Transition Stroud

Winterfest video out now

2011-12-11T02:19:00.001-08:00

Here's a video by Eric Wilkinson with editing by Philip Booth - it celebrates Transition Stroud and related projects. Winterfest was a day of stalls, bicycle servicing, storytelling and entertainment in an empty shop on Saturday 3rd November in Stroud. This film has short interviews with people involved in the projects and gives a flavour of what Transition Stroud is about.

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What to do in half term with young children without costing the earth?

2011-10-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's tempting to succumb to the easy solutions - which

usually involve using lots of carbon and spending lots of money. But yesterday I took our two youngest children (3 and 6) to Bristol for the day. We travelled by train and then got a bus to Clifton Suspension Bridge, where we ate our packed lunch and got the wobbles looking over the edge of the bridge...

Then we popped in to the Occupy Bristol encampment on College Green. There were people drumming, playing guitars, and even someone organising children's craft activities!

We looked at the amazing giant graffiti on Nelson Street before rounding the trip off with cake and a drink in a neaby cafe. Total spend for the day about £25!
Our children loved it - and hopefully absorbed a few things by osmosis.....

Strouds eco-homes event videos

2011-10-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

"Stroud's Eco-Renovation Open Homes weekend: An Introduction" is the latest and last in the series of this years' videos of the Open Homes event. See links below for the others.

Previous videos re Stroud's Open Homes:

A look at internal insulation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5zKl03kZDc

Green Roof workshop:
http://youtu.be/f8K9POATRR4

A collection of lower cost energy saving ideas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwmED2EVRkE

Feed In Tariff workshop:
http://youtu.be/3PQVZw6Qp4o

Last year's event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObXbgMlwuyw

See details of courses:
http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com/2011/09/open-homes-free-courses-in-energy.html

Joys of the Allotment

2011-08-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

Just got a basket full of lovely vegetables from my allotment. Sunday lunch sorted! Really enjoying growing my own food since I was inspired by the Edible Open Gardens' gardeners and helped to get started by Down to Earth.

Stroud's Edible Open Gardens: the videos

2011-07-23T01:20:00.000-07:00

Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekend taster video - meet some of the people, 37 gardens and workshops: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk0NVJ2orNM

A second look at some of Stroud's Edible Open Gardens with some great photos by Cyril Laffort and others plus a few video clips: http://youtu.be/jqoKH8Wu8yY

Composting demonstration workshop from Stroud's Edible Open Gardens: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z8ALUtNt2w

Chicken Keeping workshop at Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekend: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slpg0DE_jMY

Edible Open Gardens launch before weekend: a talk with local food organisations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBSlhrGMYWI

Whiteshill and Ruscombe Allotments - The movie! See the opening of this wonderful new community project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnmveLQNX3E

Two Edible Open Garden workshops

2011-07-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

New Transition videos just uploaded - big thanks to all who sent video clips, photos etc - apols that we can't use all the material sent as not time enough to put together - am hoping to put one more YouTube together of gardens with some of the wonderful photos.

New videos:

Chicken Keeping workshop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slpg0DE_jMY

Composting Demonstration workshop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z8ALUtNt2w

Foraging Walk by Rupert Burdock

2011-07-13T09:30:00.001-07:00

Just been on a lovely walk as an end to the Edible weekend - this time an Edible Landscape walk with Rupert Burdock. Saw well over 20 varieties of edible weeds, plants trees and fruit. Most enjoyable. Thanks Rupert...

Highlights of Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekend

2011-07-13T09:21:00.001-07:00

A look at Transition Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekend - meeting some of the people and a taster of some of the 37 gardens and workshops last weekend. We can't possibly show all the wonders and hope to produce a couple more YouTubes with more video clips and photos available soon. Please do let us know if there are mistakes or omissions as this has been hurriedly put together from numerous video clips. Click on the YouTube symbol to open in YouTube. See also here the launch weekend video with various food organisations.
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Edible Open Gardens July 9th - 10th 2011

2011-07-13T09:18:00.001-07:00

Brilliant. here's some pictures. A big thank you to all the amazing gardeners who made it all possible.......

Edible Open Gardens Launch, 2nd July 2011

2011-07-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures from the weekend launch at Stroud's Subscription Rooms. Only a few as I was trying our a new camera and not too sure how it works. Happily I've discovered it works brilliantly so looking forward to getting lots of practice at the weekend.....

Down To Earth stall (front of picture) and Stroud Community Agriculture.

Vision 21 brought their wonderful display boards.

Here's the banner up at Nailsworth. Thank you Simon.

And here's a small (but perfectly formed) display at Stroud District Council office..... Thank you Michelle.

Edible Open Garden launch: next weekend 35 gardens open

2011-07-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of the Edible Open Gardens launch in Stroud yesterday that I have put together to advertise the weekend of 35 open edible gardens, guided walks and workshops on 9th/10th July 2011. It is all about growing more food locally. In this video we hear about the event and from local food organisations. See details about the weekend at: www.edibleopengardens.org.uk

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Edible Gardens launch on 2nd July

2011-06-24T11:08:00.001-07:00

Here's the press release that I sent out this week - see also additional items that were not in our leaflet. .....On Saturday 2nd July on the forecourt at the Subscription Rooms in Stroud, 10am to 2pm, there will be a very wonderful display about food and ten local organisations who are helping to make the Transition Stroud Edible Open Gardens weekend on 9th and 10th July a success.

Helen Royall, coordinator of the project said: "This is a great opportunity for people new to growing vegetables to come along and find out more. We want to note thanks to The Midcounties Cooperative and Cainscross Parish Council who have supported this project. It is great that so many food growing organisations have come together and we hope this will be the beginning of a food growing revolution in Stroud!!"

Philip Booth, a Transition Stroud member and an organiser of the project, said: "The stalls on the forecourt are to help publicise the many groups that are about growing food locally. It is also to let people know about the following weekend on 9/10th July with the 35 plus open gardens and various workshops, which are for all of us to share and learn more about growing food."

The organisations on the forecourt include: Transitiion Stroud, Stroud Pound, Foraged Food, Days Cottage fruit trees, Down to Earth cooperative, StroudCo, Stroud Community Agriculture, Get Growing, Vision 21 and Gloucestershire Wildlife.

Amanda Godber, a spokesperson for the cooperative Down to Earth, said: "We aim to support households in the Stroud area wanting to grow organic vegetables and fruit in their own gardens. We offer a range of services including 1:1 training and/or advice, courses and preparation of growing areas. We are delighted to help with this project to increase awareness about growing more food."

Tamsin Bent, one of two new community workers with the Stroud Valleys Project said: "We have just launched ‘Get Growing’ which aims to support food growing in 20 local primary schools. Already we have helped set up gardening clubs to encourage pupils to grow and eat their own vegetables. The Edible Open Gardens weekend will also have some activities for children."

Helen Pitel, one of the organisers of the Edible Open Gardens, said: "This Saturday (2nd July) is a chance for us to publicise the 9th/10th July weekend, where we are have workshops on chicken keeping, setting up a community orchard, drawing a garden, composting and more - plus over 35 gardens opening. Amongst the gardens we have organic, biodynamic, medicinal, and permaculture gardens, individual, community and vegan allotments, new and mature orchards, rainwater harvesting and forest gardens. The gardeners and allotment holders are opening their gardens for free and we are hoping their passion, knowledge and interest will encourage more people to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS: NOT IN LEAFLET

1. Saturday 11.00am at Happy Valleys Farm Shop and Nursery – Venue 12. KEEPING BEES: A talk and demonstration about keeping bees with the new bee hives at the Happy Valleys Farm Shop and Nursery with Roz Jones and Andy Coombes

2. GUIDED WALKS on Sunday 10th July. Two guided walks around the Edible Open Gardens organized by Transition Stroud, accompanied by an expert gardener who will answer your questions. Walking boots and sticks recommended...Both walks include steep and possibly slippery slopes and some stiles. Pre-booking essential.

Morning Walk – departs 9.45am from Horsley Village shop.
Approximately 1 ¾ miles, visiting 5 gardens in Washpool, Sugley and Tickmorend and returning to Horsley about 12.30pm.

Afternoon Walk – departs 2.00pm from Nailsworth Library
Approximately 3 miles, visiting 5 gardens and a community orchard,
returning to Nailsworth Library by about 5.00pm

Refreshments will be available at some of the gardens.

Leaflets with details of the gardens are available in local cafes, libraries and Tourist Info. There is also a website: http://edibleopengardens.org.uk/

The weekend is being organised by Transition Stroud, (www.transitionstroud.org) a group of volunteers working to strengthen our abilities to grow more food locally and find solutions to our steadily increasing supermarket food, transport and energy costs.

Stroud Edible Open Gardens website launched

2011-06-13T14:22:00.001-07:00

Stroud Edible Open Gardens 9th and 10th July 2011. Here's our press release:

Website and leaflet now available

Helen Pitel, one of the organisers of the Transition Stroud event, said: "We have workshops over the weekend on chicken keeping, setting up a community orchard, drawing a garden, composting and more - plus over 35 gardens opening. Amongst the gardens we have organic, biodynamic, medicinal, and permaculture gardens, individual, community and vegan allotments, new and mature orchards, rainwater harvesting and forest gardens. The gardeners and allotment holders are opening their gardens for free and we are hoping their passion, knowledge and interest will encourage more people to grow their own fruit and vegetables."

Philip Booth, another organiser said: "This is an opportunity for people to learn how to grow their own. “Food prices are going through the roof due to rising costs of farming and transport so growing your own, whether in pots, an allotment or garden, makes sense. Our leaflet with details of the gardens is out now and will soon be in local cafes, libraries and Tourist Info. We also have a website. See: http://edibleopengardens.org.uk/

Big thanks to The Midcounties Cooperative and Cainscross Parish Council who have helped launch this project."

Transition Stroud is a group of volunteers who work “for the benefit of the community of the Stroud District to take, and inspire others to take, collaborative actions that strengthen our local community and respond positively to the challenges of climate change and rising energy costs.”
See more at: http://www.transitionstroud.org/

Weather we change....

2011-05-05T04:03:00.000-07:00

Its beginning to be commented on in the regular news media now that the rainfall in the UK (and across Europe) has been seriously reduced from the norm for the last 12 months.

We all remember the Russian forest fires and reduced grain harvests, Pakistani floods, Chinese floods to mention only a few of the extreme weather events that were reported last year in the news.

The death toll from the recent USA tornado's was 193 killed, one tornado was reported as a mile in diameter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65SeO9mbuwA

So when will the denialist tendencies in many humans be superceded by an acceptance of our role in helping these extreme events into existence?
Even if this is too big a step for some, when will they accept that the precautionary principle the world adopted over the ozone holes threat by banning CFC and HCFC gas releases should also be adopted for greenhouse gasses we release (CO2, CH4, Nox etc)?

Isn't avoidance better than acting when its too late, or has apathy and surrender become the keywords that define a spectator society that lives in delusion about its own role in delivering its own fate?

Transition Stroud's Trashion Show: April 2011

2011-05-02T02:50:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday Transition Stroud's Trashion Show came to Randwick - well below is the video I've put together from other folks' video clips of the day - hope you enjoy!! There are some fantastic ideas about how to rejuvenate your clothes and more...a great day that engaged children and a fun evening...see photos in an earlier blog on this...

Was Kate Speaking the Language of Transition?

2011-04-30T00:39:00.000-07:00

In spite of your political views about the royal wedding, it was difficult not to feel affectionate towards a couple who had used their special day to gain us all a day off work to celebrate, relax, and meet our neighbours. The building of community is a key transition requirement, as is working less, especially if your work involves harmful production or commuting.

But what about those trees? The effect as the bride walked down the aisle of Westminster Abbey was spectacular and brought the inspiration of nature to the wedding that contrasted with the stuffiness of so many formal occasions. But was Kate trying to tell us more, with her choice of natural decorations? According to florist Shane Connolly she insisted that everything had to be British and the inspirational words were 'English, natural, seasonal, ethical'. The trees which made such an impact were six field maples, apparently to represent humility, and two native English hornbeams, the tree which stands for resilience.

I wonder how long the honeymoon destination will remain a secret. This may be the best clue to the green credentials of the royal couple. A week in Pembrokeshire would indicate their true commitment to the transition holiday; the traditional jet-fuelled fortnight in Mustique could only be a disappointment after the hopeful signs of the wedding flora.

Celebration Spring

2011-04-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 26th April the Transition Stroud Textile Group ran a day to celebrate Spring. There were wonderful stalls with different textile things to try like peg weaving and hand machine sewing
knitting and rug knitting using old T shirts,

weaving and refurbishing old clothes and making wonderful new ones

and stalls with amazing gifts and gear made from .... well anything ...

and some teckie help

This was followed by the amazing Transhion Show (not forgetting home made tea and cakes). Thanks to the Textile Group for a wonderful day.

Blossom Picnic

2011-04-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a picnic to enjoy the beautiful blossoms at Days Cottage - actually we missed the blossoms as they were the week before - I blame the wedding! It was a lovely day with lots of Transitioners there. I thought you might like to see a picture of James Beecher with Dave's new raven, 'Queenie'.

Cycle Trainers Assessment

2011-03-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

We now have 5 cycle trainers fully assessed and ready to encourage more people to get on their bikes.

