Liverpool Fabians launch

I am looking forward to speaking tonight at the first meeting of a new Liverpool Fabians group.

The event takes place at 7pm in the St Mary's Millennium Centre in West Derby Village.

I am leading a discussion about how to reduce inequality.

For more information about the new group, contact Stephen Twigg on stephen@twigg4westderby

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I will be back in the north-west for a one-day conference The Choice for 2010 on Saturday 13th March in Manchester, being hosted by the Greater Manchester Fabian Society.

More details of the event - where speakers include Andy Burnham and James Purnell - are available on the Greater Manchester Fabians blog.

To book your place email Graham_Whitham@hotmail.co.uk. The event will cost £5 to attend to cover room and other costs.

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Our 65 local societies do a great job at hosting political discussions around the UK - holding hundreds of events across the year. I spoke at a very enjoyable event last week in Southampton where I gave a lecture to celebrate the retirement of Frank Billett who had been secretary of the local group for more than 40 years. I will post the speech on the website and blog shortly.

Here are some more of this month's local Fabian events.

Birmingham Fabian Society

Friday 5 February 2010 7.00pm-9.00pm

Seema Malhotra

Winning for Women - Winning the Women's Vote in the General Election.

Birmingham and Midland Institute, Margaret Street, B3 3BS

For more information contact Andrew Coulson on 0121 414 4966 or a.c.coulson@bham.ac.uk

or Rosa Birch on birchr@parliament.uk

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Reading and District Fabian Society

10th February 7.30pm

Dr. Terry Davies of The Met Office

“Paying to Change the Planet”

How can we influence climate change?
Must we expand nuclear power?
What is the real cost of renewable energy?
Is publicity to try to reduce world population the best way forward?

RISC - 35-39 London Street, Reading, UK, RG1 4PS

More information from Tony Skuse, tonyskuse2000@yahoo.co.uk

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Newham Fabian Society

Friday 12th February at 7pm

Richard Wilkinson is coming to Wanstead Library to promote his book, The Spirit Level. Wilkinson explores how economic inequality in developed societies affects social cohesion, health, crime, education levels, etc. It is highly influential and easy to read. It is a good weapon for those fighting for a more equal society.

The event will be chaired by a fellow Newham Fabian, Kevin Mansell. Tickets are £5 but Newham Fabians can get them for a reduced rate of £3

Please call Vivian at the bookshop to get your ticket on

020 8552 9993

Southampton Area Fabian Society

Tuesday 16th February at 7.30 pm

How Democratic are Foundation Trusts? Mutuals in Public Services

Andrew Pope, Secretary Southampton Fabian Society & Trade Union Liaison Officer Southampton Labour Party

For details please contact Andrew Pope c/o info@fabians.org.uk

Bournemouth Fabian Society

Friday 26th February at 7.30pm

Professor Alan Whitehead MP

“Housebuilding – More or better?”

Venue: The Friends Meeting House, Wharncliffe Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth

Details from Ian Taylor, taylori@bpc.ac.uk