South East England

Local Contacts for The Vegetarian Society

The Vegetarian Society has a two-tier system of local representatives: Affiliated Groups and Information Centres. Information Centres marked with a * are trying to grow into groups, and those marked ** are actually small groups, so please contact them if you are interested in joining. Business Display Info Centres have our literature and information available for their customers and visitors but do not usually put on events
Please remember that all groups and information centres are run by volunteers and are entirely self-funded.

The VegParentsSE e-group is run by Lesley Dove of our Twickenham & Surrey Vegetarian & Vegan Group but covers the South-east generally.

Vegetarians and vegans living in the South East of England are welcome to join Vegans Worldwide (e-group and some meetings in Bournemouth)

Thames Valley Vegans and Vegetarians (Affiliated Group)
Sophie or Stephen Fenwick-Paul. Tel: 0118 9464858
web: www.t3v.veggroup.org

•We organise social events, talks & displays. We run the One Voice for Veggies stand at the Womad Festival, for which volunteers with their own tickets (discounted for locals) are welcome. We support and inform budding and long standing vegetarians and vegans, their friends and families. We don't have official membership, simply book with us and turn up! We encourage caterers to serve veggies well and review local outlets which cater well for veggies and vegans. We are happy to help out the local media with information, interviews and articles. Find out more from our website. We link with Reading Veggies and occassionally do joint events with Oxford Vegetarians, and would be happy to hear from any other neighbouring groups.
We can provide speakers for talks about vegetarianism.
Events:
Future plans: go-karting evening, walk & special meal, lots more food events, NVW free food fair and photography competition.
More details on our website. We would be happy to hear from other local vegetarian families who might like to get together.

Chiltern Veggies (Affiliated Group)
Amanda Bradbury: email chilternveggies@yahoo.co.uk
Phone calls to Tony on 01753 893069.
website:www.ivu.org/chilternveggies

• Chiltern Veggies (previously South Bucks Veggies) was founded in August 2003 and has a growing membership, currently about 50. Our aims are to provide the opportunity for local vegetarians and vegans to meet socially, share ideas and experiences, and to find ways of spreading the vegetarian message.
We are based mostly in South Buckinghamshire and have members from High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Marlow, Amersham, Gerrards Cross, Aylesbury, Slough and Windsor. Several of our members are vegan.
We meet up monthly in pubs or restaurants in the area and there is no membership fee. We also organise occasional walks, picnics and stalls at local Green events.
Events: We meet regularly on the last thursday of the month from 7.30pm at local pubs.
27th March - Spade Oak Bourne End

Milton Keynes Vegetarian, Vegan and Animal Rights Group (Affiliated Group)
Peter Simpson: Tel: 01908 503919, mobile 07967 589663, mkvegar475@talktalk.net web: www.mkvegar.makessense.co.uk

• Events: MKVV&AR also campaigns and raises funds in other nearby towns, networking with other campaigners & groups in Northampton, Luton, Dunstable, Bedford, Aylesbury, Leighton Buzzard and Buckingham. We hold a monthly open gathering on the 3rd Wednesday from 7.30pm (new members invited from 7pm) at Veggie World (Chinese Eat In/Take away), 150 Queensway, Bletchley. A la carte menu. Please ring 01908 503919 to confirm meal booking. If any reader would like to help with a Street Collection or campaigning event listed below for a minimum of an hour please contact Peter Simpson as above.
26 April – Stall for Animal Aid at Cats Protection Spring Fayre. Venue Old Bath House Community Centre, Stratford Road, Wolverton, adjacent to Tesco. Open 10am - noon
3 May – Street Collection for Animal Aid, Luton Arndale Centre, 9am – 5pm
5 May – Stall at the Leighton Buzzard May Day Fayre (theme NVW) 10am – 4pm
10 May – Stall for National Vegetarian Week, Newport Pagnell 10am – 2pm
15 May – Community Desk, Crown Walk, theCentre:MK (theme NVW) 9am – 6pm
17 May – Buckingham Street Collection for Animal Aid, 9am – 4pm
20 May - Bletchley stall for National Vegetarian Week, 11am – 4pm
21 May – MKVEGAR’s monthly meal at Veggie World from 7.30pm
24 May – Stony Stratford Street Collection for Animal Aid, 9am – 4pm
14 June – Dunstable Street Collection for Animal Aid, 9.30am – 4pm
18 June – MKVEGAR’s monthly meal at Veggie World from 7.30pm
28 June – Towcester Street Collection for Animal Aid, 9.30 – 4pm
5 July – Aylesbury (to be confirmed) Street Collection for Animal Aid 9.30 – 5pm (Organised by Jill Meade 01296 481711)
26 July – Milton Keynes ( inside theCentre:MK) Street Collection for Animal Aid 9am – 5.30pm
2 August – Bletchley Street Collection for Animal Aid, 9am – 5pm
9 August – Bedford Street Collection for Animal Aid (9am – 1.30pm or 1.30pm – 5pm?) (Organised by Laura Black 01234 330673)
16 August – Hemel Hempstead Street Collection for Uncaged 9am – 5pm (Organised by Anne Duvall 01442 872217)
23 August – Leighton Buzzard Street Collection for Animal Aid 9am – 5pm (Organised by Jill Meade 01296 481711)
30 August - Rugby Street Collection for Animal Aid 9.30am – 5pm

