair.
This meeting is jointly arranged with the University of Chester’s Department of Geography and International Development, and will be held in Binks Building, on the University’s Parkgate Road Campus.
The date is at a pivotal time, being the Friday before the return of MPs to Westminster following the recess for the annual party conferences.

Sun 25th Sept - "Songs of Praise"
2016-09-25 16:00 - 18:00 | St Thomas of Canterbury, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4AG
A “Songs of Praise” celebrating the work of Christian Aid, CAFOD & Tearfund
4:00pm, St Thomas’ Church, Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 4AG.
Homily by Canon Trevor Dennis, retired Vice-Dean, Chester Cathedral, Organist Matt Baker. Refreshments to follow.

Wed 21st Sept - The Forum meets Chris Matheson MP
2016-09-21 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
An excellent opportunity for Forum members to have a second session with local MP Chris Matheson, to hear news and exchange ideas on international development issues. Much has happened since our MP talked to the Forum in December 2015!
Please note: this event takes the place of our customary “2nd Tuesday” Forum meeting on this occasion.

Sat 17th Sept - "Refugees Welcome Here" London March
2016-09-17 12:30 - 17:00 | Park Lane to Parliament Square, London
This September, world leaders will meet to discuss the refugee crisis at two crucial summits. The Refugee Council is standing alongside the UK’s other leading refugee and human rights charities, as well as faith leaders, to call on the public to show their support for refugees.
Last year, we came together for the biggest ever UK demonstration for refugees. Now, more than ever, we need to come together to say that Refugees are Welcome Here. That we can and must do more. Please join us on September 17th, share this event widely, and bring your friends. Let’s make this HUGE!
www.facebook.com/Solidaritywithrefugees/

Sat 10th Sept - "Jump for Jamie" - Sponsored Abseil, Halkyn Church
2016-09-10 11:00 - 16:00 | Halkyn Church, Halkyn, CH8 8BU
A sponsored abseil to raise money for the charity Jamie’s Fund and their project to rebuild the Mental Health Unit in Kisiizi, Uganda (with which the Countess of Chester Hospital has links). Raise a minimum of £50 and come and abseil 60ft down the tower of Halkyn Church!

Sun 21st Aug - Picnic for Peace, Grosvenor Park
2016-08-21 12:00 - 15:00 | Activity Zone, Grosvenor Park, Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ
Picnic for Peace Chester, Sunday 21st of August
12 – 3 PM, Activity Hut, Grosvenor Park, Chester
WHAT TO BRING
Your Family; Food & Drink (enough to share, traditional recipes encouraged); Picnic Blankets, chairs & activities
Picnic for Peace Chester aims to celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism in our wonderful city.
The idea is simple – A giant family picnic where we can all share our cultures and our cuisines; forge new friendships; and enjoy an afternoon of fun and food together.
The original Picnic for Peace was held in Lewisham, London as a community response to the experienced recent rise in racism and xenophobia. And what a better way to respond, then with a celebration of peace!
http://chesterpicnicforpeace.co.uk/

Sat 6th Aug - Hiroshima & Nagasaki Flower Memorial
2016-08-06 20:00 - 21:00 | The Bandstand, The Groves, Chester
The annual Hiroshima and Nagasaki Flower Memorial will take place on Saturday 6th August, 8 pm, meeting at the bandstand on The Groves, Chester (beside the river).
To remember all those who died and suffered as a result of the atomic bombs dropped in 1945. There will be readings, silent reflection and dropping of flowers on the river. All are welcome – bring white flowers if you wish.
Contact 01244 679051.

5-8 Aug - BIG RIDE 2016 - for Palestine
2016-08-05 08:00 - 2016-08-08 17:00 | Staged route, Liverpool to Birmingham
The Big Ride is an initiative by supporters of the Palestinian people which combines a love of cycling with practical solidarity and awareness raising, especially around the plight of children in Gaza. This year a number of regional bike rides include a 4-stage route from Liverpool to Birmingham, with a focus on the arms trade. Further information at www.redspokes.co.uk/bigride or www.liverpoolfriendsofpalestine.co.uk or email chesterfriendsofpalestin@hotmail.com

