What better way to celebrate Halloween than to enjoy a sustaining weekend in the South Downs. Ted Vidler, Ian Williams are organising a weekend at The Sustainability Centre near Petersfield, in Hampshire. Squirrel away some enjoyable memories of autumn leaves in the Centre's 60 acres of woodlands. You'd be nuts not to join us to learn a few tips on saving those winter fuel bills (not to mention the planet). You can even find your woodland burial spot here.Ramble in the beautiful surrounding countryside, including the nearby South Downs Way. Meanwhile, you can help us try out this venue which is new to ECC. Camping and Croquet are both possible here.

The Wetherdown Hostel

www.earthworks-trust.com/html/wetherdown_hostel.html

is part of The Sustainability Centre. Built on a former country estate there are some beautiful trees in the grounds. Nearby views extend to the Solent, and there are excellent walks in all directions. The eco-friendly accommodation is basic but meets our needs, offers very good value for money and two to a room. It is also suitable for people with most disabilities. On the downside, the buildings offer all the architectural delight that one might expect from a building formerly part of HMS Mercury, an RAF signals station and training school.

The breakeven cost for the week is £86. We propose to offer three-tier payment scale - £66, £86 and £106.

This includes meals (self-catered - help with cooking appreciated) from Friday night until Sunday tea time.The weekend will include a few walks on the Downs, some workshops, an opportunity to learn more about making your own life more sustainable with some experts from the centre, some good food, good company, and of course, if Ted has anything to do with it, croquet.

NB: This event has now taken place but there may be places left on the remaining events this year. Our programme for 2009 will be published around January / February and advance notice with brief details and dates will usually be in the December issue of our journal 'Rainbow' which you can get by joining our mailing list.