This Sunday in the cold morning air, 7 willing (well mostly) people brought their bikes along to Stonehouse so that the trainers could put them through their paces. We cycled around the local housing estate, avoiding cars and pedestrians and generally improving our cycling skills.

Here's the proof.

Well done all the cycle trainers (who passed!) - and thanks to those volunteers who are now even better on their bikes!

Stroud's Edible Open Gardens weekend 9th and 10th July

2011-03-04T03:39:00.000-08:00

This week we had a meeting and funding has been confirmed for this project. Volunteers will run the event but we needed money for publicity and more - it will run similar to the Eco-Renovation Open Homes event which we have run the last three years in September - the good news is that we have also had some funding for that (so news soon on plans for this year). Lots of exciting ideas - and spaces if folk want to get involved in helping to organise this event.

Over 20 edible gardens and allotments have signed up to open to the public in July to encourage people to grow and learn more about food. There will be vegetables, fruit, herb and kitchen gardens, chicken keepers, pigs and more in various communities including Stroud, Whiteshill, Stonehouse, Bisley and Horsley. The gardeners will be available to share their knowledge and passion for growing.

Transition Stroud are still seeking a few more gardens for the project. If anyone is interested in offering their garden for part of the weekend in July please contact Helen Royall on 01453 755509.

Philip Booth, an organiser of the event and Transition Stroud member said: "We are delighted to have confirmed this week initial funding from the Cooperative Community Fund and Cainscross Parish Council to help publicise and organise this event. This is a chance to celebrate some of our wonderfully productive gardens and local food growing projects in the Stroud Valleys. We want to see if we can reach lots of people who have never grown veg before."

Food prices set to rise

Philip Booth added: "Local food accounts for only 1.5% of national food consumption. Our food system is staggeringly inefficient and heavily dependent upon oil, at a time when the production of energy from fossil fuels is on the decline. Our dependence on imports is damaging for national food security, harmful to the environment and is simply unsustainable. The UN report that food prices have hit a record high and are forecast to continue climbing this year. Shoppers have already been hit with jumps in the price of many key food items and with the impact of the economy it has never been a better time to grow your own food. With this Edible Open Gardens project we hope to all learn, but also inspire more local food production at a lower environmental cost than the supermarkets."

Gardens still wanted

The project so far has a grant from to help organise and publicise the project. Transition Stroud is a group working on the transition to a locally based low carbon lifestyle. More info at: http://www.transitionstroud.org/

We are hoping to set up our own website with more details of this event very soon

Stroud Potato Day film

2011-02-09T13:37:00.001-08:00

The film-maker who was due to film on the day sadly had to cancel at the last minute, so I ended up trying to film at the same time as organise the day - it is at least a taster of the day. Double click to open in Youtube.

Thank you to all who have made comments already on the film. Here's one just in from a Transition group in another town: "What a great event and a lovely film of the day - not too long and thankfully upbeat for a change. Forwarding it to our Food group as inspiration."

See more about the day at: http://stroudpotatoday.blogspot.com/

Stroud Potato Day: Sat 5th Feb

2011-01-08T05:43:00.001-08:00

We are selling seed potatoes and our very own recipe book. See blogsite for details here.

Launch of the Stroud Potato Recipe Book

2010-12-07T13:25:00.001-08:00

Below is the press release regarding a project we have been working on for some months - come and see us there on Saturday then buy your seed potatoes from us in February.....

A collection of local potato recipes have been brought together in a new book to be launched Saturday 11th December at 10:00.

10:00 to 10:15 Saturday 11th December at the Stroud Valleys Project

Photos: Book cover, Russ cartoon and potatoes on our local allotments

The new book 'Pan-Fried, Peeled and Proud - Potatoes from Stroud. A Recipe Book' is being launched to advertise Stroud's first ever celebration of Potato Day on 5th February 2011.

The book is a Transition Stroud initiative and is edited by the aptly named Maris Piper and Desirée de Romano. Desirée said: "Bringing the different elements of the book together has been a joy. Stroud provided suitably gifted people just when they were needed; Dennis Gould stepped forward to do the cover, photographer Fred Chance heroically offered to do the design and layout, poet and artist Jeff Cloves (AKA Edward Rex) was inspired to write a Potato Pie Poem and to create the beautiful illustrations that bring the book to life.

"The recipes have all come from local people, some professional cooks and some who are experts at creating delicious meals for their friends and family. Woodruffs, J Rool, Mill's Cafe and Guisseppe of Guisseppe's gourmet restaurant all shared their own favourite potato recipes. We even have a recipe from Matthew Fort, food writer in the Guardian and potato fan. It really has been a collaborative effort that has shown the generosity and enthusiasm of the people of the Stroud Valleys. Thanks go to all of them as well as to Stroud Valleys Eco Shop on Threadneedle Street and Stroud Book Shop for selling the book on behalf of Transition Stroud."

Philip Booth, organiser of the Stroud Potato celebrations said: "This recipe book is part of our celebration of the many different varieties of potato and how they can be used. Supermarkets don't offer much choice of potatoes, but growing your own opens up all sorts of opportunities. On Saturday 5th February in Merrywalks we will be selling over half a tonne of different seed potatoes supplied by Dundry Nurseries. This is about encouraging folk to grow different varieties and encouraging people who have never grown veg to give it a try."

Philip Booth added: "There is an issue of food security that we will be hearing more about as oil prices climb, harvests suffer from the changing climate and demand increases from countries like China. 40% of the food we eat is imported: if more people grow their own then we can be less reliant on food imports from other countries."

Stroud Potato Day has launched a new website with details of the event and more at:
http://stroudpotatoday.blogspot.com/. To find out more about Transition Stroud go to: www.transitionstroud.org

The book will sell for £4 (or £3 Stroud Pounds) with all proceeds going to Transition Stroud to support local, low carbon projects. Make Christmas shopping easy and buy one for everyone you know, safe in the knowledge that you are supporting your local community and the environment.

We are hoping it will be available at the new Stroud Valleys Project shop and the Stroud Bookshop from Saturday 11th December. I hope to be able to confirm early this week.

We want your garden!

2010-10-26T02:15:00.000-07:00

This is the initial publicity for a new project with Transition Stroud. We have a team of active members who are helping plan this event with our next meeting on 18th November. Here's what we sent to local press:

Photo: mural in Nailsworth Church

Transition Stroud are planning an Edible Open Gardens weekend 9th and 10th July

Following the huge success of the third Eco-Renovation Open Homes weekend in September where people opened their homes to learn more about energy efficiency and renewables, there are plans for an event that seeks to encourage people to grow and learn more about food.

Philip Booth, a Transition Stroud member said: "We are after veg and fruit gardens, allotments, herb and kitchen gardens, chicken keepers and more for people to come and see. We want to celebrate some of the wonderfully productive gardens and local food growing projects in the Stroud Valleys. Local food accounts for only 1.5% of national food consumption. Our food system is staggeringly inefficient and heavily dependent upon oil, at a time when the production of energy from fossil fuels is on the decline. Our dependence on imports is damaging for national food security, harmful to the environment and is simply unsustainable (i). With this Edible Open Gardens project we hope to all learn but also inspire more local food production at a lower environmental cost than the supermarkets."

Transition Stroud is a group working on the transition to a locally based low carbon. 20 gardens are already signed up. If anyone is interested in offering their garden for part of the weekend in July please contact Helen Pitel on 762957 or Philip Booth on email at: philip.booth2(at)virgin.net

Notes:

(i) Food Availability in the Stroud District, December 2008, written by Fi Macmillan and Dave Cockcroft of Transition Stroud. Download here.

Energy Monitors go into all libraries

2010-10-01T05:30:00.000-07:00

You may remember that sometime ago Transition Stroud initiated a project to get Energy Monitors into libraries as part of the Transition Stroud Eco-Renovation Open Homes project - well it was launched last year - see here. Well I am delighted that the pilot project offering energy monitors for loan was so successful that it is to be rolled out across Gloucestershire.

Run by Severn Wye Energy Agency, in conjunction with Stroud District Council, the project now has a number of energy monitors for hire at every library across Gloucestershire, including the mobile libraries.

Here's how the press release describes it - although sadly no mention of Transition Stroud in making it happen in the first place...

Launching on 5th October at Nailsworth library, the project is part of SDC's continued work with the local energy organisation, Severn Wye Energy Agency, to help residents and local businesses do what they can to reduce energy consumption and save money.

The monitor is incredibly simple to install and just like a book, it can be borrowed for 3 illuminating weeks. The monitor helps track how much electricity a household is using and more importantly, how much it is wasting. Do you know how much leaving your television on standby really costs; have you ever seen how much more energy an ‘old style' light bulb uses compared to an energy efficient one? An energy monitor can help answer these questions.

The pilot project, which ran for 6 months during 2009/10, involved just 9 Gloucestershire libraries. It was so successful that the majority of them had a several month waiting list.

Commenting on the monitor during the pilot project, one resident said: “I cannot commend this monitor enough – it was an eye-opener for me and I became so obsessed with it that I was reluctant to return it! Thank you.”

More information is available on the Gloucestershire libraries website: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/energy. For more energy saving advice visit: www.swea.co.uk or call the Energy Savings Trust Advice Centre on 0800 512012.

Events in Stroud District area:
Launch at Nailsworth Library – 9.30, Tuesday 5th October
Central Mobile Library Launch – 9.30, Thursday 30th September

Eco-Renovation Open Homes: The Movie!

2010-09-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

OK folks here is my first attempt at putting together bits of film about the recent Open Homes weekend. You will see I start off in a quiet voice as I was recording it next to a room where some folk were having a counselling session! Anyhow it's ten mins long and gives a flavour of the event - it includes interviews with visitors and homeowners. You are better off double clicking on movie to watch it on Youtube as this blog screen is too small....

Exmouth People reports on talk on Transition Stroud

2010-07-02T11:50:00.001-07:00

Here is the article in Exmouth People:

FROM HIS Green political credentials down to his leaf-green shoes and vibrant green shoelaces, Philip Booth is clearly someone who has fully embraced the Transition Town ethos and is determined to turn it into reality. As such, Philip – a Green councillor on Stroud District Council, an active environmentalist and a member of Transition Town Stroud – proved an inspired choice of speaker ahead of Transition Town Exmouth's annual general meeting, held at the Telfer Suite, Exmouth Community College, on Monday 28 June.

Philip Booth – an inspired speaker on Green issues and the Transition Town ethos

Delivering his speech at a rattling pace, Philip spoke of the many ups and some of the downs that TTS has experienced since it was established in 2006. There’s the Stroud Pound, the local currency, launched to benefit consumers, traders, businesses and local charities. The notes – which Philip passed round – aren’t just pretty; they are accepted by 40 Stroud businesses, including a butchers, a bakers and a community stores.

Then there’s the various TTS food projects, such as the successful Farmers’ Market (40 stalls, plus live music, every Saturday), StroudCo (a food hub linking local farmers and consumers), the Stroud Communal Allotment and the Garden Share scheme. Less successful has been Stroud Community Agriculture, a veg-box scheme which collapsed due to crop failure.

There’s also TripSwitch, where the public is encouraged to use forms of transport other than the car, a Green Travel Month and Changing Gear (a scheme encouraging secondary-school pupils to cycle to school). And there’s the Open Homes scheme, where the public can see renewable energy in action, by visiting the houses of people who have taken significant steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

All in all, it was an inspirational 45-minute journey through everything that TTS has achieved since it was established nearly four years ago.

Philip was then asked what he thought Transition Town Exmouth had achieved in its two years of existence. “A great deal,” he said. “Some Transition Town groups don’t even last a year. You’ve done two years and are still going strong. From our experience, that’s a great achievement in itself, and one that you should be proud of.”

Food for thought, indeed.

For more about TTE, go to Transition Town Exmouth

The TTE website is currently down but will be up again soon!

Transition Training Report

2010-06-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

Marta Suárez recently graduated from Madrid Autonomous University and sought a placement with a Transition Town in the U.K. She has worked with Transition Stroud since January 2010 and returns to Spain in July 2010. Here she gives her perspective on the learning that took place on the two day Transition Training held in Somerset

TRANSITION TRAINING April 10th & 11^th

I along with seventeen other people from other Transition Towns, attended a 2 day Transition Training Course in Bridgewater on April 11^th and 12^th. It was about the Transition Model - how to start and maintain a Transition initiative, all through a range of skills and techniques including presentations, games and discussions. It was a comprehensive, challenging – and exhausting weekend. Outlined below are the key points, techniques and approaches that struck a chord with me.

1. Context for Transition – The Outer World

Climate Change is the biggest environmental problem the world is facing. We are already starting to suffer its effects - but we do not know what the magnitude of its consequences will be and what specifically will happen in our country. We are the cause of this situation, having increased the greenhouse gases at the atmosphere, so it is us who have to change this situation.

But Climate Change is not the only reason why we have to change. Oil is running out and there will be a moment when oil resources will start to decline. This is what we know as Peak Oil. Our society is totally dependant on oil, and we need to change our way of life if we do not want it to collapse.

2. Introduction to Transition

A Transition Initiative is a model designed to face up to Climate Change and Peak Oil through community action. Underlying it is the premise that we need to act for ourselves and we have to act now, since life with less energy is inevitable and it is better to plan for it now rather than be taken by surprise. We need to increase our resilience - our ability as a community to cope with the coming shocks. Regaining our resilience will allow us to cope better not just with energy shocks but it also offers opportunities for each community to develop its own positive way forward.

