1.Meeting about possible Olympic bid for Hackney - Wed 29 Jan

Several groups are getting together over concerns that an Olympic bid would have serious consequences for the environment in Hackney.
Government is expected to say yes or no to going ahead with the bid very soon. Meeting at 7.30pm at Hornbeam Centre, Hoe St, London E17. Short walk from Bakers Arms accessible from Hackney on 55, 48 and 56 buses. For more information contact Anne Woollett from the Hackney Environment Forum  a.woollett@btinternet.com

There is also a threat to the marshes from a proposed 5-a-side development which the Hackney Cabinet are discussing shortly.

2.
LOCAL ANTI-WAR ACTIVITIES

LONDON FIELDS AGAINST THE WAR has organised a PEACE PARTY,
Saturday 1 February, 5pm onwards. St Michael's Church Hall, Lavender Grove E8 (corner with Lansdowne Drive). Featuring: music, food & drink (bring your own!), banner-making, children's dance activities, face-painting and more. For info contact Des on 020 7249 5452

A launch meeting for LOWER CLAPTON Stop the War Group will take place on Wednesday 29 Jan. For more details contact Mike on 020 8525 1757.

CYCLE PROTESTS ON 31 JAN & 8 FEB
There are plans to hold a mass cycling protest against war on a tour around Hackney on Saturday 8 February. Details still to be decided but you can contact Ben on 07790 035313 if you're interested. We will need: a) lots of people with bikes; b) people with sound systems that can go on a bike; c) flags, placards etc. to attach to bikes advertising the demo.

There is also an anti-war cycle ride on Friday 31st Jan, staring at Russell Square at 4 p.m. "Indifference Kills! Be a Weapon of Mass-awakening! Bring alarm clocks and your bikes! " - For info contact  wakeup@bikerider.com.

"NO WAR FOR OIL" PROTEST ON 4 FEB
Tuesday 4 February will see hundreds (perhaps thousands) of protests outside petrol stations in a number of countries (see www.risingtide.org). We plan to stage a protest outside the BP garage on Stoke Newington Road (corner of Foulden Road?) at 8:30 a.m. on 4 Feb. One aim is to get good pictures which may get in the local paper. Contact Kathy on 020 7249 0938 or Marion on 020 8800
8129.

For more on the campaign, see:
 http://www.targetoil.com/
 http://www.risingtide.org.uk/

HACKNEY STOP THE WAR COALITION meets every Monday at 7.30 pm in Bodrum café bar (61 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8EL). Contact Alex on 020 7503 3442 for info, or e-mail  hstwc@hotmail.com. This group spans the whole borough. More local groups are listed below:

NORTH HACKNEY Stop the War: contact Doug on 07949 714965 LONDON FIELDS Against the War: contact Des on 020 7249 5452 LOWER CLAPTON Stop the War: contact Mike on 020 8525 1757 HOMERTON Stop the War: contact Matthew on 07813 774587 BLACKSTOCK ROAD/Green Lanes area, contact Maxi or Stormy on 07986 875329 DALSTON Stop the War group meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm at Centerprise, 136 Kingsland High St, E8. For info email  sjones@tinyworld.co.uk or call Sue on 07961
102413.

To join the Hackney Stop the War email list send an email to  hackneystopwar-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

* * * * * * * *
DON'T ATTACK IRAQ! - NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION
Saturday 15 February 2 assembly points - Gower Street and Embankment, 12 noon.
To march to Hyde Park More info: www.stopwar.org.uk

MASS SIT-DOWN after the big national march and rally.
Gather 5pm on 15 Feb, Green Park, near Green Park tube. Heading for Eros, Piccadilly Circus. Called by ARROW, National CND & others. Check www.j-n-v.org for details
Email:  pledgetoresist@onetel.net.uk