Vegetarian Information (Portsmouth)
Michael Maybury.

•Mike has been vegetarian for 55 years and has experience of business, staff training and helping thousands of enquirers into the vegetarian lifestyle. He keeps updated on nutritional research and modern healthy lifestyles. PRESS and MEDIA enquiries welcome. Mike now has a fan club started by admirers of his lifestyle, based on Facebook on the internet. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3070325502
His profile is on: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=558132478
He uses specially printed T-shirts, and other methods, to share ideas with thousands of people, including Councillors and Portsmouth City Chiefs. Contact by email about interviews etc.
michael.maybury2@ntlworld.com

Mike continues to be active in the Portsmouth area in spreading healthy
vegetarian ideas.

Vegetarian Group - Organiser wanted! Mike would like to see an active group of enquirers, vegetarian and vegans who might meet regularly, perhaps over vegetarian meals. He is willing to support and speak at such meetings whether in the city or Portsmouth University. He is not able to organise such a group himself, but has experience and contacts for anyone wishing to support this worthwhile cause. If you are interested to start such a group please email: michael.maybury2@ntlworld.com

Solent Vegetarians & Vegans (Affiliated Group)
Ziggy Woodward, Tel:023 8023 1770, Email: see website ; Website: www.solentveg.org.uk No press calls please

•An active group, over 100 members, regular activities include parties, meals out, walks, barbecues, picnics, stalls and library displays and running small events such as Southampton Vegfest (www.octoberbooks.org/vegfest), Southampton Seed Swap (www.octoberbooks.org/seedswap), Southampton Chocfest and the Compassionate Living Fair (www.octoberbooks.org/clf). We run most of these events in collaboration with other likeminded groups such as the HubBub (www.thehubbub.org.uk). Membership fees: £6 family, £5 adults, £2 concessions. You are welcome to try us out before joining!
Events:
Every 2nd Sat in the Month Drop-in at Allsorts Psychic Cafe, 22 Carlton Place, Southampton, SO15 2DY. Fully veggie cafe, meet up for chat and lots of vegan cake, 3pm onwards

Isle of Wight Vegetarians (Affiliated Group)
John Langley: Tel: 01983 407098 (No media calls please); Email: iow@ivu.org
Website: www.iwvv.org.uk

•Meals without Squeals/More Meals without Squeals
Two cookery books produced by the Isle of Wight Vegetarians & Vegans. Price £3.50 each inclusive of postage and packing to UK destinations. Available from: Sally Burnett, 5 Arthur's Hill, Shanklin, I.O.W. Discount for bulk purchase. Cheques payable to 'IOWV&V' please.
Events:
Thursday, 20th March 2008 – social evening: 7.30pm Shanklin.
Thursday, 17th April 2008 – Business meeting: 7.30pm Shanklin
Sunday, 6th July 2008 – Garden Lunch (weather permitting!) 12.00 till 3.00pm
Sunday, 14th September – Lunchtime Walk and Picnic, Merstone area
Visit our website for more details about events.

 Bexleyheath & Erith Vegetarian Info Centre
Chris Pope, tel: 01322 402713, mobile: 07986 670470 (no media calls please)

*Broadstairs Veggie Info Centre
Sue Jennings, tel: 01843 601247, email: copperfieldsbb@btinternet.com

• I am just getting this info centre started with a view to forming a veggie group, so please, if you are interested, give me a call or email - Sue.