3. Visioning

Why do most of people not do anything to cope with Climate Change and Peak Oil? One of the reasons why they do not do it is because there is not an encouraging future scenario for which to fight, so they think they cannot achieve anything acting alone. Media, films, environmental campaigns… always show future scenarios where horrible things and big catastrophes are going to happen. But future can be very different if we want, and this is one of the keys of the Transition Movement, to have a positive vision of the future: that is to think how we would like to live in ten, twenty or thirty years from now and work in that direction.

5. Awareness Raising

To engage as many people as possible we need to do awareness raising. We can organize different events such as film screenings, talks, workshops, exhibitions, etc… but which events do we organize? We have to think what kind of people are our public, asking ourselves the following questions:

- Who needs what? People are at different stages of change (see diagram below) and we have to provide different events for different stages. For example, someone who is at the precontemplation stage needs information, so a film or a talk would be good for it but someone who is at the preparation stage needs the tools which will allow him or her to take action e.g. learning new skills or having easy access to bus timetables.

- Who is our community? Our community can be interested in different topics (food, transport, education…), coming from different backgrounds (cultures, countries, age, income…), have different styles of learning (mental, emotion, kinaesthetic, physical) and with different values and motivations.

- When are people available? We need to connect with them when and where they are most receptive.

- How many do we need to reach? A difficult question to answer, probably when we feel we have engaged enough people to carry on our initiative.

6. Initiating Group

To start a Transition Initiative it is necessary to form an initiating group whose purpose will be to set up the first stages of the Transition Town, such as awareness raising (plan schedule of events, external communication), networking (representation from other groups on initiating group, liaison with other groups), working groups (set up, support, co-ordinate), great unleashing (event to publicise and gain wider support for transition work) and planning their own demise (developing new and appropriate structures as the transition work develops).

7. Launch

Celebrating is also important and organising an Unleashing can help to give a boost to our initiative. It is the opportunity to show what has been happening in the previous months or years by getting together all the people we have engaged and by involving local organisations and government. All of this will help us to take further steps forward.

8. Psychology of Change – The Inner World

The human brain has a dual nature (an inner and outer world) which affects us in our daily life. Our actions and way of living depend on how we feel, and the outer world has an influence on this. For example, if we are constantly criticised and attacked more than valued and accepted, we will have a negative vision of the world and think we are not capable of doing lots of things. We learn from these experiences both positive and negative, and we adapt our behaviour in order to feel safe more than unsafe. In transition some people can feel very insecure about the future, and taking action to change things and make a better future can help us to feel better. Also seeing the results of our work encourages us to continue to take action, so it is very important to support this in our Transition Initiative. If a Transition group is going to survive then it needs to understand the feelings and motivations of group members and nurture them. This is why in many Transition groups the “Heart and Soul” group is important and we need to develop and use a range of tools to facilitate this.

9. Open Space

Open Space is a tool to organise meetings where we want to discuss a specific topic and people to express their opinions without any restriction. How does it work? People attending the meeting know in advance the topic which will be discussed and the facilitator will invite them to write specific questions about that topic on condition that they will chair the discussion about their question. If there are too many questions they are put together under themes with an agreed chair. Then each chair person goes to a table to hold the discussion and then everyone else goes to whichever topic they prefer - but critically only stay as long as they want and are allowed to and indeed encouraged to change to another discussion group whenever they want. At the end of the meeting, each chair person will summarize the key points of each discussion. After the meeting, the facilitator can put together all the information and share it with everyone.

10. Later Stages of Transition – The Model so Far

What steps are needed to take forward a Transition Initiative? The diagram below suggests how it can be done - although we do not need to follow it to the letter, since each Transition initiative is different.

The Transition Movement has spread rapidly around the world with 255 “Official” Initiatives (December 2009) and thousands “mulling”. My great discovery… there are some groups who have started a Transition Initiative in Spain!

Reflections

As someone who has recently discovered the Transition Movement and having only worked for one for a few months, I found this 2 day course really useful. Firstly, because it has provided me with a global vision about the Transition Model and how it works, and secondly, because it was a great opportunity to meet people from other Transition Towns and share our experiences and thoughts (I now realise how much work Transition Stroud has done!). It was also useful because I have learnt new, techniques, games and group dynamics that can be used in meetings, workshops, courses or other events when you are the facilitator. I especially found the Open Space approach interesting.

When I first heard about Transition Towns I thought it was a great initiative and I decided I wanted to volunteer for a while with one in order to learn more about it (thanks to Transition Stroud for allowing me to come). I hope to put into practise what I have learnt here in the U.K. when I will go back to Spain. I know that everything I have learnt in my six months with Transition Stroud and on this course will be helpful in initiating action and in building local resilience to the inevitable challenges of climate change and peak oil.

Marta Suárez

June 2010

Many thanks to Erik Wilkinson for looking through this report and his useful inputs.

At the end of the Transition Training course we were e mailed a range of Transition Training resources. If anyone is interested in receiving some or all of them then please contact me - martasuarez26@gmail.com.

Transition Stroud Milestones

2010-05-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some of the milestones from Transition Stroud....what a great list of successes!

* Organised the visit of Richard Heinberg (author of The Party's Over, Peak Everything and Blackout) to Stroud to address the public and the district council on issues relating to peak oil and of Paul Mobbs (Author of Energy Beyond Oil).

* AccessBike: (see Changing Gear website) - assisting school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to purchase a (subsidised) reconditioned bicycle, helmet and padlock.

* Back2Bike: contracted by Stroud District Council to encourage the public to get back on their bikes through undertaking bike checks, cycling skills assessments and offering further training.

* Changing Gear - www.changinggear.org.uk - which encourages secondary school pupils to cycle to and from school and lobbies the local authorities to improve places that the pupils have identified through surveys as being difficult for cycling.

* Development of Personal Travel Plans for 750 pupils at Marling (secondary) School.

* Energy meters supplied to Stroud library for people to borrow

* Films - a regular series of educational films arranged over 2 years covering environmental mattes including Future of Food etc

* Food Availability in Stroud District - a report to the Local Strategic Partnership on District food requirements and production capability (report available to download here)

* Links with Spain - arranged for a Spanish ecologist from the University of Madrid to work as a volunteer with Transition Stroud from January - July 2010.

* A Think Tank on Global Changes established jointly with Stroud District Council, working through the local strategic partnership, looking at the effects of peak oil and climate change on the District and making proposals to Stroud District Council Cabinet in order to shape the long term policy framework.

* National IDeA Conference - presentation to participants from local government re Stroud District Council and Transition Stroud's experience of working together. See here.

* Low Carbon bursary to Marling School (funds raised from within the community) to release a teacher for half a day a week to focus on environmental issues

* Open Eco Homes - started the first open eco homes event in 2008 showing eco-renovation for a sustainable future, repeated in 2009 and will be again in 2010 - www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk

* Outreach - provided speakers for neighbouring transition initiatives at their inaugural meetings

* Recycling - organised volunteers to collect and recycle 40 cubic metres of waste at Nailstock music festival - see here.

* StroudCo - the new food hub linking farmers and consumers in Stroud, established in a school in Stroud by the TS (virtual) Food Group (www.stroudco.org.uk )

* Stroud Communiversity - a week long open conference style event in education and skills development jointly with Stroud Commonwealth (www.stroudcommonwealth.org.uk )

* Stroud Pound - establishment of a local currency (now a separate cooperative - www.stroudpound.org.uk )

* Textiles - Textile activities (in schools / local groups like WI etc) - 'Trashion Show', the Art of Wesley Farming, Textiles Festival "Make Do and Mend", Alternative Textiles Exhibition.

* Transition section of books established in Stroud Library.

* Tripswitch - contracted by Stroud District Council to oversee the development of this brand (www.stroudtripswitch.co.uk ) - which focuses on ways of moving away from the car - throughout the district

* SkillsShare - a series of workshops to enable people to learn sustainability skills.

Turning the environment into us

2010-05-08T06:46:00.001-07:00

This time last year I posted about a herb walk with Nathan that I had enjoyed at the Hawkwood Open Day. Nathan tells me that my enthusiasm outstripped my accuracy so I don't recommend you follow any of those prescriptions, although the spirit was right I'm sure!

This year, the burst of spring growth is being reflected in an excellent new stall we have at the Shambles Market: Rupert Burdock's Wild Food Emporium. Rupert (not his real name, sadly) makes weekly forays into the wild and brings back tasty plants which he turns into produce on his stall. This week there was wild-garlic pesto and hairy-bitter-cress cream chese. The most exciting produce was the brightly colourful dandelion and coconut ice.

'Rupert' also sells other products made from plants foraged directly from nature outside Stroud, including various types of seaweed, fungi and maple syrup. Although this does not have the beauty of reconnecting us to the local environment, it reminds us of the variety of nature's bounty. Rupert is also a keen supporter of Stroud pounds, which you can exchange for Stroud produce.

During our herb walk this year Nathan talked about how digestion is a process of 'making the environment into us'. Transition is all about being more involved in your local community, but eating local brings you into an automatic connection with your local environment. The Wild Food Emporium makes this connection deeper still.

Low Carbon Bursary to Marling School

2010-02-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Transitioners, the Transition Stroud Low Carbon Bursary to Marling School is releasing a teacher for half a day a week for 2 terms to focus on environmental issues. It is going well and there is already a sea-change in attitude and level of activity. Dave Cockcroft recently addressed the Marling Environmental Forum on renewable energy. Attached is a note on the first meeting between the staff involved and Transition Stroud and below is an extract from the February school newsletter. The cost of the bursary is £1,270. Of this, £1,000 has so far been raised - of which £400 has come from nine Transitioners and £100 from Transition Stroud's core funds. An earlier request for financial support on ANNOUNCE yielded no response - which was disappointing - and I have raised a further £500 from friends, contacts and extended family who are not involved with TS. However, I feel that for the bursary to be in the name of Transition Stroud more than half of the funds should come from TS members. I am sure that there are more than nine Transitioners who would like to support this pioneering initiative - which received such a warm response when it was announced in the Millennium Dome. If you would like to chip in with something, please send your cheque made out to Transition Stroud to Liz Hillary at 14,Burdett Road, Stonehouse, GL10 2JW. I will be working in Malawi for the next three weeks and hope that when I return we will be approaching our target. With thanks, John Meadley

Transition Stroud, Resilience and SkillsGain

2010-02-19T06:50:00.000-08:00

Transition Stroud, Resilience and SkillsGain

To be strong as a community, given climate change and peak oil, we need to have as many people as possible with sustainable skills- and we need a culture of skills sharing. Both will make an important contribution to Stroud’s resilience. This article looks at how individual and group learning (SkillsGain) might contribute to this resilience. It argues for the concept of resilience to be discussed and included in Transition Stroud’s mission statement. It seeks support for starting a Stroud SkillsGain working group which would identify current learning that contributes to resilience- and which would identify, promote and deliver whatever additional learning was needed.

Introduction

In the Transition Handbook Rob Hopkins writes that to effectively address climate change the resilience of the groups taking action is critical. By “resilience he means

“the ability of a system from individual people to whole economies, to hold together and maintain their ability to function in the face of change and shocks from the outside”

He argues that:

“in our current (and long overdue) efforts to drastically cut carbon emissions we must give equal importance to the building, or more accurately the rebuilding of resilience. Indeed I will argue that cutting emissions without resilience building is ultimately futile.”

Hopkins goes on to identify the three essential features that are central to a systems ability to reorganise itself following shocks. These are:

Diversity: The number of elements (people, species, businesses, institutions, food sources) that make up that diversity but also the number of connections between them.

Modularity: The manner in which the components that make up the system are linked. A more modular structure means that parts of a system can more effectively self organise in the event of a shock.

Tightness of Feedbacks: How quickly and strongly the consequences of a change in one part of the system are felt and responded in other parts. Tightening feedback loops will have beneficial results allowing us to bring the consequences of our actions closer to home, rather than their being so far from our awareness that they don’t even register.

I would submit from the above two key conclusions for Transition Stroud:

The importance of mission and vision statements that are discussed, debated and owned by the widest number of Stroud residents – and which include. and make reference to resilience

The importance of Learning or “SkillsGain” in contributing to resilience and a sense of community.

Vision and Mission Statements for Transition Stroud

The vision: Good practice suggests there are a number of approaches to this – “A mental image of a possible and desirable future state “; “a desirable challenge for members of the organisation”; “A backdrop for the purpose and strategy of the organisation”. So a suggestion:

Transition Stroud’s vision is to become a global beacon for change through its citizens positive engagement in implementing solutions to the global challenge of climate change.

Mission: Good practice indicates it needs to, state the beneficiaries, the organisation/service provides, the boundaries, the effect of the service provided and the value base. We need to adapt this for Transition Stroud so something along the lines of:

The purpose of Transition Stroud is to engage as many of the residents of Stroud District as possible in initiatives that reduce and minimise Stroud Districts contribution to climate change This to be achieved in a way that increases the resilience, skills and sense of community within the district.

Critical to the adoption of such a vision is the engagement process, consultation, meetings, discussions, disagreements and consensus.

