IN fewer than three weeks from launching, Bude Friends of the Earth are hosting their first public event.

They will be screening the award-winning docu-drama film 'The Age of Stupid,' starrring Pete Postlethwaite, with the kind help of Bude Community Cinema. 

It will be shown on Saturday, July 4, 7.30 p.m. at the Parkhouse Centre, Bude.

Mary Whibley, the group's co-ordinator said: "This is an inspirational film — everyone should see it. It has been shown to full houses so pre-book to avoid disappointment. I have invited Dan Rogerson, local MP to come along. I have also written to the Mayor and Bude town councillors urging them to attend.

"Our group has really hit the ground running. We've decided the ways in which we want to take action and have identified our various skills. We have already started work on Friends of the Earth's national campaign 'Fix the Food Chain.'

"The global meat and dairy industry is out of control. Intensively farmed animals producing meat and dairy in Europe are reared on feed containing soya imported from South America."

"The United Nations Food and Agriculture organisation found this chain — forests destroyed, soya plant/factory farms in Europe causes more CO2 emissions than all the cars, lorries, planes on the planet. Andrew George, a Cornish MP, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) 845.

"We will be lobbying MPs to sign the EDM entitled 'Deforestation, Climate Change and Livestock.'

"Friends of the Earth is about raising awareness and suggesting solutions. We will be deciding on local issues at our next meeting  July 1, 7.30 p.m. at The Tree Inn, Stratton. New members always welcome. For further information ring Mary Whibley  01288 331424."