Canterbury & Coastal Information Centre
Karen Willoughby: Tel: 01227 375661, no media or trade calls please.
Covers Herne Bay, Canterbury and Whitstable (sorry - not Ashford)

Medway Veggies & Vegans (Affiliated Group)
Sheila McCrossan Email: sheilamccrossan@hotmail.com Phone contact is Janet on 01634 294865 web: www.medwayveggies.makessense.co.uk

• We meet for lunch, or just a coffee at the "What The DickInns" pub in Ross Street, off Cleve Street, which is off Star Hill in Rochester every month, please ring or email for date .

North Kent Vegetarian Info Centre
Margaret Glover, tel: 01795 873987

Sevenoaks Vegetarians, Vegans & Fellow Travellers (Affiliated Group)
John-William Reeves, Tel: 01689 859716 or email: lionden1@btinternet.com (vegetarian contact) iangallehawk@blueyonder.co.uk (vegan contact)

• We meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Bullfinch Public House, Sevenoaks, in order to discuss and promote a vegetarian and vegan lifestyle. We also encourge a broader view to encompass environmental aspects of life such as organic food production and recycling. Socially we are active as well; holding an annual garden party, meals out, trips and visits.

See also Greater London

Oxford Vegetarians (Affiliated Group)
Paul, Tel: 01235 769425, or Alison, Tel: 01235 511730\
Website: www.ivu.org/oxveg

•Events:
We organise speaker meetings, social events and meals out, run information stalls at local fairs (help on stalls is always appreciated) and publish an online guide to local establishments catering for vegetarians & vegans. Examples of our events:

Public Meetings (unless stated) at 7pm, Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford feature a speaker and a buffet supper. Admission normally£5/£4.
Friday 14 March, 7pm. The Future of Food: the environmental impact of dietary choices. A talk by Paul Freestone at the Friends Meeting House, 43 St Giles, Oxford. Admission £2, including light refreshments.

Dining Out Club: We visit a variety of eating places in and around Oxford that offer a good choice of dishes for vegetarians and vegans. Please phone Natasha on 01865 723760 or email nwilliams{at}brookes.ac.uk to book a seat or for further information.
(Please note that this is a vegetarian dining out group - all attendees are expected to order a totally vegetarian meal.)
Friday 4 April, 7.30pm. Liaison Chinese Restaurant, Castle Street, Oxford.
Friday 23 May, 7.30pm. Bangkok House, Hythe Bridge Street, Oxford.
.Friday 6 June, 7.30pm. The Greek Taverna, Summertown, Oxford.
(Why not offer to host a meal at your own favourite eating place? Please
contact Natasha with your suggestions.)


Publicity/Information Stalls (at events not organised by OV)
We shall be running stalls at the following events (please contact us if you can help).
Saturday 5 April, 10am-4pm. Spring Green Fair, Langdale Hall, Witney.
Admission 25p, free for children and seniors. Organised by Witney Green
Group (Tel: 01993 778608).

Our full list of current events are listed on: www.ivu.org/oxveg/Events/index.html

Vegetarian Oxfordshire, our online guide to accommodation, eating places, health food and wholefood shops and miscellaneous businesses catering for vegetarians and vegans in and around Oxfordshire is on our website at www.ivu.org/oxveg/vegoxon.html

*Animals in Need (Woking) Vegetarian Info Centre
David Rainford Tel: 01483 871392 email: david.rainford4@ntlworld.com web: www.windowonwoking.org.uk/sites/animalsinneedwoking

• Attends local fetes and fairs. If anyone would like to help either fundraise or raise awareness of vegetarianism, please contact David.
Events. We’ll be having a vegetarian information table in Woking town centre, near Christ Church on the first Saturday of the month.
Sept 7: 11-5, RSPCA Millbrook, Chobham, lots of stalls from various organisations!