Thurs 4th Aug - "Was it worth it?" Romy reflects . . .
2016-08-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Hoole URC, Hoole Road, Chester, CH2 3NT
Romy Tiongco reflects on his 9 years as Mayor of Damulog in the Philippines. Romy was one-time Regional Co-ordinator for Christian Aid in the NW, and an active supporter of CWDF. He is back in the UK for a few weeks, and this evening will give us the opportunity to hear of his inspirational work of reconciliation and development at local and wider levels in the Philippines. RomyPoster 4-8-16

Thurs 14th Jul - Chester Bee Summit
2016-07-14 12:30 - 16:00 | Mottershead Suite, Cedar House, Chester Zoo, Chester
Chester & District Friends of the Earth, working along with Chester Zoo’s Wildlife Connections programme, invites you to the Chester Bee Summit.
They are bringing together local organisations and people with an interest in bees and their conservation. This Summit is a unique opportunity for informal discussion of ongoing and planned bee / pollinator conservation activities in the region, both small and large scale. They’ll also discuss the potential for greater collaboration and action across the region.
Free event, but please use the Eventbrite link to register your interest: Bee Summit

Tues 12th July - CWDF Forum meeting, speaker from Action Aid
2016-07-12 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
Our regular bi-monthly meeting at The Unity Centre. For this meeting we welcome Natasha Adams, Tax Justice Campaign Manager for Action Aid, to provide an update on the tax justice campaign as well as other priority campaigns and topical issues – such as the impact of the EU Referendum vote.
Natasha has recently visited Malawi and has been working closely with the Action Aid office there on the Tax Justice campaign.

Sat 9th & Sun 10th Jul - Exhibition of Quaker Service
2016-07-09 - 2016-07-10 | Activity Zone, Grosvenor Park, Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ
This forthcoming weekend Chester Quakers are hosting a free exhibition showing the work Quaker Conscientious Objectors undertook during WWI and WWII. For religious, moral …. fraternal reasons some refused to carry arms but served in other ways. Stories we do not hear in the ‘mainstream’ will be told.
The Activity Zone, Grosvenor Park:

Saturday 9th July 10.30am – 6.30pm
Sunday 10th July 11.00am – 6.30pm

Fri 1st July - Friends of the Earth Quiz Night
2016-07-01 19:00 - 22:30 | The Custom House, Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LB
Friends of the Earth Quiz Night
7:00pm- Upstairs at the Custom House, Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LB.
Quiz and Raffle. Bring your friends. Tickets £3.00 on the night. chesterfoe@hotmail.co.uk

Fri 24th Jun - "Oh What Love" - orphan family choir from Uganda
2016-06-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Festival Church, Queen Street, Chester, CH1 3LG
As part of a national tour, this choir comes to Chester on Friday 24th June, with a concert at The Festival Church, Queen Street.
Free entry, but phone 01244 321193 to book your place.

Sun 12th Jun - Wirral Coastal Walk
2016-06-12 | Start at Seacombe Ferry, coastal walk to Thurstaston Country Park
Wirral Coastal Walk
Come and enjoy the sun (hopefully) and the beautiful views whilst walking from Seacombe Ferry to Thurstaston Country Park Visitor Centre and raise funds, at the same time, for CAFOD’s Syria Crisis appeal. Sunday June 12th. For more information contact 0151 632 5504/ 0151 647 9124.
Forum member Sue Bownas will be walking – please contact her on 01244 679270 if you would like to sponsor her.
This CAFOD venture is associated with the long-established annual Wirral Coastal Walk, arranged by the North Wirral Rotary Club. Further information can be found at www.wirralcoastalwalk.org

Thurs 26th May - Should the UK leave the European Union?
2016-05-26 19:00 - 21:30 | Binks Building, University’s Parkgate Road Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
On Thursday 23rd June, voters in the UK will be asked to decide whether to remain a member of the EU or leave.
As this is such an important vote, the University of Chester, in association with Chester Debating Society, will be holding an open to the public debate to try and inform as many people as possible.
Speaking in favour of remaining in the EU, is former Liberal Democrat MEP, Chris Davies.
Arguing for Britain to leave the EU is UKIPs Steven Woolfe, current MEP for the North West.
This debate is open to all students and members of the public. So if you’re still undecided, or want to come and put your opinions across, then come along and take part in this momentous debate!