SkillsGain

Learning and skills acquisition are likely to be critical to the development of both resilience and a sense of community. Indeed SkillsGain’s mission needs to reflect this:

The purpose of Transition Stroud’s SkillsGain Working Group is to increase Stroud Districts resilience to climate change and peak oil. This to be achieved through:
a programme of engagement events with Stroud residents
publicising current local relevant learning opportunities
offering additional relevant individual and group learning opportunities that increase resilience
monitoring and reviewing resilence

Practically the mission can be achieved in a number of ways:

1. Engagement events – such as the “What happened in Copenhagen” and other events that seek to engage the maximum number of Stroud residents. This could be via schools, colleges and open events.

2. Networking and publicising relevant existing local courses - such as the FairShares mechanics course

3. Networking and publicising relevant – regional/national organisations such as Leasure learners www.leasurelearner.com and www.justfortheloveofit.org

4. Engaging current Transition Stroud Working Groups – to deliver themed workshops to the Stroud community

5. Engaging with other Transition Towns – to identify relevant learning and how it is delivered. To learn from them.

6. Developing a SkillsGain Working Group – to organise, publicise and review relevant learning and skills in order to then assess and evaluate progress against the groups mission statement

Delivering Skills and Learning to meet needs

Much research has been undertaken on learning styles and needs. Individuals vary in their need to understand the theoretical framework of learning, how much time they need to reflect, the relevance of the learning to their situation and how much group or individual hands on learning there needs to be.

Learning is most cost effective in (small) groups and for many people this is an appropriate and successful method. For some skills gain needs to be delivered through one to one support and even one to one ongoing support. To deliver its mission SkillsGain needs to acknowledge and respond to this.

How to Organise and Fund SkillsGain

Options could include the SkillsGain Working Group:

· Agreeing definitions - of learning and skills events that map on to the groups mission statement
· Organising and promoting - engagement events and Working Groups events plus linking with “Partner Projects” to encourage appropriate courses from them
· Researching and identifying – good practice in other Transition Towns world wide
· Implementing – effective ways of engaging the with the Stroud Community
· Exploring – partnerships with statutory agencies such as community education
· Accessing – funding to promote the mission of both SkillsGain and Transition Stroud
· Developing – systems that promote both easy access to learning and individuals who will deliver training either to groups or individuals either on a voluntary or paid basis (or both)
· Evaluating – progress against SkillsGain mission statement

Conclusion

Rob Hopkins identifies building resilience as a critical element in locally tackling climate change. In Stroud the number of connections between us; the quality of these linkages and our responsiveness to shocks to our community are critical to building this resilience. Learning and a sense of the community gaining in skills to positively engage with the future is also key. Coming together to learn, share and support each other could make an important contribution to resilience. We need to identify, promote and deliver learning that contributes to resilience and deliver it in ways that recognise different learning styles and needs. This needs to be initiated through a SkillsGain Working Group supported by the wider movement.

Erik Wilkinson
January 2010

Acknowledgements:
The Transition Handbook (2008) - Rob Hopkins
Transition Stroud Draft Strategy (October 2009) - Gail Bradbook*

If you might be interested in getting involved in a SkillsGain Working Group please e mail erik.w@virgin.net

* Draft strategy available from gail@citizensonline.org.uk although Gail is working on an update and it may be best to wait for the next version

Woodfuel projects

2010-02-12T13:54:00.000-08:00

Philip Booth writes about hopes for a woodfuel project in Randwick building on the work enclosed below from other local woodfuel projects.

Well our hopes to have a wood fuel project in Randwick are moving ahead - 8 of us met recently one very snowy night at the Vine Tree - 14 more have expressed interest but snow and ice prevented any car movements that night. We hope to set up a group that meets monthly to cut wood for use at home. The details are still being worked out but in the meantime I have been given permission to post here details of two proposals that were put together by a different wood fuel group in Stroud.

Photos: First pic taken as leaving pub after meeting and pics of Randwick woods - or rather Standish Woods as they are properly known as....

The Stroud group had two proposals that I think could be useful models for others. There is also a Transition Minchinhampton group that works on the Common with the National Trust - see here - they work to help improve the area but also take some wood away in return for their labour. By all accounts this is also a great project but more casual in that folk don't turn up every month.

Anyway I've edited the Stroud groups' notes to remove names and particular details as they requested. First up is a pilot proposal for a Community Wood Fuel Project in a private wood followed by more details about how the project developed. The second proposal is for a Pilot Proposal to the National Trust that wasn't pursued due to the success of the other proposal.

1. Community Wood Fuel Project in a private wood

Aims of the Community Wood Fuel Project
The project is intended to benefit both community members and the woodland owners, a local college, by sensitive extraction of firewood from the woodlands. The main aims are to:
* provide an opportunity for local households to cut their own firewood at low cost
* reduce fuel miles
* supply firewood for college
* maintain and improve the woodland landscape around the college on a sustainable basis

Pilot Project
A small-scale, half-day pilot session is suggested, as it will bring to light many of the practical and administrative issues that could arise in a longer term project. Six households will be recruited, each of which will need to provide one 'worker'. In return for a session fee of £10 per household, they will be entitled to a share of the wood that is cut and hauled to the road. A share will be set aside for the woodland owners, which will also receive the session fees. For the pilot, a qualified chainsaw operator will operate the chainsaw and provide a tractor, trailer and tools for the volunteers.

This first session will focus mainly on wood that has already been cut down, which will otherwise rot with no benefit to anyone. Future sessions would focus on coppicing or thinning of mature trees (to allow the woodland to regenerate) and the volunteers will be required to re-plant where appropriate. Cut wood will be hauled by tractor and trailer to the access road and volunteers will be responsible for moving from there to their homes and storing it. Volunteers will also be responsible for moving the landowners share to an on-site store.
Health & Safety
The college will give a compulsory health and safety talk to volunteers and will cover the project with its volunteer insurance policy. Only the college staff member will be allowed to use a chainsaw. Households can bring children to the session but only if they can provide a second adult who will be responsible for their care full time. Children will not be permitted into the actual work area while there is work in progress.

Project gets established
The College Wood Fuel Project started in 2008. It is a community-based group which uses voluntary input to harvest fuel on a sustainable basis for wood-burning stoves in the Stroud area. There is a maximum of 12 members, of which 8 - 10 typically attend work sessions. These are held each month (except July & August) and members pay £40 pa to cover the costs of chainsaw use, depreciation of equipment etc. There is an additional fee of £5 for each session where wood is taken home (some sessions focus on preparation, replanting etc). The wood is shared equally amongst those attending and, because of the voluntary labour, is generally worth substantially more than the total fee. A share is also provided for the College.

Benefits of the project
1. Sustainable energy supply: wood is harvested from the College's woodlands at a rate that can be replaced by regeneration and fuel miles are very low, as members live close by. Since CO2 equivalent to that released by burning is recaptured in new growth, net carbon emissions are very low. (From the wood itself they are zero; some net emissions result from vehicle and chainsaw use but at a much lower level than conventional domestic heating systems or industrialised wood fuel supplies.)
2. Woodland management and biodiversity: the project works in accordance with a woodland management plan which includes coppicing, replanting and removal of invasive species such as laurel and sycamore, all of which encourages diversity of native species and maintains the interest of the College woodlands - and their value as a teaching resource.
3. Woodland skills: participants are learning a variety of woodland management skills including species recognition, felling, coppicing, planting and axemanship.
4. Community building: the project is valued for its social aspects as well as for the fuel supply and has already expanded its membership. The low cost of participation and net savings on fuel expenditure means that it is open to households on low incomes.
5. Personal fitness: cutting and hauling firewood is physically demanding outdoor work which, with sensible health and safety precautions, improves personal fitness and wellbeing.
6. Replicability: The approach could be used as a model (with modifications, if necessary) in other woodlands.

Details of wood
Area: approx 5 hectares. Woodland type: NVC W12 Fagus sylvatica - Mercurialis perennis. Altitudinal limits: 110-170 metres. Status: AONB. General description: A horseshoe shaped woodland on sloping ground around the main house at the College. The southern/ south-eastern arm is quite steep and is mainly older beech (100+ years) with some encroachment of sycamore and ash. There is some understorey of box, hazel and yew, quite dense in places. There is little ground flora due to the shading. Moving northward there is slightly more sycamore (40-80 years) and an area of yew with laurel understorey, and some elder where light permits. Moving to the northern arm there is younger plantation on more level ground. This was planted in the early 60s after clearfelling and is beech with larch as a nurse crop. There is a fair quantity of ash, elm and sycamore as well. Closest to the buildings there is a group of yew. There is more ground flora here including dogs mercury and ramsones. Soil: Thin calcareous soils on Cotswold brash, getting more clayey further down the slope Land use: In the past few decades there has been minimal management - mainly clearing windblown or dangerous trees, or clearing undergrowth. The beech trees planted in the 60s have in places been overgrown by the larch nurse crop. The wood surrounds the main house and borders organic farm land on the inner part of the horseshoe and has conventionally farmed land on the outside of the horseshoe. A short distance to the north is further woodland. Access is possible from the track along the northern boundary as well as from the field on the inner part of the horseshoe. Evaluation: The woodland is extremely important on a very local level. For the college itself the wood as a backdrop and resource for tranquil relaxation is invaluable. The wood is fairly visible from further away and is close to Stroud and used by many walkers. No rare or unusual species were found, but the wood's value in it being a fairly representative local woodland. Its value for the college would be increased through further firewood production.

Management aim
To maintain a broadleaved semi-natural woodland that produces firewood and occasional boards, whilst ensuring the peaceful woodland atmosphere and quality is not compromised.

Management objectives
Primary objectives:
To maintain a beautiful accessible woodland
To maintain beech high forest in soutern/ south-eastern arm
To instate system of coppice with standards to replace young plantation in northern arm
Secondary objectives:
To provide informal, low impact public recreation.
To provide firewood for college
To allow the running of the local firewood co-op.

Constraints
No rights of way are present in the woodland. Vehicular access is difficult to the south/ south-eastern arm. There are certain areas where work should be minimised in order to maintain the atmosphere around the house and the meditation centre.
Resources: The firewood co-operative could be developed to carry out a certain amount of work. Further fund-raising/grant application by the College may result in further resources.

Prescriptions
Primary - General: Favouring a variety of appropriate native species of different ages and different management principles
In southern/ south-eastern arm: Selective thinning, mainly of sycamore to maintain beech, encourage natural regeneration of beech and allow some light to the ground. Control of the understorey to reasonable levels. Will include clearing/thinning some yew/holly/box
In northern arm: Clearfelling very small coupes of plantation and replanting with coppice - mainly hazel but utilising ash and elm regrowth.
Area around centre: Some thinning and clearing to maintain a natural amenity woodland.
Yew trees adjoining buildings: To maintain.
Secondary - To maintain existing paths through the woodland
Felled wood to be processed for firewood

Sessions and payments reviewed
We will plan for 10 monthly half-day sessions, with no meetings in July & August. Sessions will normally be held on the second Sunday of the month and will run from 10am - 1pm. (But the June session will be on 21st.). In deciding a payment structure, we tried to satisfy three requirements:
* ensuring that the chainsaw operators are adequately recompensed;
* using payments as a way of establishing commitment;
* ensuring fairness by creating an incentive for people to turn up on days when no wood will be taken, as well as days when it is.
The decision we reached is that all members (except chainsaw operators) should pay an annual 'joining fee' of £40 in advance plus a further £5 on days when wood is taken.
The money collected in advance would be used to pay each chainsaw operator £20 for each session. Any surpluses arising could be used to make additional payments to the chainsaw operators, cover deficits, buy equipment or put in the beer kitty.
The £40 advance payment would be required by the next session (21st June). Where the payment is not made within a reasonable time, that person's place would be offered to someone else.

Plan review
Due to this being the first plan for some time, it will be reviewed in 2012 by all parties.

2. Stroud Community Wood Fuel Project - Pilot Proposal to National Trust

Aims of the Stroud Community Wood Fuel Project
The project is still in the early stages of development but, when up and running, is intended to benefit both its membership and local landowners by sensitive extraction of firewood from land that is not suitable for commercial forestry. This will be managed so as to enhance the conservation value of the land whilst supplying members with free (or low-cost) firewood with very low 'fuel miles'.

Pilot Project with the National Trust
A small-scale one-day pilot scheme is likely to bring to light many of the practical and administrative issues associated with this kind of project and therefore seems a sensible first step. The National Trust (NT) has substantial holdings of forestry land in the vicinity of Stroud, much of which is of limited commercial value, due to access difficulties and the NT's conservation objectives. The pilot will focus on NT woodland at Ebworth. This is predominantly native broadleaf on steep hillsides, with some problem species, and particularly sycamore. The project will involve felling of sycamores and their removal for firewood, bringing the following benefits:
For NT
* Removal of an invasive species, with consequent improvement of the conservation value of the land
* Involvement of local people with the land and activities of the NT
For community members
* Greater understanding of woodland conservation and forestry practice
* Access to free (or low-cost) wood fuel
Globally
* Use of a local and renewable fuel resource

Practical Arrangements
For the pilot project only, based on previous discussions, the proposed arrangement is that NT will provide access to its land, a qualified chainsaw operator, volunteers' insurance cover, safety instruction and appropriate tools and protective equipment. The Wood Fuel Project will provide a small (say, 6 - 10) group of able bodied, responsible adults and the transport necessary for taking away the firewood. If all the cut wood cannot be removed that day, it would be helpful to keep open the possibility of a return visit to collect it.
Initially at least, it would be helpful to target trees that are reasonably close to access roads and preferably uphill from these if the land is steep. It may be sensible not to select some older trees in order to avoid complications with possible bat roosts.
The most suitable time would probably be a Saturday or Sunday morning in September. This will allow time to set up the group and complete any paperwork required. It will also take the pilot well clear of the nesting season. For the pilot at least, no payments are envisaged between NT and the project.

