Chester World Development Forum

Sat 18th Nov - "United Against Fracking"
2017-11-18 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Civic Square, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BG
A public gathering to learn more about opposing fracking in the local area. Enjoy live music and stalls. Hear from key speakers including local MPs Justin Madders, Chris Matheson and Mike Amesbury, and Rebecca Long-Bailey MP Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Wed 15th Nov - Interfaith Forum Open Mic evening
2017-11-15 17:45 - 19:45 | Cheshire West & Cheshire Council, HQ Building, 58 Nicholas Street, Chester, CH1 2NP
You are invited to this Interfaith Week Celebration, an Open Mic evening on the theme
“Love Thy … Self?
How would the world look if we were more compassionate towards ourselves?
Please email westcheshireinterfaith@gmail.com if you would like to attend. (Please email by 7th November if you would like to speak for up to 10 minutes on this subject and share your point of view, religious or not.)

Tues 14th Nov - CWDF Forum
2017-11-14 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
Our regular bi-monthly meeting at The Unity Centre. Speaker Colin Watson, with clear and well-informed thoughts on the topic of shale gas: “Fracking, not here – not anywhere!” 01244 350323

Thurs 9th Nov - "The Bible in a Day"
2017-11-09 08:00 - 20:30 | The Refectory, Chester Cathedral, Chester, CH1 2HU
This is a fund-raising activity for Christian Aid, with local schools and churches signed up to provide readers who between them will read through the entire “Book of Books”, the version of the bible for young people written a few years ago by Trevor Dennis, then Vice dean of Chester Cathedral and now Chair of the Chester Christian Aid Committee. Each organisation has agreed to raise at least £100 for Christian Aid. Visitors are very welcome to come along at any time during the day to hear some of the readings – and donations to Christian Aid’s work will be gratefully received. 01244 638441.

Sat 4th Nov - National Demonstration "Make it Right for Palestine"
2017-11-04 | Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6LF
Assemble at 12 noon, Grosvenor Square, W1K 6LF.
For the past 100 years Palestinian rights have been disregarded. At the centenary of the Balfour Declaration – 2nd November – which built the path for their dispossession, we are demanding justice and equal rights for Palestinians now. Join the national demonstration to call on the government to make it right for Palestine. www.palestinecampaign.org
If you are planning to go to London for this important event please could you let Katy Rowe know as it would be good for the Chester Friends of Palestine group to march together with their banner: chesterfriendsofpalestine@hotmail.com
Liverpool Friends of Palestine have organised a coach which is leaving from Hardman Street in Liverpool at 7am on 4th November and returning from London at 5pm. If still available, places can be booked by calling 0151 708 7270, cost £25 (waged) £10 (unwaged).

Fri 3rd Nov - Global Justice Now: annual members' gathering
2017-11-03 18:30 - 21:00 | Casa Bar, The Initiative Factory, 29 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BQ
An opportunity for members and supporters of Global Justice Now to meet up for campaign updates and to meet other members and staff, including head of policy Dorothy Guerrero. RSVP to 020 7820 4900.

Sat 28th Oct - Silent Vigil: Stop Weapons Sales to Saudi
2017-10-28 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom
Chester CND will be holding a ‘Stop Weapons Sales to Saudi – Silent Vigil’ on Saturday 28th October, 12.30 until 1.30 pm, The Cross, Chester. You would be welcome to join them for the whole hour or part of. Black dress invited. More info from chestercnd@gmail.com

22-29 Oct - One World Week: "Good Neighbours, My World Depends on Us"
2017-10-22 - 2017-10-29 | Various venues
Resources relating to the theme for this year’s Annual OWW are downloadable from www.oneworldweek.org/theme

Sat 21st Oct - Britain and Palestine 1917-2017, 100 years of broken promises
2017-10-21 10:00 - 16:15 | Quaker Meeting House, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BT

Fri 20th Oct - The Balfour Project
2017-10-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Binks Building, University’s Parkgate Road Campus, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
A special meeting to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. The Balfour Declaration was the British Government statement of support for the Zionist movement and paved the way for the formation of the state of Israel – and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
We will be showing a short film produced by the Balfour Project which gives background information. Then David Cronin, a journalist and author who has researched the history of Palestine will speak to us. David has recently published a book, ‘Balfour’s Shadow’ on this topic. We are fortunate to have David in Chester and we are hoping for a good turn, out so please come and bring a friend!
7.30pm – 9.30pm, Room 011, Binks Building, University of Chester Parkgate Road Campus, CH1 4BJ
Katy Rowe, chesterfriendsofpalestine@hotmail.com

Fri 20th Oct - Film Night "The Bentley Effect"
2017-10-20 19:15 - 21:00 | St Columba’s Hall, Newhall Road, Chester CH2 1SA
FILM NIGHT:
On Friday 20th October at St Columba’s Church Hall there will be a screening of The Bentley Effect. A short film about how a group of local people came together to defeat the State and the Gas Industry in Australia. The film is humorous and heartwarming. 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Admission free.

