WHEN: Tuesday 5 January 2010, 2-6pm
WHAT: The Oxford Real Farming Conference
Known as the Oxford Farming Conference's fringe festival, the organisers of this event say its priorities are summed up in its title:  'Good food for everyone for ever'. And its main aim is to promote a wholly new farming economy focusing on feeding people rather than commercial profits. Speakers will include Tim Waygood, farmer and founder of Agrarian Renaissance; Professor Martin Wolfe, agro-ecologist; Colin Tudge; Will Edwards, pasture farmer; George Hepburn, soil fertility specialist; Matt Dale, new dairy farmer; Graham Harvey, farming writer; and Patrick Holden director of The Soil Association. The conference will be chaired by Sir Crispin Tickell.
WHERE: The Old Library at The University Church of St Mary The Virgin, High Street, OXFORD, OX1 4BJ
PRICE AND INFO: Free. For more information go to The Campaign for Real Farming's website

WHEN: Monday 11 January 2010, 6.30pm
WHAT: Lost and Found in Russia by Susan Richards
Author Susan Richards sweeps away many traditional assumptions in her portrait of a society in transition. Far from Moscow and St Petersburg, there lies another Russia. Returning again and again to the deep heartland of this rapidly evolving country from 1992 to the present, Susan Richards struck up some extraordinary friendships. Through their stories and her own experiences Susan Richards demonstrates how in Russia the past and the present cannot be separated.
WHERE: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), 1 Kensington Gore, LONDON, SW7 2AR (Tube: S Ken)
PRICE AND INFO: Free to RGS members (and one guest each). No need to book in advance. Doors open at 5.30pm. For more information go to the RGS website
(This event will be repeated at 7pm on Tuesday 19 January at The Clothworkers’ Hall, Dunster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AH)