I've been involved with Transition Stroud from it's early days and it has been exciting to see it grow - below is the latest news sent out by the coordinator Helen Royall - it is an inspiring list - indeed so much so that I wanted to share it here - and it doesn't even include a whole host of activities that are going on - read and consider getting involved if you are not already! Lots to get your teeth into and there is always room for creating more groups - See more at: www.transitionstroud.org
Welcome to the May newsletter. The season is warming up and lots of outdoor activities are being planned. I hope you’ll try to get to as many as possible, but, more importantly, bring lots of friends.
§ The YOUTH GROUP are holding an Eco Mania day for young people at Upper Grange,
(Lovedays Mead, Stroud GL5 1XB) on Saturday May 9th from 11.00am to 3.00pm.. Harry (13) is the co-ordinator of the Youth Group and has worked very hard for this event. On Saturday there will be entertainment from Captain Spanner, pizzas from Angelo’s Wood Fired Pizzas, recycled arts and crafts, buy or barter stall, sunflower growing competition and the chance for children to make their ideal town out of a collection of recycled bits and pieces. Harry went out busking with his violin on Saturday to raise money for the event and to advertise it (he was joined by Helen R and Pete Nightingale). Please encourage any children you may know to come along and come along yourself as well. Attached is a flyer for the day.
§ The TEXTILE GROUP
Emily Smith will be taking over the co-ordination of this group again. Thanks to Rose who has done an excellent job. It was lovely to see so many last night up at the beautiful Westley Farm, rag rugging and rug plaiting. The next meeting will be in three weeks time, some suggested dates Tuesday 12th May 7.30pm Wednesday 13th May 7.30pm . I’ll send out a reminder when they decide. The group are busy preparing for the weekend at Westley Farm in June. “The Art of Westley Farming” A collective cross-pollination celebrating ecological and creative diversity.
§ The BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT GROUP
Simon and Fi will be speaking at the Positive Future Conference 2009 in Liverpool on 5th May run by the Improvement and Development Agency for local government. It is on climate change and sustainability and will equip delegates with knowledge on the innovative practice and latest developments in a changing policy landscape. Speaking with Jonathan Porrit and Rob Hopkins. See www.idea.gov.uk/positivefuture09. Ed Milliband invited!
Fi and Dave (Cockcroft) were also featured in the Times - see here.
§ The new HEALTH GROUP will be meeting for the first time at the Apothecary, Ruskin Mill (Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, GL6 0LA - take the Horsley Rd off the A46), Thursday 30th April at 7.30. New members would be very welcome. They will be looking at the effect of diminishing oil supplies on pharmaceuticals, considering the possibility of growing homeopathic medicines nearer home, and general policies on Health issues related to inability to travel, among other issues.
§ The ENERGY GROUP are working towards the Eco-renovation
Open Homes weekend in September. So far there are 20 homes that will be opening their doors to visitors. For more information see http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/
§ The TRANSPORT GROUP
If you’re not up to date with all the amazing work the Transport Group have been involved with check out the web site http://www.transitionstroud.org/content/view/92/127/
Planning continues for Green Travel Month (June) including stalls on the Sub Rooms forecourt on 13th June.
§ The LIFESTYLES AND LIVELIHOODS GROUP are still working hard for the new local currency. The training evening was very helpful with much lively debate about how we will encourage local businesses to participate. See the Transition Stroud blog for more about the evening http://transitiontownstroud.blogspot.com/
OTHER NEWS
* The Space Cinema Club will be showingTHE AGE OF STUPIDonSunday May 3rd, 8.00pm and again on Friday May 8th at 7.00pm. ‘Starring Pete Postlethwaite, this remarkable film is captivating and constantly surprising: the first successful dramatisation of climate change to reach the big screen. You must see it’. (The Guardian). WE WOULD LIKE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO GO AND SEE THIS FILM. Call Rick at 01453 755 706 if you wish to see it.
*This year's Stroud Communiversity – Inspiring Self-Reliant Communities – takes place on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May. We are now able to offer the full programme at the reduced concessionary rate of £190 to all participants. This fee includes all lunches and evening meals and covers the cost of each site visit. There are also a limited number of bursaries for those struggling to meet this cost. We encourage people to commit to the whole weekend for continuity within the Action Learning work and deeper group dynamics. However, we are able to offer a single day rate of £70 with the understanding that for some, a full weekend is not easily freed up. And last but not least, for those that can make the time, there is the unique opportunity to attend the launch of The Exchange on Thursday 14th May, free of charge to Communiversity participants. ***Book Now to Avoid Disappointment*** For more information and booking forms see here.
Transition Minchinhampton have sent us news: “Our next event is on 16th May Feeding the 5,000: Can We in Minchinhampton Feed Ourselves with Local Food? with Jade Bashford. We are all really excited about it, then we have a Duchy Home Farm visit in June and an evening on Energy in July before the schools break up (format yet to be discussed!)”. Contact Sue Edgley or Michael Sheldon 01453 885707
*Don’t forget National Beanpole week starts 25th April until 3rd May. National Beanpole Week 2009 is calling on gardeners to support Britain’s remaining coppiced woodlands by choosing eco-friendly, locally-grown coppiced beanpoles instead of imported bamboo canes.
* Transition Newent have sent us details of a talk -An evening with Rob Hopkins & Shaun Chamberlinon Wednesday 29th April (Newent Community School, 7 for 7.30pm prompt). This event is coming together well with seat reservations steadily arriving from Transition groups far & wide. If you would like to come and haven’t yet reserved your seat, please call Ann on 01989-720646 or e-mailann@kenandannallen.co.uk
*The results of the Transition web project carried out by the Transition Network have been put together and graphs and slides in pdf can be seen here.
Don’t forget the next TRANSITION DRINKS will be Tuesday 12th May at 7.30 at the Prince Albert, Rodborough.
And finally another new word for 2009 Intaxication: Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with. Hope to see you at one of the meetings. Happy Transitioning, Helen
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