Green Party MEP for London Jean Lambert will give the opening address at the launch of Trading Paces - From Rat Race to Hen Run, by Michael Kelly in Sterling Books, Brussels on Saturday October 4th 2008.

Details:
Sterling Books
Wolvengracht 38 Fosse aux Loups
1000 Brussels - Saturday October 4th 2008, 6.30pm
RSVP:

About Jean Lambert

Jean Lambert, a former teacher from Walthamstow, East London, has been London’s Green MEP since 1999. She is one of the UK’s two Green MEPs and one of nine cross party MEPs representing the Greater London region. Jean is uniquely able to bring a radical Green perspective to European debates on issues that matter most to London.  She is in a strong position to share her experience of London with Greens from across Europe, draw on the best practice found elsewhere and influence the group’s priorities and voting behaviour.

Jean Lambert has been an active member of the UK Green Party since 1977 and was Principal Speaker for the Green Party of England and Wales from 1992-93 and 1998-99.  Jean was chair of the Green Party Executive in 1994.  Her special interests include Democracy and Human Rights, Refugee Rights, Anti-discrimination and Social Inclusion and aiding the development of a Green employment strategy. She has also written a book on Green politics, “No Change? No Chance.”

About Trading Paces

Ever dreamed of giving up the rat race and leading a life devoted to self-sufficiency, thrift and a low-impact on the environment? When you dread the question ‘what do you do?’ is it time for a change?

Does this ring any bells? Mortgaged to the hilt, rising at 5.30 to commute fifty miles to a job you are only half interested in?  Fed-up, bleary-eyed and only in your thirties? Michael Kelly and his wife were living the classic corporate drone lifestyle.  Then they simplified, downsized, opted out – severed their ties with the city and bought a leaky cottage on a rural acre.  They grow vegetables and rear an ever-expanding coterie of animals: laying hens, a cock named Roger and pigs called Charlotte and Wilbur. And they don’t hate Mondays anymore!

Trading Paces is a wickedly funny, inspiring and engaging account of the ups and downs of downsizing, self-sufficiency and country living by Irish Times contributor Michael Kelly.  It describes how one brave decision can transform your life and shows that there is an alternative to a consumer driven lifestyle.  This is a hugely topical subject as the debate re work/life balance grows and interest in organic farming, carbon footprints and self-sufficiency is greatly on the increase. Michael Kelly is an informed and passionate speaker, the Irish Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Praise for Trading Paces

Kelly’s humorous optimism enlivens this practical account of ‘The Good Life’ meets ‘River Cottage’
The Belfast Newsletter

The book’s style is relaxed but informed. Trenchant wit and humour live side-by-side - a very worthwhile read
Metro

Inspiring both admiration and jealousy, the author recounts his journey with humour and candour, and provides plenty of food for thought.
Sunday Business Post

An engaging, thought-provoking book
Mail on Sunday

ISBN 978-1-84717-070-5 PRICE EUR9.99