Fri 13th Oct - Upton Churches Together Quiz Evening
2017-10-13 07:30 - 21:30 | St Columba’s Hall, Newhall Road, Chester CH2 1SA
An annual event – a social evening with all proceeds going to CAFOD and Christian Aid. Admission £1 per head on the door. Come as a team of six, or join up with a team on the night. Light refreshments, teas coffee,, but bring your own wine and glasses. 01244 350323.

Tues 10th Oct - Entrepreneurship and the Thunder Dragon
2017-10-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Best Building, University of Chester, Exton Park Campus, off Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
Challenges of doing business in Bhutan
A lecture by William Tacon about his work with the Loden Foundation – an organisation which promotes development through education, learning and entrepreneurship in Bhutan. William is a mentor and monitor who supports employment opportunities through the creation of new ethical and sustainable businesses.. Event arranged by the Geography & International Development Department in association with CWDF.

Fri 6th Oct - "International Trade for the Common Good?"
2017-10-06 19:30 - 21:30 | St Andrew’s Parish Hall, Graham Road, West Kirby, CH48 5DF
Dorothy Guerrero, Head of Policy at Global Justice Now, will give this talk, arranged by the Wirral Trade Justice Group. The evening starts with a very brief AGM to which all are invited. There will also be light refreshments and a stall of fairly traded products. Further information jill.loach@btinternet.com

Tues 3rd Oct - POSTPONED! [CWDF Forum meets Chris Matheson MP]
2017-10-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Best Building, University of Chester, Exton Park Campus, off Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ
PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION HAS BEEN POSTPONED – MP HAS TO BE IN LONDON THAT DAY – A NEW DATE WILL BE ARRANGED AND NOTIFIED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
This will be an informal meeting with Chris Matheson, the re-elected Chester MP, 4 months after the 2017 General Election. This will be held during the parliamentary recess, and be a good opportunity for a Q&A session on a range of development issues in these very unpredictable times. Being arranged in association with the University’s International Development Society.

Sat 30th Sept - "Stop Arming Saudi - Silent Vigil"
2017-09-30 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom
Chester CND will be holding this Silent Vigil on Saturday 30th September, 12.30 until 1.30 pm, The Cross, Chester. You would be welcome to join them for the whole hour or part of. Black dress invited. More info from chestercnd@gmail.com

Sun 24th Sept - Climate Change – Challenges & Opportunities - a Chester response
2017-09-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 6LF
The Chester Cathedral Public Workshop series, initiated by Claire Henderson-Davis, and offered in partnership with Chester Voluntary Action, is a space where we can practice community building and explore together the nature of human flourishing. Everyone is welcome – of any faith or none.
Climate change presents us with perhaps the greatest challenge of our current era. The choices we make now will decide whether or not we survive as a species.
This workshop takes a local look at responses to climate change, with representatives from Friends of the Earth, Transition Chester, Chester Community Energy and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, as well as Steve Jones, Permaculture Designer & Teacher who is leading a Permaculture Design Course at Chester Cathedral starting in October.
https://chestercathedral.com/event/public-workshop-climate-change-challenges-opportunities
01244 324756

Sun 17th Sept - "Songs of Praise"
2017-09-17 16:00 - 18:00 | St Thomas of Canterbury, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4AG
This “Songs of Praise” service is being held in support of Christian Aid. Organists Ian Thomas and Matt Baker with the choirs of St Thomas and Holy Trinity Blacon. Homily Canon Dr Trevor Dennis. Refreshments to follow, gifts of cakes welcome. Contact 01244 375606.

Tues 12th Sept - CWDF Forum - Starting Our 25th Year!
2017-09-12 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
The Forum’s first meeting of the autumn – and which will mark the start of our 25th Year of campaigning, information sharing and awareness-raising! Come along, re-visit some of the highlights of those 25 years, contribute your own ideas about projects for the forthcoming year – and help us get the year off to a healthy start!