Wed 25th May - "Palestine - a people betrayed" Chester Friends of Palestine meeting
2016-05-25 19:15 - 21:00 | Room 204, Riverside Building, University of Chester, Castle Drive, Chester, CH1 1SL
The Meeting will be on Wednesday 25th May in the University Riverside Building in Castle Drive at 7.15 pm (post code CH1 1SL). Kathy Brooks from Manchester PSC, Northern Women for Palestine and Saddleworth Women’s Scholarship Fund is coming to give a talk; ‘Palestine-a people betrayed’.

Kathy has sent a brief summary of her talk;
‘From the birth of political Zionism in the late 19th Century to the current time, successive world powers have betrayed the Palestinian people. Examining the events of the first half of the last century Kathy will detail how decisions taken by Britain, the USA and the UN (heavily influenced by the Zionist lobby) led to the creation of the state of Israel, the dispossession of the Palestinian people, and the ongoing Nakba (catastrophe).’
Kathy will also be showing a short film and there will be time for discussion.
Hope you will be able to come.
Katy Rowe
Secretary

Mon 23rd May - Open Mic event, West Cheshire Interfaith Forum
2016-05-23 18:15 | Quaker Meeting House Chester, Union Walk, Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3LF
We would like to invite you to our first ever OPEN MIC.
Listen Learn Enjoy
The aim of the evening is to present brief information on the viewpoint held by different faiths and non faith regarding various key themes and topics. The theme of the night will be: GOD?
Light refreshments included.

Please register your interest at : westcheshireinterfaith@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing you there.

Sun 22nd May - "Garden Lane Big Brekkie"
2016-05-22 09:00 - 10:00 | Garden Lane Uniting Church, 66 Garden Lane, Chester, CH1 4EW
Building on the example set by Holy Trinity Church Blacon on 14th May, Garden Lane Uniting Church are arranging this “Big Brekkie”, raising money in support of the work of Christian Aid. (N.B. visitors very welcome, but an advance call to Pat and Peter Linsey would be very helpful for catering purposes: 01244 320562.)

15 - 21 May - Christian Aid Week
2016-05-15 - 2016-05-21 | Various venues
This year’s Christian Aid Week has the theme ‘Love Every Neighbour’. It features Morsheda who, with the help of a grant from Christian Aid, was able to transform her fortunes in flood-hit Bangladesh.
In addition to street collections, local events include “Big Brekkies” – reflecting that the gospel is full of stories about people coming together to share food – an experience that connects us, breaks down barriers, and builds relationships.

Sat 14th May - "Blacon Big Brekkie"
2016-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Holy Trinity Church Hall, Norris Road, Blacon, Chester, CH1 5DZ
Foreshadowing Christian Aid Week by just one day, Holy Trinity Church are arranging this “Big Brekkie”, raising money in support of the work of Christian Aid – with a really tasty, sociable event!

Tues 10th May - CWDF Forum AGM
2016-05-10 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
As well as the “business part” of our AGM, in which we review our year and vote in our officers for the next year, we’ll have a talk by new Forum member Jim Holmes. Jim is a freelance documentary photographer and he’ll be giving us insights into a number of his missions overseas.

Sat 23rd Apr - "Sing for Syria"
2016-04-23 20:00 - 22:30 | St Columba’s Hall, Newhall Road, Chester CH2 1SA
Soundwall are back in concert to raise much needed funds for the work of MSF in Syria Doctors without Borders (Médecins sans Frontieres). Please, please support this concert. Syria is on its knees and we can help the afflicted there. Helpers to serve teas and coffees are needed.
Through their live performances across the North West, Soundwall, founded in 2011 by St Columba’s parishioner Catherine Harrison, has raised over £12k for charities.

Sat-Sun 12-13th Mar - "Fairtrade Fundays", Grosvenor Park Chester
2016-03-12 - 2016-03-13 | Activity Zone, Grosvenor Park, Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ
Heather Swainston, Director of CDEC has plans for activities with young people at the newly-developed Activity Zone in Grosvenor Park. More information 01244 347880 or www.cheshiredec.org Activities will run from 11.00am until 4.00pm each day.
N.B. Heather will be looking out for volunteer helpers for both of these days.