Next Steps
The following actions will be required to progress the pilot project.
* NT to comment on this proposal and request any amendments or clarifications
* NT to meet again with the project representative and to visit potential work sites
* Project to recruit a suitable group of volunteers
* Project to arrange for transport of the wood from site
* NT and project to agree date for pilot work day

Follow up
If the pilot work day is successful, it is likely that NT and the project will meet again to consider terms for an ongoing arrangement. Issues such as safety, insurance and transport are likely to need particular attention.

Big thanks to Nigel Westaway for sharing his work on these projects.

Eco-Renovation Open Homes 2010 first meeting

2010-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

Last week we had a meeting re the Eco-Renovation Open Homes 2010. Last year was the second year we organised this event and it was again hugely successful - attracting hundreds of visits to the open homes. Now we have agreed to go for it again this year.

It is a huge task to get all the homes sorted, insurance, funding, publicity, leaflets designed and delivered etc but we have a new team assembled with old faces like myself. We would welcome help so if you are interested please get in touch.

In previous years we've had a minibus energy safari around the homes, eco-homes walks, cafe and an installers fair - all of which we plan again - plus we introduced the energy monitors into libraries.

This year we would love to have more homes open but to also focus on a low income project and have some exciting ideas to pursue regarding that - one further idea is electric bikes - last year an electric bike turned up and provided much interest - this year we hope to schedule something into the programme.

See report of last years event now available to download from link here.

Help Issy get to Copenhagen

2009-10-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a post I put on Ruscombe Green and folk have asked if it can go on this site as well - so here it is with some slight changes.....

Today's blog action day - Issy Ellis-Cockcroft, 18 (see photo below) from Stroud who recently spoke at our Transition Stroud AGM, is trying to raise enough money to be one of 21 young people traveling to the Copenhagen Climate Conference 2009 as part of the UK Youth Delegation, on behalf of the UKYCC (UK Youth Climate Coalition).

Issy's letter is below but I should also mention that Stroud Greens were out on the street last weekend (see photo below) helping to increase the pressure on our government to negotiate for an ambitious, fair and binding climate deal in Copenhagen. Greens had a petition which Issy will take and present to the UK negotiators in Copenhagen. Here's stuff from the leaflet they were using:

Urgent decisions need to be made at the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit in December that will affect not only us here in Stroud, but much more acutely many of the world's poorest people and the very life support systems of our planet.

Increasing the pressure on our government will help them negotiating for an ambitious, fair and binding climate deal in Copenhagen.

We can all do things in the next few weeks that will help make a difference:

Gloucester Climate Change March and Lobby of MPs and MEP – Sat 17th Oct 11.30-12.30 Gloucester – starting at Council Offices and going to the Cross. find out more...
Donate to support the UK Youth Delegation and the Kenyan Youth Delegation who are attending the conference to give voice to the world's young people and generations to come. Stroud teenager Issy Ellis-Cockcroft is part of the UK delegation – find out how to support them on her blog at www.livingonsunshine.org.uk
Sign the Stroud-Copenhagen petition which Issy will take to Copenhagen – and get your family, neighbours and work colleagues to sign too. Download a copy for use at your school, club or social group: click here to download the Copenhagen Petition - please return to John Marjoram (address on the petition) by December 1st.
Support Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Milliband on his pledge to fight for a “climate deal that's ambitious, effective and fair”. www.edspledge.com
Keep the pressure on Gordon Brown for an ambitious global climate deal by signing to “Back the Bid” at www.actoncopenhagen.gov.uk
Support www.350.org international day of action on October 24th and other campaigns for on this issue – see www.tcktcktck.org
Get stuck in to a carbon reduction of 10% during 2010 – join Stroud District Council, your Green Party District Councillors and many more individuals, businesses and organisations who have already taken the 10:10 pledge – www.1010uk.org
Join the National Climate Demo in London on 5th Dec – www.stopclimatechaos.org
Watch out for information about coaches from Stroud to London for this big demo on the eve of the Copenhagen Conference.

Here's Issy's letter:

If a global deal on climate change is to be in place by 2012 when the Kyoto protocol expires, it must be agreed in Copenhagen, otherwise it will not be ratified in time.

Why is a global deal so important? I’m sure many of you have your own answers to this. My answer is that with each passing year the fact that climate change is not a future possibility but a present reality becomes clearer. From the millions now facing starvation in East Africa to the 22,000 who died in Europe in the 2003 heatwave. And every time, events are shown to be moving faster and happening sooner than the science expected.

The prediction for ice-free Arctic summers has fallen from 2080, to 2050, to 2013. I had the chance to visit the High Arctic in July 2007, as sea-ice coverage hit a record low. I stood on the edge of the polar ice-cap and watched the rain. This shouldn’t happen; it’s like seeing snow in the desert. All of human history has taken place during a phase of relative climate stability. We have never experienced the kind of changes we are setting in motion, yet we play with fire as if we can’t get burnt.

Under Agenda 21 the UN must involve young people in decisions that will affect their future as part of “intergenerational equity”. As a delegation we therefore have seats at the Copenhagen Conference and can speak in the Plenary Hall in front of hundreds of world leaders and decision makers. So if we can get to Copenhagen, we can make ourselves heard. But to get there we need to raise £1500 each to cover travel, accommodation and food. And perhaps more important than getting ourselves there, we also need to raise enough to fund the Kenyan Youth Delegation to get to the conference. Without our help they will not be able to attend. For the Kenyan Delegation climate change is now a daily reality. As they described in their last email to us “over 10 million Kenyans are presently starving as drought continues to ravage virtually every corner of our nation.” Global warming is a global problem; it therefore requires a global solution. But this will not be achieved in an equitable way, if at all, without the strong presence of developing nations.

Between now and December we will all be working hard to spread the message, in our local community and across the UK, that we have to act now to call for a global agreement that will deliver what the science demands. It is 17 years since the Earth Summit in Rio. After 17 years of UNFCCC conferences, endless discussions, and empty promises to cut emissions we have finally run out of time. It has to be now because we won’t get another shot.

On Mon 7th of Sept 10 of us from the UKYCC delegation met with some of the UK’s core team of UN negotiators at the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC). They spoke about how the actions of UKYCC delegations at previous climate conferences had made a dramatic impact and really served to remind decision makers that this is not just another conference to get through before Christmas, or a stepping-stone in their career. But that the lives and livelihoods of billions of peoples hang on these decisions.

One of UKYCC’s most powerful questions at previous conferences was “How old will you be in 2050?” I will be 59. Most negotiators won’t have to see the state of the world in 2050. Help us raise the funds to get to Copenhagen so that when our futures are on the line, we can remind decision makers that we all have to live in this world and whatever state they leave it in, they are leaving it to us.

And to donate please go to http://act.ukycc.org/copenhagen
Or post a cheque, made out to ‘UK Youth Climate Coalition', to 4 Modbury Gardens, London, NW5 3QE. Please include a note saying you are donating on my behalf. All donations will be split between the UK and Kenyan Delegations.

Find out more and support the Youth Delegation on her blog.

Transition Stroud AGM

2009-09-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday from 2pm to 8m Transition Stroud members came together to share where the project has got to, the appointment of Directors as we are now a not-for-profit company and shared food and two bands. See more pics here.

Photo: Helen Royall outlining the day's events

Pearls in the Oyster

2009-09-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

Having spent yesterday morning selling Stroud pounds I spent the afternoon in one of the necessary, but not always entirely joyful, organisational meetings that we have shared during our Transition process. It was chaired with affability, firmness, charm and tact by Nigel Westaway, and I am truly grateful to those other members of TS who keep this structural vehicle on the road - Helen, Mike, Simon and John.

I have a difficult role in these processes. I used to think that it was just that I am a difficult person, but advancing years and a greater degree of reflection have brought me to realise that my ability to be critical and step back and have another perspective on our activities is my role. Although I always feel respected and valued for this - which is one of the reasons I live in Stroud! - it is an uncomfortable job and one that can require a great deal of energy.

'Constant vigilance is the price of freedom' is a great slogan, but what does it mean? To me, it means that, because we cannot be sure precisely what put us in the mess we are in, we must question everything. An important recent example for Transition Stroud is the process of incorporation. While we know that the limited liability company has emerged from exactly the system of exploitative economics that is driving the planet to destruction, we can also see how using it wisely could greatly help to facilitate our work.

Another example is the first paragraph of the Portland energy action plan, which was circulated at the meeting. It neatly explains how, according to economic theory, the market system works to ration scarce resources, so that as they are running out prices rise. This is the very same economic system that I spend my working life trying to eradicate, because I know that it is a power play to preserve the position of those who over-exploit and extract an unfair share of the earth's resources. The real causes of changes in the prices of commodities - wars, speculation on futures markets, corporate shenanigans - do not feature in these bogus but culturally accepted explanations.

The best and most radical things that we can do as Transition Stroud are those that arise from our critical insights and turn into subversive tools that have change designed into them but move beyond our control and become active in the hands of people we don't even know. I hope the Stroud pound is designed like this. Radical comes from the Latin word for Root, and French philospher Gilles Deleuze talks about the rhizome as an image for how change comes about. A root-system of underground potentialities burst into unexpected life in distant places. Our job is to plant the rhizomes, ensure that the soil is fertile, and welcome the plants as they emerge. This is my view of a Transition strategy.

I know that others in the group are just as wary of standard structures and ways of doing things - not to mention funding applications with their in-built cultural assumptions - and I feel reassured by this. I'm even more cheered that James has agreed to be a director. I know that when the two of us are exhausted with taking a critical edge there will be others who will take our place.

I originally thought of this role of constant vigilance against the tyrannical structures of authority as being a thorn in the side or perhaps a fly in the ointment. But now I think the best metaphor is pearls in the oyster. I can imagine us as that little bit of grit that, in some miraculous process of exchange with its host, creates a beautiful gem.

'Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men [and women!], undergo the fatigue of supporting it.' -- Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4, 1777

Eco-Renovation Open Homes weekend: a monster success

2009-09-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Below is some of what we sent to the press regarding the Stroud Eco Renovation Open Homes this last weekend - plus details of talk coming up in October - it really was a great weekend - the weather was wonderful and home owners wonderfully informative - I managed to get around several of the homes - photos enclosed with this blog - more info about the homes on the Open Homes website - I'll do another separate blog re the installers fair and Social Enterprise Centre at The Exchange (see here).

First two photos: new build in Rodborough with rainwater harvesting, solar and lots more.

Saturday began with helping set up the exhibition at the Exchange - balloons and all - they were from Open Heriatge and sadly not biodegradable but am sure helped people find their way to exhibits. Of course this weekend has been full of other activities like the launch of the Stroud Pound and Fairtrade directory plus Randwick Horticultural Show. Helen Royall, the coordinator this year has been amazing - there are a hundred jobs to do with a project like this and she managed to get it all together in a wonderful way! Anyway here's that press release below...

Photos: The Hill - this little bungalow converted into this modern home with sedum roof, aluminum floors, a wonderful balcony plus various eco-measures like the air source heat pump

Helen Royall, Coordinator of the project this year said: "We are delighted by the hugely positive response from visitors to the homes and exhibitions. We had over 20 homes open to show measures like insulation, wood pellet boilers, solar, sedum roofs and rainwater harvesting plus the installers fair."

Helen Royall continued: "I am still collecting info regarding the numbers of visits, but it looks set to be well over 600 plus 200 people going to exhibition at The Exchange. We are also hoping people will switch to local energy company Ecotricity on their green tariff as each time Transition Stroud gets £25 to help fund future low carbon projects like Open Homes (i)."

Photos: Far Westrip farm with solar, a meter that goes backwards, a Greenfuels converter of chipfat to biodiesel and a wood pellet boiler

Philip Booth, who helped organise said: "Helen Royall has organised a resoundingly successful event. Thanks indeed. This is all about giving people the chance to see, touch and hear at first hand from homeowners about their eco-renovations: the highs and the lows, what worked and what didn't. With new feed-in tariffs and rising energy prices there has never been a better time to invest in these measures."

Philip Booth added: "If people missed the event advice from the Energy Savings Trust and SWEA is excellent. There is also the 'Low Carbon Home Show' on Tuesday 6th October in Painswick Town Hall with free advice from experts: booking essential on 01452 835076."

Photo: Wall at Co-Housing in Uplands and view of co-housing

Big Thanks

Philip Booth added: "Big thanks to the many that helped including Debbie Hewitt for organising the walk, Liz Hillary for the website, Graham Stanley from the Gloucestershire Minibus Sharing Scheme, Ecotricity, Stroud District Council, Stroud Town Council, Helen and Peter Nightingale for pizzas, cream teas and cafe, Stroud Valleys Project and Heritage Open Days. Of course special thanks must go to all the homeowners who are so very kindly opening their homes to the public."

Photos: Nightingale pizzas on the Sunday - yum indeed! See my blog from a while ago re how to make one of those ovens here.

