The next C.A.T. event will be held in the café on Thursday 23rd March 7 pm - 9 pm. We're expecting a visit from The Adivasi Tea people from the Nilgiri Hills in South India.
They are involved in a scheme called Just Change UK, which is a new trading system that directly links communities and enables them to trade between themselves for their mutual benefit. They will be talking about their experiences as a tribe who benefit from the Just Change Network, with some traditional singing and the chance to take a peek at their authentic instruments and handicrafts. Eighth Day is offering a free tea tasting session on the night and an opportunity to purchase the product. The tea is available to buy from the shop, £1.89 for 80 bags. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

On Monday 27th February internationally acclaimed Textile Artist Lynn Setterington held her final workshop in the café as part of her "Stitching Up Oxford Road" project. Other venues included The Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Museum. These activities, involving members of the public and the business community, were designed to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Oxford Road whilst helping Manchester to become a greener city. Lynn states, " I read somewhere that every person in the country uses an average of 134 plastic bags every year. The idea of stitching up Oxford Road is to make something positive out of carrier bags." Lynn's final piece will be shown at MMU's All saints campus from May 2006 before touring--appearing in selected venues up and down Oxford Road until the end of the year.     

Volunteers making 'Devon Puffs', small, flower like rosettes which collectively will make Lynn's final piece.