This free workshop will give you an introduction t o permaculture principles and 'urban edible garden ing'. Come along and make a design for your own ed ible space – be it window box, back yard, gard en or guerilla gardening plot. Children accompanie d by parents welcome. To book visit www.merci.even tbrite.com or call 0161 273 1736.

This worksh op is run by Jennifer Lauruol of Carpe Diem Garden Design for MERCi's Eco Hub project.  For more in fo on Jennifer's work see: www.carpe-diem-gardens. co.uk; for more info on MERCi visit www.merci.org .uk

Finances for Food Co-ops: Basic bookkeeping & financial management workshop Wednesday 15th Feb ruary, 10.00 - 3.30, Manchester @ Back on Track , 4th Floor, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan St, Manche ster, M4 5JW THIS TRAINING IS NOW OPEN TO ALL NOT -FOR-PROFIT COMMUNITY FOOD PROJECTS This workshop is aimed at staff & volunteers looking after the finances of small-scale, not-for-profit commu nity food enterprises - anything from food co-ops and buying groups to community growing projects, allotments, veg vans, landshare projects and com munity cafes. It is aimed at those with zero to ba sic experience in bookkeeping. In one day, we'll cover all the things you need to know to keep clea r, accurate and transparent records of your finan cial activity, helping you keep track of your mon ey and feel confident you're meeting your responsi bilities. Learn how to

Use excel spreadsheets to do your bookkeeping, with working examples to take awayReconcile your bank accountsKeep clear f inancial recordsPut in place controls to avoid ris k of fraud or mis-managementBudget and cash flow, with practical examples

Get informed on

Risks and considerations for your projectTa xation issues

And enjoy a free, tasty lunch from 8th Day Co-operative and a chat with some fel low food projects. The workshop is being led by Pa ul Cowham, an accountant with many years experien ce at a Manchester firm of accountants specialisin g in work with charities and community groups.Read more

By getting together and ordering with colleagues y ou can get really competitive prices from local bu sinesses, enabling you to source affordable, hea lthy and ethical products direct to your workplace . From fresh veg to organic meat, dried foods and household items, prices can be competitive with the supermarkets and by going straight to supplier s in your region you're also helping keep money in the local economy.

It's easy, want to know how to do it?

Come join us, have a free tast y lunch and we & some local suppliers will ex plain how it can work.

Where: Scott Bader Roo m, Holyoake House, Hanover Street, Central Manc hester (just round the corner from Urbis). M60 0AS .

Who are we? Feeding Manchester is a not-for -profit network of groups, charities and business es working for healthy, sustainable food in the c ity. We're bringing suppliers from Manchester and the North of England together with people who can give advice on setting up a simple buying group. W e hope this will help you make it happen in your w orkplace!

Who's this for? Whether you're resp onsible for corporate social responsibility in you r firm, or just love good food, this event is fo r anyone who wants to access great groceries from sustainable local businesses, without the hassle of shopping around for it. We're helping you bring the suppliers to the office, saving you time, c utting food miles and encouraging healthy eating. n

Using storecupboard essentials (nuts, seeds &amp ; dried fruits) Erika will show you a variety of q uick and healthy sweet snacks for the kids.

Using storecupboard essentials (nuts, seeds &amp ; dried fruits) Erika will show you a variety of q uick and healthy sweet snacks for the kids.

Bury-Manchester-Ashton-Stockport

9.00am