For more information on Open Homes call Helen Royall on 755509 or email admin(at)transitionstroud.org

We will be writing a full report of the event in the next weeks but you can see more about the homes and the project at: http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Photos: Ecoglass recycled work top in home in Rodborough - made from granite chips and more - looks great! Glos Minibus Sharing Scheme with Graham Stanley.

Notes

(i) Ecotricity is an electricity company with a difference. As green energy pioneers, Ecotricity is dedicated to building new wind turbines to fight climate change. Switching is easy and it's the biggest single step you can take to reduce your emissions and protect the environment. Act now and sign up to Ecotricity at www.ecotricity.co.uk/transtroud or by ringing free on 08000 302302 and quote ‘Transition Stroud’. Transition Stroud receives a kind donation from Ecotricity every time someone makes the switch.

Bank of Stroud Open for Business

2009-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Stroud pound is officially launched. Now begins the business of lengthy conversations over counters and cups of coffee to persuade the good people of this town why it really matters what kind of paper they use to exchange their goods with.

The launch went off very well, in spite of the numerous other exciting events in Stroud at the moment. The photo shows (left to right) Sharmila, Molly and Charley (bankers to the unwashed), with John Rhodes in his unreconstructed t-shirt, Pete North, local currency expert from Liverpool University, and Bernard Jarman.

Kathy Lee unveiled the most valuable note - a £10 in red themed with apples and with Laurie Lee as the figure head. I wonder if we will soon be lending each other Lauries when we buy each other pints. We have one pub that is on the verge of joining up and two others with keen interest.

The most exciting thing was taking the money into a local shop to see if it 'worked'. I headed for Walkers the Baker for a loaf of bread and an iced bun. The girl behind the counter didn't turn a hair, taking the new note as though she had been used to them all her life.

Those who support our transition to a resilient local economy are encouraged to talk to the shopkeepers they trade with regularly to encourage them to the join the scheme. Offering Stroud pounds or even just asking if they are accepted in the local shops is crucial to boosting the number of outlets and increasing the local money multiplier.

Eco-Renovation Open Homes

2009-09-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

Places left on the Minibus Energy Safari

The Stroud Eco Renovation Open Homes organised by Transition Stroud Energy group weekend returns on September 12th and 13th after last year's huge success that saw over 1,100 visits to homes and the exhibition. This year there will be eco-installer stalls at The Exchange in Brick Row, Stroud on Saturday - the first chance for the public to view the eco-renovation of that building. We also have over 20 homes that will be opening to share their eco-renovations plus we have pizzas, cream teas and the wonderful Nightingale's Cafe.

Our leaflet has details of the event and opening times of the homes: it is available in libraries and many other places plus on our website: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk. There is no need to book and no charge. It is a great opportunity to see measures like internal and external insulation, wood pellet boilers, air source heat pumps, gas condensing boilers, PV, rainwater harvesting and more. We still have places left on our minibus safaris that take in the homes each day. There is a £5 charge for the safari - details from Graham Stanley on 01453 766882 and £5 tickets from Stroud Tourist Information. Plus a few places left on the eco-walk walk.

This year Transition Stroud have negotiated a deal with local green energy company Ecotricity so that anyone switching to Ecotricity's green tariff will lead to a donation to Transition Stroud getting £25 to help fund future low carbon projects like Open Homes (i). The Open Homes event is also part of the Heritage Open Days weekend: http://www.heritageopendays.org/

We are delighted to have the support of many people and groups including Ecotricity who have sponsored this year's leaflet plus wonderful support from Stroud District Council, Stroud Town Council and Heritage Open Days. Of course special thanks must go to all the homeowners who are so very kindly opening their homes to the public.

For more information on Open Homes call Helen Royall on 01453 755509, Philip Booth on 01453 755451 or email admin(at)transitionstroud.org

See more about the project at:
http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Notes
(i) Ecotricity is an electricity company with a difference. As green energy pioneers, Ecotricity is dedicated to building new wind turbines to fight climate change. Switching is easy and it's the biggest single step you can take to reduce your emissions and protect the environment. Act now and sign up to Ecotricity at www.ecotricity.co.uk/transtroud or by ringing free on 08000 302302 and quote ‘Transition Stroud’. Transition Stroud receives a kind donation from Ecotricity every time someone makes the switch.

Stroud Pound to be Launched in Threadneedle Street

2009-08-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

The official unveiling of the exquisitely designed Stroud Pound will take place on Threadneedle Street, outside the offices of the Stroud Valleys Project and opposite Stroud’s very own Old Lady (Teashop) on Saturday 12th September at 10 am. Four denominations of Stroud Pound vouchers will then be available to exchange for sterling on a 1-to-1 basis.

The notes, designed by local artist Ronan Schoemaker and produced by local currency collector Steve Charlwood, are like miniature histories of the economic and cultural life of the Five Valleys. The most prominent local celebrity to feature is Laurie Lee, author of Cider with Rosie, who was born in Stroud and is buried in the Slad Valley. Local wildlife is represented by the rare Adonis Blue butterfly found on Minchinhampton Common. Stroud’s economic heritage is commemorated by the teazle itself, while the lawnmower, invented in Stroud, the green felt cloth that is still made in the town and Thomas the Tank Engine also feature.

Events will kick off at 10am, with a short presentation by Dr Peter North of Liverpool University, an international expert on local currencies. He will describe developments from Argentina to Japan, and link them to the history of radical economics in the UK. Then Molly Scott Cato of Stroud Pound Co-operative will introduce the currency and at around 10.15 the notes will be unveiled. Stroud pounds will be available for sale from 10.30 and 100 of them will be given away to random shoppers.

The Stroud Pound is an initiative of Stroud Pound Co-op Ltd, which grew out of Transition Stroud. It aims to:

• Retain more locally created economic values within the locality and prevent
leakage into the global economy, as happens with sterling exchanges;
• Increase and sustain local economic activity and help insulate Stroud’s
economy from the worst effects of Recession;
• Increase trade and support the creation of more jobs
• Help consumers identify which businesses support the local economy.
• (Reduce the length of supply chains for local consumers;)
• Stimulate greater local production

Email from Poland

2009-08-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Helen,
It's 11pm here in Poland but I just had to send you a quick email to tell you Stoud is internationally famous. I was at a very good talk this morning on "3 crises - energy, economic and environmental", and the speaker mentioned this very interesting movement in England called "Transition Towns". When it got to the end of the talk I stuck my hand up and said I was from a Transition Town and could he please write the Esperanto for transition towns on the board so I could make a note of it. He got very excited and asked me to come up and explain about Transition Towns but actually he'd already explained it very well. He had certainly heard of Stroud. Afterwards we had a bit of a chat and I've got his email and I hope he's going to send me a copy of his powerpoint because it was very clear and interesting. I was going to suggest maybe we could have some kind of twin town arrangement, but I found out he's from Paris, so maybe not. On the other hand, if Stoud's twin town in St. Ismier wants to consider becoming a transition town I now know someone who can explain it to them in French. That's worth thinking about.
Best wishes, Elizabeth.
P.S. Here in Esperantoland our environmental slogan is "Think globally, communicate internationally, act locally".

Eco-Renovation Open Homes returns in September

2009-07-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

These last months we have been putting together the next Open Homes weekend - loads of work ...anyhow today we had a press photo shoot and meeting as the leaflet is due to be launched this weekend...below is the press release we put together and some pics from this morning....

Photo: Chris from Ecotricity, Debbie from Stroud District Council, Nick, the homeowner showing us his solar stuff, Helen the Coordinator this year, me, Emma from Ecotricty's Affinity scheme and Clare from Stroud Valley's Project. Below other pics from the morning.

Launch of new leaflet and affinity Scheme with Ecotricity - Energy Monitors coming to libraries

The Stroud Eco Renovation Open Homes weekend is set to return on September 12th and 13th 2009 after last year's huge success that saw over 1,100 visits to homes and the exhibition. Transition Stroud will be launching their new leaflet next week which has details of the amazing 22 homes that will be opening their homes to share their eco-renovations.

This year Transition Stroud have negotiated a deal with local green energy company Ecotricity so that anyone switching to Ecotricity's green tariff will lead to a donation to Transition Stroud getting £25 to help fund other low carbon projects like Open Homes (i). Transition Stroud are also setting up a project with the libraries service so that from September Energy Monitors will be available to borrow like books.

Helen Royall, Coordinator of this years Open Homes said: "We have a whole range of homes on show this year from new build to listed including internal and external insulation, wood pellet boilers, air source heat pumps, gas condensing boilers, PV, rainwater harvesting and more. We have Pizzas and cream teas plus Nightingale's Cafe at the eco-installers fair at The Exchange which has just had a major eco-renovation - plus we have a walk around some of the homes and a mini bus safari to get you to a selection of the homes on both Saturday and Sunday. Details of booking the walk and safaris are in our leaflet which will be out in cafes, libraries, Tourist Information and more. We also have our website: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk "

Philip Booth, who is helping this years event said: "We are delighted to have the support of many people and groups including wonderful support from Stroud District Council, the Town Council, Heritage Open Days and Ecotricity who have sponsored this year's leaflet. Of course special thanks must go to all the homeowners who are so very kindly opening their homes to the public. Plus we are delighted to be launching the Energy Monitors project which will allow people to borrow them from several District libraries in the same way that people borrow books and DVDs."

Affinity scheme launched

Philip Booth, who has just swapped to Ecotricity, said: "We are delighted to announce that Ecotricity are supporting Transition Stroud - every customer who swaps to them means £25 for Transition Stroud to develop more projects to cut the carbon locally. All you need is to phone them and quote ‘Transition Stroud’. Ecotricity are the only company to spend 100% on building new sources of green energy - literally turning our electricity bills into windmills. I have been on a green tariff with a big company and have meant to change to a proper green tariff like Ecotricity for a long time - this affinity offer we've set up is the final push I needed to make the change! I am hoping this affinity scheme will also lead to others swapping to green energy."

For more information on Open Homes call Helen Royall on 01453 755509 or email admin@transitionstroud.org

See more about the project at:
http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/
And more about Transition Stroud:
http://www.transitionstroud.org/

Notes

(i) Ecotricity is an electricity company with a difference. As green energy pioneers, Ecotricity is dedicated to building new wind turbines to fight climate change. Switching is easy and it's the biggest single step you can take to reduce your emissions and protect the environment. Act now and sign up to Ecotricity at www.ecotricity.co.uk/transtroud or by ringing free on 08000 302302 and quote ‘Transition Stroud’. Transition Stroud receives a kind donation from Ecotricity every time someone makes the switch.

Partying our Way to a Happier Future

2009-07-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Lower Street, my street, had its first street party in a very long time. Lily has been living here for 52 years and it was the first street party she had ever been too - in fact the first street party any of our residents had ever been to.

Why does a street party matter? We thought it would help us come to know our neighbours and begin to build that conviviality that we talk so much about as the up side of the transition.

Each street party represents its particular street. Ours was considerably less raucous than Middle Street's which involves alcohol and where there are lots of children. Our party had a more sedate tone, with an elegant spread of food, folk music from Rob and Jehanne and a few well chosen words from our ex-Mayor and most famous resident. We know he lives in Castle Street but we let him in!

The most enjoyable part of the day was having the power to reclaim our street from the ubiquitous car. Our makeshift road block filled us with delight, as did the view of the street with no moving vehicles. And seeing Ann play football with one of our younger residents. Two cars were left - one from some people who were obviously on holiday and another from a resident who was using it to keep non-residents out and then forgot to drive away at the last minute!

If you don't have a street party in your part of town I recommend it for next year. If you create the space people come and fill it with music and food and bonhomie. Aside from the street closure (which involves one A4 form and totally unnecessary £40 charge from Stroud District Council) there is very little planning. A hotline to God about the weather clearly helps and we have obviously identified which type of prayer is most effective. They don't call this Quaker Row for nothing.

New Food Hub

2009-06-29T05:21:00.000-07:00

The new Food Hub for Stroud had it's first meeting. Here is the information about the hub.

Stroudco Food Hub

A social enterprise for local food producers and community

Principles

Provide locally-produced food to people in Stroud

Provide a reasonable return for work to producer members

Build supportive and understanding links between producers and consumers

Develop food culture and community strength

Structure

The food Hub has producer members who commit to

Supply food for sale at lower than retail prices

Provide a service to the community members such as farm open day, camping, host a bring and share meal, etc

Provide a service to other producer members such as shared deliveries, loan of equipment, loan of labour, etc. Offers to have a roughly equivalent financial value.

Give 8% of what they sell through the Hub to the Hub for running costs , the most significant of which is the workers’ wage.

The Hub has 200 consumer members who

Pay membership of £24 per year

Build up to buying an average of £25 of food per month through the Hub within 2 years.

Contribute at least 2 hours of voluntary work per year such as farm labour, administration, packing food.

Benefits
Producers do minimal marketing. They get up-front ordering and payment, higher than wholesale prices and a single delivery point. Producers control their own market without supermarket contracts.

Consumer members have relationships with producers, community activity, access to farm life, no need to pay ‘middlemen’ so affordable food at slightly less than retail prices, short supply chain so fresh food.

The enterprise is a not for profit social enterprise, controlled by community and producer members. It is registered as a Community Interest Company. Anyone can join as a community member. Producers can join by permission of existing members. The board comprises of consumer and producer members.

Activities

A worker is employed by the Hub to organise running systems, maintain a catalogue of products available from producers, manage finances, encourage co-operation and organise events. The worker is answerable to the board and paid a wage with a bonus.