Guildford Vegetarian Society (Affiliated Group)
Tel: 01483 425040

• GVS welcomes vegetarians, vegans and those moving towards vegetarianism. Our group covers a very wide age range, and extra events may sometimes be arranged for those in their 20s-30s and for families. Since 2004, 30-40 new households have joined us each year. We currently have no subs, inviting voluntary donations instead. Please ring to join and receive full details of all events. We like to speak with you before adding you to our (mostly e-mail) mailing list.
Special Notice
Guildford Vegetarian Society was originally founded around 18 April 1888! So in 2008 we'll have some special 120th Anniversary events to mark the occasion.
Social Events
Monthly socials are held on a mixture of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, lunchtimes or evenings. The 2008 programme includes meals at The Beano Vegetarian Restaurant (Guildford Institute), The Riverside Vegetaria (Kingston), and bring-and-share meals in members' homes. Extra socials may be arranged by members. We also plan a fabulous 120th Anniversary meal (with vegetarian caterers).
Public Outreach Events
In recent years this has included: food tastings, information stalls, leafletting, library displays, public talks, and organising Guildford's first Compassionate Living Fair in October 2007.
2008 Outreach events:
22 Jan-7 Feb Information display at Godalming Library.
Fri 14 March Street stall in Guildford High Street (under The Guildhall clock).
31 March-14 April Information display at Farnham Library.
Sat 5 April Street stall in Godalming (Crown Court area, adjoining High Street).
Fri 18 April 120th Anniversary events to include: vegetarian/vegan lunches featuring Rose Elliot recipes at The Beano (Ward St), book signings by Rose Elliot at Food for Thought healthfood shop (Haydon place) from 1.00, and at Waterstones (North St branch) from 2.30.
Sat 1 Nov Event for World Vegan Day (contact us for details).

Twickenham & Surrey Vegetarian & Vegan Group (Affiliated Group)
Lesley & Paul Dove 020 8941 8075 email: lesley@vegan4life.org.uk (this group has a young families section which includes an e-group)

•Vegetarians/vegans/those interested in vegetarian/vegan diets and lifestyle are welcome from Middlesex, Surrey and beyond.
Events will include pot luck parties at members' homes, pub meets, picnics in the summer, and possibly some joint events with other vegetarian/vegan groups. Families very welcome to most gatherings. Mostly a social group but hoping to expand to become more active.
Events: regular 3rd Sunday of the month meet ups in the local area
Please contact Lesley & Paul for details.
Our next main 3rd Sunday of the month event is a vegan potluck social at our home on Sunday April 20th. (not just for locals, any veggies int he London area are welcome) Please contact Lesley for further details (Lesley@vegan4life.org.uk or 020 8941 8075)

 

Woking Veggie & Vegan Group (Affiliated Group)
Liz McLean, email: wokingveg@aol.com web: www.wokingveg.veggroup.org

•Come along and join a friendly local veggie group for fun, laughs and chats with like-minded people. The veggie-curious are welcome. Help & support will be offered! All ages are welcome! More information from LLiz at wokingveg@aol.com.
Events: First Tuesday of every month we meet at the Sovereigns pub in Guildford Road, Woking, for a drink and a chat and to organise any up and coming activities. Veggies, vegans and those trying hard to be either are welcome to join us. Please contact Liz at WokingVeg@aol.com.

*Arun & Worthing Vegetarian Info Centre
Jacqueline van de Poll, tel: 01903 775236 email: jvandepoll@aol.com
Web: www.awveg.makessense.co.uk

•The website, which is continually being updated and added to, lists eating places and takeaways in the Arun & Worthing areas that have more than one vegetarian option on the menu. I have recently started an e-group, it is small but growing and we hope to be able to make arrangements to meet up sometimes. Eventually, we may be able to form into a social group.
Events: members of the e-group are meeting monthly over the summer at the World's End pub, Patching. Please contact Jacqueline for details.

Lewes & Hastings Area Vegetarian and Vegan Group (Affiliated Group)
Julia Jarrold: Tel: 01435 830150. Fax: 01435 830744 ; Email: jlj@mistral.co.uk
web: www.ivu.org/lhveg

•CHANGE TO MEMBERSHIP: The LHVeg Web site will be the main focus of the group. Events will be posted to the website Notice Board Next social event is waiting to be organized! Any veggies wishing to meet up with other veggies or who would like to host a veggie gathering small or large please send the details to Julia and they'll be posted on the website notice board. Gatherings can be held in homes, pubs, restaurants, picnics, in short however you would like to arrange it.

Tunbridge Wells Vegan & Vegetarian Group (Affiliated group)
Mark Hanna. Tel: 01825 841104 email: mark.hanna@virgin.net

•We meet every second Tuesday of the months at Woods Restaurant in the Pantiles - come and join us! All enquiries and support welcome.

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Oxford Vegetarians enjoying a ramble

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