This article is from page 17 of the 2011-04-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 17 JPG
A NEW Clare group which aims to support and give a voice to people who choose not to eat meat is growing in numbers with every meeting.
The Clare Veg Group is a meet-up group offering a space for vegetarians, vegans and aspiring vegetarians. “Our primary aim is to enrich the lives of vegetarians by providing knowledge, inspiration and support. We’re innovative folk and we’re developing programmes to make alternative lifestyles easier, fairer and more fun” said one of the foundermembers, Julie Hyde.
Julie and her friend Audrey Shanala, both vegetarians, formed the group last November and attendances have grown bigger with each meeting.
“We welcome vegetarians, vegans and people who want to know more about vegetarianism,” said Julie.
The group has different activities each month, and have had talks from various speakers, gone out to dinner and organised ‘pot luck’ evenings where everyone brings food to share.
“We felt there was a lack of support and awareness about vegetarians in Clare. We exchange information, talk about where’s good to eat vegetarian food, exchange information, talk about animal rights issue, food production – things we’re concerned about and generally socialize,” Julie explained.
The group also provides a voice for vegetarians who often get a raw deal in restaurants.
“A lot of restaurants are very cooperative if you ring ahead, but then again, vegetarians are often left with a choice of one token dish. The point is that vegetarians should speak up and not just accept that their only choice for a night out is the dish of pasta. A lot of people who are not vegetarians would order vegetarian food if it’s good.”
Julie turned vegetarian after a spell of health difficulties and studying Aruvedic therapies.
The Clare Veg Group meets every first Thursday of the month at 7pm. For more information email clareveggroup@gmail.com or visit them online at www.clareveggroup. blogspot.com