Members will order food in advance through a Hub website.
Producer members will deliver produce to a central point.

There will be monthly events for members such as a presentation from a producer, on farm events, joint processing days, etc

The Hub owns items for loan to members such as a juicer, sausage maker, roasting spit, juice press, etc

Distribution and delivery space

Food drops will happen initially once a month. Eventually we hope to build up to a weekly drop. The co-op will have access to the hall at Parliament School. All produce is delivered by the producers to this venue.

The worker will then sort the food into boxes according to what each consumer has ordered. The consumer members take it in turns to help with the food sort. The co-op worker pre-prepares paperwork to make the sorting job as simple as possible.

Consumer members collect from the school hall on Saturday afternoon. Consumers are encouraged to collect for other consumers local to them.

Consumers can choose to pay a delivery charge and have the co-op worker deliver the food to their home.

Set up

A grant funded worker will set up the enterprise, so that it can be handed over to a part time employee as a viable not-for-profit business after 3 years

Bike Week

2009-06-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

The amazing Transport group made a big splash last Saturday when they got together with other groups involved with transport issues and organised the launch of National Bike Week.

Lots of people stopped to talk about the way they get about and what they could do to cut down on their carbon emissions.

John was in excellent form talking to passers by and showing people his home made 'bamboo' trailer made from recycled television aerials. James and Imogen peddled their sound system and a wonderful peddled powered painting machine run by the APE project (http://www.apeproject.co.uk/) kept the children happy with their centrifugal splash paintings. Carol, Nick and Matilda introduced people to Trip Switch, helping people to switch their trip to something a bit more green, working with other local projects - check out their website on http://www.stroudtripswitch.co.uk/

An excellent start to the week.

Transition Network Conference 2009

2009-06-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

There were about 350 people from all over the world who gathered together for the 2009 Transition Conference at the Battersea Arts Centre in London.The weekend was hot and sunny and the organisation was tight as well as fluid and flexible. The organisers had learned from last year and had made many improvements. One (and my favourite) was that people had been asked to bring homemade cakes and nibbles for tea breaks. Excellent.
The first session on Friday was in local groups talking about the things that were happening. I had prepared a chart of the things going on in Transition Stroud but was glad that Jade from the Food Group was there to add several things I had forgotten.

On Saturday morning, Rob presented, with Mike Grenville, Charlene Collison and Jacqi Hodgson, a workshop about EDAPs, presenting the current state of play with the concept, from Forest Row and Totnes. The workshop was introduced by Rob saying there is no right way to do this and the end product is likely to tell a story that guides but you don’t necessarily have to stick to it. The speakers also said that having a dead line was very helpful!

This was followed by the first open space session. Many of the participants had come with expertise, experience or interest and had offered to lead a session accordingly. I attended a group talking about creative recycling and remembered my experience of a recycled band that had created a most unusual set of instruments including a supermarket trolley as percussion.

After lunch we had the premiere of ‘In Transition’. Emma Goude, Peter Lipman and Rob Hopkins introduced the film which then ran to the packed hall. At the end, it received a standing ovation, a very enthusiastic response.
One of the names I rather liked was, instead of NIMBY’s (Not In My Back Yard) they suggested OOOOBYs (Out Of Our Own Back Yard). Also in Lewes, when the Lewes pound was launched the pounds sold out very quickly with one Lewes pound selling for £30 at one point. Let’s go Stroud Pound.
In the feedback and questions session afterwards, the main question that emerged was the fact that the film presents a very white and middle class image of Transition.
As the film is made up of various footage sent in from groups all over the world it is a reflection of the membership of Transition groups everywhere and something that needs to be addressed in each locality.

After a second open session where I was in a group talking about working with young people we took some time off to play football, dance or just relax. Then it was time for the evening event, ‘Transition Everywhere’. The first speaker was David Strahan who gave an update on peak oil and why it still matters. He argued that the current low prices are actually more harmful than the high prices we saw last summer, and that all the indications are that peak oil is still near at hand, and that the fact that the run up to the price spike last year wasn’t accompanied by increased production, is one indicator that OPEC countries are unable to increase production – already increasing as much as they can.

The next speaker was Stephan Harding of Schumacher College who presented a wonderful, hilarious and moving crash course in Gaian science, in spite of a PowerPoint presentation that ground to a halt. He talked about the genesis of the Gaia concept, and about how the mechanistic, dualistic view that saw nature as being like a lifeless machine, and humanity as being separate from it, is at the heart of our current ecological crisis. He held the audience beautifully, weaving a compelling narrative around examples of how nature regulates itself. Wonderful. Then eco-psychologist Mary-Jayne Rust talked about the Resilience of the Heart, and on the subject of ensuring inner resilience. This moved into territory that is not so often explored, and Mary-Jayne set out a number of pointers that people who are active in Transition might build into their work in order to ensure that they avoid burnout and exhaustion.

Rob followed with an update on Transition, where it has got to and where it might go next. The very final turn of the evening was a special surprise guest, the Reverend Billy of the Church of Life After Shopping.
The evening finished with an open mic session where I took the opportunity of singing a song or two.

Sunday started with various workshops. I chose one about putting together a web group for each area. Unfortunately I didn’t understand much of it as it was led by computer literate men who obviously knew what they were talking about. Ah well. I get the idea and maybe it’s time for our IT group to get going and link up with our own region.

We then went into our final Open Space and I happened to end up in the Garden Share group. This was a wonderfully inspired group with some experienced members and other keen ones. There were many ideas for how to get started, how to run it and how to fund it including a paid co-ordinator and a ‘Green Thumb Gang’ who could help people if they needed it.

We ended with all members coming together for a wrapping up session. The chairs were re-arranged into a big circle and people were invited in pairs to reflect on what they had particularly enjoyed about the conference, what they would do differently next time, and finally, what were the seeds they were taking away with them, and what might they grow into? I very foolishly offered to organise a children and young people’s section of the conference next year. The session closed with a group singing of a Transition-themed version of Janis Joplin’s ‘Oh Lord Won’t You Buy Me a Mercedes Benz’ song, with new words about a composting loo. I think I prefer a Mercedes.

It was an amazing 3 days in an amazing venue. The depth and breadth of the workshops and the quality of the discussion in the Open Space sessions was excellent. Well done to the hard working organisers. Oh and next year’s may well be a residential, camping, more outdoors and more hands-on type affair. Ah well, never mind.

Eco Mania Day

2009-05-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday May 9th Harry organised a day for young people to tell them all about Transition. Several new people came and many other supporters. A lovely day was had by all. 19 sunflower plants were sold for the sunflower growing competition. The flower heads will be measured on Saturday 1st August.

Captain Spanner and Nutty Nicky kept people entertained and James showed a film powered by his bike. Several stalls had items showing people how to recycle in most interesting and creative ways and Jane introduced people to lovely food from the garden.

Angelo's Wood Fired Pizzas fed everyone and the sun shone on all.

Thanks to everyone who helped and enjoyed the day.

Age of Hopeless?

2009-05-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

This week many of us saw the film "Age of Stupid" in Stroud, on Sunday the hall was packed and I expect that yesterdays showing was similarly attended.
We transitioners have sat with familiar faces from the local Green Party and others on many occasions over recent years and have seen other films that predict the failing society that will result when all the polar and glacial ice has melted and/or peak oil has made its mark.
None of this is cheery in its messages, and to add to the effect on our morale, national and local politicians continue to drag their feet over deciding on action to combat it. (In the case of the threat to a successful wind farm at Kirksanton in Cumbria, progress could be reversed if the turbines are removed to make way for a nuclear power station).

I think that some news of actual positive action is called for. The idea was first floated by Molly last Sunday and we agree it needs to be considered at the least.

Lets compile a film about the many initiatives that have already occurred here in Stroud area and show the film. No doubt the many occasions when film makers have filmed the farmers market, community agriculture days, bicology events and others have between them got many snippets of film data that could be made into a film that is inspirational and perhaps also points the way to a soundly based future.

So we are calling on you all to ask anyone you know who may be able to get their hands on some film footage that fits the idea.
We also need a script writer, narrator, and if new footage is needed a director, camera man/woman etc etc.

People say that Stroud has got in its culture many facets that distinguish it from other similarly sized and located towns, sometimes local TV news articles fail to show more than the more bizarre sights here, as they seek ratings and sensationalist events in favour of news of ordinary people responsibly changing life for the better. So lets do it for them!

Finally I suggest we exclude all politicians from this, either they are at the levers of power and don't use them for this cause or they cannot get at them to do so. Politics is currently spotlighted as corrupt, inwardly self serving and foot dragging about climate change or blindly pro nuclear. This idea is about real actions by ordinary people, past present and future.

May Newsletter

2009-05-05T01:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,
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.

§ 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 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/food_and_drink/real_food/article6098277.ece

§ 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 showing THE AGE OF STUPID on Sunday 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
http://www.stroudcommonwealth.org.uk/index.php?Itemid=42&id=36&option=com_content&task=view

* 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 Chamberlin on 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-mail ann@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 http://www.wiserearth.org/file/view/1bd69adf7958a00328c4f0b1d9c9c35c

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

Make a Meal of It

2009-05-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Breaking out from the co-housing, shared eating is now a reality in Uplands. Jenni Edwards has got a bunch of local people together to sharing the planning and cooking of meals. About a fifth of the energy associated with the food chain is burned up when we cook our food. More single-person and smaller households means more energy use, since cooking for five takes barely more energy than cooking for one or two.

As well as saving energy this is a great way of people getting to know their neighbours. Tonight's meal was a fabulous bean stew with rice, honeyed vegetables and salad, followed with flapjacks.

Herbal Healing

2009-05-04T11:31:00.001-07:00

Nathan Hughes, our local herbalist from Ruskin Mill apothecary, took us on a forage for common herbs with healing properties. Within a 20-yard radius he found at least a dozen useful plants, just plunging off into the undergrowth at intervals to find them. Here are some of the healing properties I remember

Cowslips are rare today so Nathan recommends we all grown them in our gardens. One of the cowslip's traditional names is 'Freya's keys' and it is associated with fertility and so with the festival of Beltane, or Mayday. Its healing properties include a tightening action, including of the uterus, and it has therefore been used for women who suffer miscarriage.

Hawthorn is well-known as a remedy for the heart and can stimulate heart function and generally mend broken hearts. You can graze on the young flowering buds and fresh leaves at this time of year. Otherwise make them into a tea, which is a beautiful pink, apparently. Later the berries can be steeped in brandy to make a restorative for the sick at heart - not surprisingly!

Elder again has many uses, connected with releasing. So they are good for stimulating fever and burning of toxins. On an energetic level this translates into releasing old pain and allowing change. Make a tea of the flowers and keep it by your bed - keep drinking when you wake up and sweat your way to better health and happiness!

Nettles are a great blood tonic and also good for grounding. You pick just the top four sets of leaves when they are young and fresh. You can make them into tea or soup.

Nathan is a member of the Transition Stroud Health group. His vision is that we all grow a range of healing plants in our gardens and use them to treat simple symptoms rather than visiting the doctor and using pharmaceuticals that are expensive in money and energy terms. You can learn more from one of Nathan's courses or guided walks: details on the apothecary website.

Coffee-house buzz

2009-04-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

With Easter bonnets safely stored until next year, the coffee-house discussion this month focused on the wonderful world of bees. Although it was advertised as looking at the problem with bees in fact it was a couple of hours of delight in this humble insect we have all taken for granted. Many of us, as one new enthusiast put it, just fell in love with bees. (There was also some nostalgia for the wasps which used to ruin our childhood picnics.)

We've all learned that bees are important because we need them to pollinate our crops but most of us were surprised to hear that there are 255 other species of bee in the UK other than the honey-bee - and 25,000 species worldwide. The bee is suffering - colony collapse and rampant spread of mite-borne and fungal disease are threatening its survival.

The speakers included Tom, who keeps bees and is involved with the Stroud Beekeepers' Association, Sheila, who teaches about bees at Hartpury College, and Carlo of the World Bee Project which is - you've guessed - based in Stroud. I hope the pictures give an idea of the intense and passionate debate that our small, furry, stripey friends brought to Star Anise last night.

The cause of the bee crisis results from the same movement to intensive farming with heavy pesticide use and the pressure to exploit every scrap of land that has caused so many of our environmental problems. Part of the solution may be offered by the Red Mason bee (seen here) which is an excellent pollinator and could play the role of the honey bee in agriculture - but not produce any honey.

Life for bees in Gloucestershire seemed fairly rosy. The Beekeepers' organise training at their exemplary apiary and farming practices have improved in recent years, with more hedgerows and areas of uncultivated land where bees can breed. If you want to help the bees you can become a bee guardian and put a bee house in your garden. You could also join Gloucestershire Orchard Group in revitalising dwindling orchards, which provide useful early feeding grounds.

Next month's coffee-house is about why you should bother to vote - if you feel strongly about this either way make sure to be there. It will, as usual, be the fourth Friday in the month at Star Anise cafe.

Teasles or Old Spots?

2009-04-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling rather annoyed with myself since I suggested both these names and then split my vote for an interesting and creative symbol of Stroud's economic heritage as the name of our new currency! I'm surprised by how well teasles did - it suggests that the knowledge of Stroud's textile heritage is both widespread and valued. (For those who don't know the role of the industrial teasle, it was used to raise the nap on felted woollen material to make it soft and lovely.)