Mon 11th Sept - An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
2017-09-11 20:15 - 22:15 | Garret Theatre, Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
A decade after An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore returns with this sequel looking at the state of the world in the run up to the Paris Climate Change Accord. Incorporating footage of both Obama and Trump, this powerful follow-up is a significant reminder of how we all have a part to play in preventing global warming.
Tickets £9.50, £7 under 26

Sun 10th Sept - An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power
2017-09-10 15:30 - 17:30 | Garret Theatre, Storyhouse, Hunter Street, Chester, CH1 2AR
A decade after An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore returns with this sequel looking at the state of the world in the run up to the Paris Climate Change Accord. Incorporating footage of both Obama and Trump, this powerful follow-up is a significant reminder of how we all have a part to play in preventing global warming.
Tickets £8.50, £6 under 26

Sat 2nd Sept - Fairtrade Wine Tasting
2017-09-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Hoole Community Centre, Westminster Road, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3AP
At Hoole Community Centre. Further details to be confirmed. (May be 9th Sept instead). Arranged by Fairtrade Steering Group, with the evening being led by the Co-op.

Sat 26th Aug - "Stop Arming Saudi Arabia" Silent vigil
2017-08-26 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom
The vigil events take place at The Cross in Chester on the last Saturday of the month. They are organised by Chester CND. All are welcome.
Further information 07856 749264 chestercnd@gmail.com

Sun 6th Aug - Hiroshima & Nagasaki Flower Memorial
2017-08-06 20:00 - 21:00 | The Bandstand, The Groves, Chester
To remember all those who died and suffered as a result of the atomic bombs dropped in 1945, and in the firm belief that it must never happen again.
All are welcome to meet at the Bandstand on The Groves for readings, a period of silent reflection and the dropping of flowers on the river. Bring white flowers if you wish.
Organised by Chester CND.

Sat 29th July - “Stop Arming Saudi Arabia” – silent vigil
2017-07-29 12:30 - 13:30 | The Cross, Chester, United Kingdom

Thurs 27th Jul - The Philippines: update on the work of MuCAARD
2017-07-27 19:30 - 21:00 | Hoole URC, Hoole Road, Chester, CH2 3NT
Romy and Linda Tiongco will have much to share with us about the work of MuCAARD in the Philippines, especially at this time of turmoil caused by armed conflict in the Marawi area of Mindanao in the Philippines. MuCAARD-Inc is currently, with other NGOs, in the centre of the relief work being done in the affected areas.
MuCAARD = Muslim Christian Action for Advocacy Relief & Development, “Growing Sustainable Communities“. Romy Tiongco, former Mayor of Damulog, Mindanao, has over many years been tireless in fostering the ideals and practical work of MuCAARD.

Wed 19th July - EID Celebration Get Together
2017-07-19 18:00 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
CAMCC (Chester Asian & Minority Communities Council) is looking forward to welcoming you at our open EID Celebration Get Together. All, plus family and friends, are welcome – do join us if you can [with or without a dish to share!] See the attached poster.
Best Wishes, Elizabeth pp CAMCC
CHAWREC, 01244 400730, www.chawrec.org.uk

Tues 11th Jul - CWDF Forum
2017-07-11 18:45 - 21:00 | The Unity Centre, Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN
The Forum’s final meeting before the summer break.
We’ll have an intriguingly-titled talk “Three Jumbos Crash in a Day”: retired hospital consultant John Williams will be recounting some of his post-retirement activities overseas.

Fri 7th July - Talk "Proving Torture"
2017-07-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Quaker Meeting House Chester, Union Walk, Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3LF
Organised by Quaker Concern for the Abolition of Torture, this talk will be given by Dr Bernie Gregory, a GP who also works for Freedom from Torture – in that role she assesses survivors of torture who have made it to the UK and prepares medico-legal reports to support their asylum applications. Free admission – retiring collection.
See http://qcat.org.uk

Sun 2nd July - "Welcome Refugees with Open Arms"
2017-07-02 12:00 - 17:00 | Chester Town Hall Square, Northgate Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Two Events on Sunday 2 July 2017:
Welcome Refugees with Open Arms – Chester Town Hall Square – 12.00 to 14.00
Amnesty International is holding an event to encourage support and understanding of the refugee situation. This is a particularly timely event as Chester is currently welcoming several refugee families to the area. Come and lend your support, visit our stall and have your photo taken with the giant yellow welcome arms!

The I Welcome Photo Exhibition, St. Anselms Chapel (access off Abbey Square), Chester Cathedral – from 12.30pm
A Magnum Photos exhibition in association with Amnesty International. The 30 evocative panels in the I Welcome exhibition tell a big story – ‘the global refugee crisis’. These few words encompass millions and millions of human lives. People of all ages, faiths and walks of life. Mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, friends.
The photos can also be viewed online at www.flickr.com/photos/amnestyuk/sets/72157675943911610
