Global Groove

We'd like to say a big thankyou to everyone who came along to Global Groove and made it such a great night! For those of you who weren't there, Global Groove was a spectacular night of world and electronic music, held on 18th September, 2004. The night was a sell out (400 people) - so apologies to those of you who couldn't get in. Diwan were on better form than ever and Magic 22, Camel Army and DJ Grant MacLeod all helped to keep you entertained. The samba dancers were brilliant, there was plenty of fruit to go round and it was great to see lot's of ball fondling (You had to be there :) )

We managed to raise £2,468 pounds for Sustrans which is brilliant - thanks! To find out a little about what this money will achieve and for some thoughts about how we can make the world a better place, please take at look a the causes section below. You can also listen to some of the music you heard.

Photos

Click on the images to enlarge them.
Photos: Paul Krogh.

Causes

Road Safety

Earlier this year my father, David, was hit by a car whilst cycling. He died a short time later. For legal reasons, I have to be careful about what I say, until after the trial of the driver involved. Many people on hearing of my father's death, said that they would no longer cycle since Britain's roads are too dangerous. I do not believe that this is the answer, and that the solution is to make the roads safer for cyclists. My father spent most of his life campaigning on environmental issues, and one of the issues he was very concerned with was decreasing car use, due to its negative impacts on the environment and society. Indeed, David did not own a car, and instead used public transport and cycled. For the sake of the environment, society, and the lives of other people like my father, the roads must become safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

I wrote a letter to my MP in which I've highlighted some facts about how and why I believe the law in Britain should be changed to make the roads safer for cyclists. I would be very grateful if you'd read it. The main point I'd like to make, is that driving fast, and in particular, breaking the speed limit dramatically increases the risk of death. Official figures show that at 40 mph a pedestrian hit by a car has only a 15% chance of surviving, at 30 mph 55%, but at 20 mph survival chances are 95%. If you agree with any of the points I made in the letter, it would be brilliant if you'd raise the issues with your MP. (You can find contact details including email address for your MP here. You can contact me at ben_j_gillett@yahoo.co.uk)

Sustrans

Sustrans - the sustainable transport charity - works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce motor traffic and its adverse effects. Sustrans believes that by working together, we can make life better. Changing the way we travel now by increasing the amount people walk and cycle will improve our lives in the future. Clearer roads, cleaner air and a healthier environment, improved personal wellbeing and better quality of life – they're all achievable. Sustrans runs a number of key projects which have real local impact - imaginative yet practical solutions to transport, environmental and health challenges.

http://www.sustrans.org.uk

Music

Diwan
Watch out for Diwan playing around Edinburgh. You might be able to catch them at Departure Lounge - a great club!

Camel Army
You can listen to a couple of MP3s right here:
Who's that Girl?
For My Father
or visit
http://www.camelarmy.co.uk for more info.

Links

Sustrans - http://www.sustrans.org.uk
Camel Army - http://www.camelarmy.co.uk
Departure Lounge - http://www.departurelounge.me.uk/
Camel Audio AU/VST Plugins - http://www.camelaudio.com
The Caves - http://www.the-caves.co.uk/

Massive thanks to everyone who helped out including - Rick, the incredible Diwan, Cammy, Grant, Cat, Genevieve, Tom, Will, Shazzy B, the wonderful dancers, Jonni, Joe, Paul K, all the Sustrans people, the lovely people at the Caves, and everyone else who I've forgotten to mention. Big thanks and love to you all :-)