So who are we then?

We're a UK group of over 100 people formed to encourage people to adopt a veggie or vegan lifestyle and to enjoy ourselves too! Our members come from the South Hampshire, East Dorset and South-East Wiltshire area, which includes Southampton, Romsey, Lymington, New Milton, Ringwood, Salisbury, Fareham, Gosport, Locks Heath, Portsmouth, Petersfield, Hedge End, Waterlooville, Eastleigh and Winchester.

For the benefit of anyone who doesn't live in the UK who has surfed their way onto this web site, the Solent is a geographical area in the South of England centred on the city of Southampton. If you don't live in or near the Solent area, look at Vegetarian Society Local Network to find your nearest local UK veggie/vegan group. If you live outside the UK, go to the International Vegetarian Union (IVU) website and click on the region you are from on the world map.

What do we get up to?

Our social events include: walks, talks, parties, pubs, picnics, outings and meals at cafés and restaurants. SVV does not subsidise these - all spare cash that we raise is donated to various non-profit-making vegetarian, vegan and animal charities and groups.

Some of us campaign. This mainly involves holding stalls at charity events, and doing library displays. We don't go on demonstrations or protests.

We also collate local veggie and vegan news, as well as information on recommended places to eat out. This is included in our quarterly newsletter, which is posted to our members. Do you have any local veggie or vegan news? Perhaps a cutting from your local newspaper? Send it to us and we'll include your item.

Green Fridays at the Art House

The Art House has just introduced "Green Fridays" - evening events with a speaker on various environmental topics. The first one is on Friday 9th May 2008 and the subject is: "An Introduction to Stock-Free Organics" by Graham Cole". It starts at 7.30pm at The Art House, 81a Bedford Place, Southampton, SO15 2DF. 023 8023 8582. www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk. There will be a short film showing, talk, then time for discussion. Entry is £1, or more if you can afford it. Hot and cold drinks will be available and yummy veggie tapas will be on sale from £4 per person and you can bring your own wine if you are eating. The speaker, Graham Cole is an SVV member and has been a professional gardener, working on various estates, for over 25 years. Stock-free organics means growing without using animal manures, dried blood, hoof & horn, fishmeal, etc. It's therefore very relevant to vegetarians & vegans. For details on future Green Friday and also other events at The Art House, see www.thearthousesouthampton.co.uk/Events.htm

Recent changes to our website

Thanks to Ruth for this coloured pencil drawing.