On a harsher note we have received word from Co-operative Futures in Gloucester that the Financial Services Authority suspect us of setting up a bank. Now that would never do - especially as none of us has a pinstripe suit or bowler hat. Not to mention a licence to print money. The FSA has achieved notoriety in the past year by harrying credit unions and other people's banks while allowing the city institutions to make reckless investments and bankrupt the country.

We need a legal framework because we will be taking in large sums of money. We have chosen to become a co-operative but Co-operatives-UK legal department are concerned about whether we fit within the FSA's definiton of a bank or not. I'm fairly optimistic that we won't, since we don't want to create money against debt, which is how a bank is defined for their purposes.

We are also taking advice from local currency founders in Totnes and Lewes. Others with expertise that might be useful - financial or accounting especially - would be very welcome to join the working group and the co-op.

Local Currency

2009-04-23T14:53:00.000-07:00

So we are one step nearer to a local currency.

After a vote organised by Stroud Life there was a tie between the names Teasels and Stroud Pounds. At the training evening we decided to call the currency Stroud Pounds and have a picture of a teasel on it. We'll see what the final decision is nearer the launch.

The training evening was very lively with members going into groups and role playing business people, charities, bankers and local members trying to get the businesses to join up. We had John Rhodes in our group and it was hard to resist his arguments.

It was good to have Graham from Transport 21 showing his support for the scheme and thinking about ways his organisation could get involved.

One interesting question was raised - what do we think about businesses we don't approve of joining? After some discussion we decided that we would let them join because the ones we thought of probably wouldn't want to anyway as they were not local businesses and we need all the support we can get.

Maggie Mills once again let us use her wonderful cafe and an excellent evening was had by all.

I hope you are all putting your money aside ready to join the scheme in summer.

Transition Stories

2009-03-26T03:44:00.001-07:00

The new Transition Story Group got started last night. We sat around in the warm glow of the Star Anise lanterns and told each other stories that we had heard that would be relevant to out transition process. As we listened to each other we became aware that the true stories had the most power. For example the story of Nailsworth and Horsley getting together to look at the problem of land for growing vegetables and at the end of the meeting discovering that enough land had been shared out between the group members to solve the problem. This isn't quite the details but as soon as I find them I'll include them in a blog. It's a great story and one that needs to be told.

Another story that seemed to be a real Transition Tale was the one about the stone soup.

A kindly, old stranger was walking through the land when he came upon a village. As he entered, the villagers moved towards their homes locking doors and windows.
The stranger smiled and asked, why are you all so frightened. I am a simple traveller, looking for a soft place to stay for the night and a warm place for a meal.
"There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "We are weak and our children are starving. Better keep moving on."
"Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his cloak, filled it with water, and began to build a fire under it.
Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a silken bag and dropped it into the water.
By now, hearing the rumour of food, most of the villagers had come out of their homes or watched from their windows. As the stranger sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their fear.
"Ahh," the stranger said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat."
Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a small cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot.
"Wonderful!!" cried the stranger. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king."
The village butcher managed to find some salt beef . . . and so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for everyone in the village to share.
The villager elder offered the stranger a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell it and travelled on the next day.
As he left, the stranger came upon a group of village children standing near the road. He gave the silken bag containing the stone to the youngest child, whispering to a group, “It was not the stone, but the villagers that had performed the magic."

The Transition Story group are offering to tell stories at major TS events so let us know what you are planning.

The co-ordinator for the group is Fiona Eadie fiona@fionaeadieltd.co.uk

Textile Group

2009-03-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all.

Here's some pictures of the Textile Group sharing skills and materials. It's a great group and we encourage each other to get on and make something, or maybe repair something.

We had a new member who showed us some beautiful hens made from old jumpers, and buttons made from flat, smooth pebbles. What a great idea. Why not come and join in?

I received this email from the co-ordinator, Rose Lilies, who is excellent and collecting bits of material and lovely clothes that would have been thrown out. Here's the email if you are thinking of joining in the fun as well as learning some essential skills -

We had a fun evening at Helens' last week and I have now booked 2 more dates to give people a choice of day and venue.
The first will be in the Garden (back) room of the Quaker meeting house in Nailsworth on Wed. 18th March 7.30pm.
The other will be at Helens' again on Thurs. 2nd April.

Bring things you have made or are working on. It's very inspiring to see what others are doing and everyone is happy to share their skills if you want to try something new.

As always unwanted clothing and other textiles will find a new grateful home!

If you are coming to either meeting and want to learn a particular skill just let me know and I will try to ensure we have the necessary equipment ( as I can't carry everything to every meeting!)

I'm hoping to sort my fleece out soon so that I can get back to spinning, and also make a first attempt at dyeing with all the onions skins I have been saving.

We have been invited to take part in a craft exhibition at King Stanley church on Sat. 11th July. There should be lots of people about as the church fete is on at the same time.
They would like people to demonstrate crafts as well as sell items in return for a small percentage of profits. This is a great opportunity for us so let's get the creative juices flowing. The only thing is that they have to organise the space carefully so would like to know how much space we will need fairly soon. So please let me know if you are interested.

Thanks

Rose

Barry@liles.me.uk

Suppertime games

2009-02-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

One of the most depressing aspect of conventional economics is the way it reduces everything to a self-interested trade. Gary Becker, for example, suggests that women choose their husbands on the basis of the amount they earn; whereas men choose their wives on the basis of their ability to perform at dinner parties and assist the ascent up the slippery pole.

The most blatant expression of this underlying culture amongst economists is what we teach as 'game theory'. This is another piece of jargonistic misnomer, since the situations we deal with are far from entertaining evening entertainment. Who ever played games in a police station - the setting for the archetypical example of the genre: the prisoners' dilemma.

This is a game that questions whether you should trust your 'friend' when you've both been caught in some shared criminal activity. You are questioned in separate cells. If you both deny the crime you will both be let off. But if you deny it and your friend confesses, s/he will take all the penalty. If you confess and your friend denies it you will take all the punishment on yourself.

In reality, of course, all of these 'games' and their study becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you take love and spontaneity out of human relationships you can guarantee that you will be unpopular and that most of your friends will be exactly the same calculating sort of person you are yourself. You will become less sociable and be more miserable. Such games are best avoided in life and in economics.

However, I recently heard of a game strategy I liked. It is called Always Generous and is fairly self-explanatory. It fits in well with my moral inclination and is also excellent for dealing with that awkward situation at the end of shared meals in a restaurant when nobody is sure whether they should pay for what they actually consumed or their share of the total.

The Always Generous strategy suggests that you break the deadlock by putting on the table at least a third more than you could owe under either of the other strategies. I've seen this done twice recently and it works a treat. Everybody puts in too much money - the excess can either go to the less well-off around the table or the waiters. When meanness is an option, generosity is always a better bet - in economics, in the restaurant and, most importantly, in life.

Trashion

2009-02-02T09:48:00.000-08:00

I spent an interesting afternoon at Thomas Keble School at the Trashion Show. I say afternoon - most of it was spent in a ditch because my Tom Tom had taken me and my two passengers down a muddy, narrow track and we had to send for the cavalry in the form of a retired farmer in a tractor to come and get us out. Unfortunately (fortunately for us actually) the tractor also got stuck so we just had to trust our luck and go on down through the mud, which we did and came out safely the other end. We caught the tail end of the show and saw some wonderful clothes made out of old clothes, bits of material and many other things.

Several members of the Textile Group had made hats and bags out of available bits and pieces. I was very proud of a small bag I made out of plastic bags. It was going to be a carrier bag but the plastic took so long to knit that it ended up just big enough for my camera.

Maybe I'll get the hang of this idea that we have to be patient if we are going to have to make things for ourselves. I have been watching a television series about three people who are living like victorian farmers for a year. I am very impressed at the way they have to live, making everything themselves. The quality of their food, furnoture and fun is encouraging and impressive. maybe I will learn to slow down and make do. It looks like fun.

Paradigm shift

2009-01-14T03:59:00.000-08:00

I'm launching my book this afternoon at Ruskin College in Oxford. The commissioning editor has written a few words for the launch and it reminds me of how much the world has moved on in the 18 months or so since I started writing. He recollects the supreme self-confidence of global capitalism in 2006/7, its claims to be not only the greatest economic system in the history of mankind but the only possible way of organising economic affairs: as unchanging as the laws of physics.

How paltry those claims seem now. Green economists were always aware that the economy was failing in two fundamental respects: it generated huge inequalities which led to deaths and suffering in the poorer countries and the poorer parts of our own country; and its expansionst logic threatened the health of the planet. Now it is failing in its own terms as well.

Unlike the vultures who circulated around Woolworths and other familiar friends on the High Street who are now defunct, few will bemoan the special offer deals that should die with the death of capitalism. As this excellent cartoon by Imogen Shaw shows, we have far more to gain than to lose from the new paradigm we will build together.

Happy New Year

2009-01-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Hello Folks,
Welcome back and HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope you all enjoyed the festive season and have managed to enjoy the beautiful sprinkling of snow that is glittering in the sunlight as I write.
No doubt we will see some interesting changes in the New Year as we get back in the swing.

Here is a brief update on the groups:

§ the TRANSPORT GROUP’s two main projects for 2009 will be
- events for Green Travel month in June and
- piloting ‘Personal Travel Plans’ a programme that changes travel behaviour through personalising travel information.
If anyone new wants to come to the Transport meetings, they should email Carol on: transport@ca.mathews.freeuk.com

§ The LIFESTYLES AND LIVELIHOODS GROUP are working on a local economy and have planned a talk by Christian Gelleri (manager of the Chiemgau Currency, one of Germany's most successful local currencies) on Friday 9th January 2009 7.30pm, Talk, £5. Also a workshop on Saturday 10th 10.00 - 4.00pm, Workshop, £25. Bring lunch to share. Both are to be held at the Centre for Science and Art, Lansdown, Stroud. I hope as many of you as possible will come to this talk and workshop so that we can find out more about this exciting example from Bavaria and learn how a local currency could work in Stroud. For more information or booking contact Neil Buick: n.mail@virgin.net or 767467.

§ The GARDEN AND WILDLIFE GROUP is going to be busy this year.

SEED NEWS - Green Seeds is a family firm and 100% organic - it is based in Malmesbury www.greenseeds.org.uk - Transition Stroud have a 10% discount, quote code 10046. They are holding a potato day in Malmesbury - Saturday 31st Janurary 10.00 -4.00. Would anyone like to go and share a lift? Contact Helen Pitel - 01453 762 957 or info@helenpitel.co.uk

SALAD DAYS - get fit and active in the New Year! There is the opportunity to join a volunteer group in the market garden at Stroud Slad Farm CSA growing salads - Fridays 9.30 to 12.30 p.m. Contact Helen for more details

APPEAL FOR TOOLS - if you have any unwanted gardening or DIY tools please would you consider donating them to Stroud Slad Farm CSA, who are in need of new equipment. Contact Helen

TRANSITION STROUD GARDENING GROUP - we need a team who can organise a couple of gardening events this year - could you help? Also any particular ideas for what we should do? Contact Helen

GROW YOUR WAY OUT OF THE CREDIT CRUNCH - there are just a couple of places left on the 'Grow Your Own Vegetables' course which Helen is running this spring - more details on www.helenpitel.co.uk

§ The BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT GROUP is planning to meet at the end of January (date to be arranged) to review where they are and set goals and targets for 2009. Their last meeting included a review with Nigel Riglar, (Strategic Director, Stroud District Council) and Barry Wyatt, (Strategic Head Development Services, SDC) on activities and progress with the Local Strategic Partnership Sustainability Think Tank, that Fi MacMillan, Dave Judd and Dave Cockcroft have contributed to. This led onto a wider discussion with NR and BY on SDC’s approach to the credit crunch!

§ The CONNECTIONS GROUP will be meeting next on Friday 9th Jan 2009 at 2.00pm at Felicity's house, 31 Springhill (01453-766352). Following the restructuring of TS they will be discussing and deciding what they want to use the group for and how the group can contribute to TS

§ The YOUTH GROUP - ECOMANIA are planning some interesting activities for the New Year. Harry has met with the Stuart Roweth from Bright Green Kids (www.brightgreenkids.co.uk/) and is discussing the possibility of being filmed and put on the website. Also he will be organising an event for young people (and adults) in May and helping his school (Thomas Keble) to go green as well as introducing them to a Buy or Barter Lunch to talk about the economy. Harry has several young people interested in joining Ecomania.

§ The ENERGY GROUP will continue to meet on 3rd Weds of the month - so 21st Jan is next one. 7.30pm to 9.30pm venue to be decided. To receive news of meetings and join in discussions please join the energy email group by emailing tts-energy-subscribe@googlegroups.com

§ The TEXTILES GROUP will meet Wednesday 14th Jan, 7.30 at 247 Westward Road, Ebley . They will be making hats and bags out of old/recycled items for the Trashion Show (for Zero Waste Week in Bisley 24 Jan- 2 Feb 2009. On the last Sat of that week 31 Jan there will be a Trashion Show in Thomas Keble School)

§ The IT GROUP are available if anyone wants any support or is interested in organising any activities. Please contact Ben at ben_photon_evans@hotmail.com

Zero Waste Week

26 January - 1 February 2009

Gloucestershire's Zero Waste Challenge aims to help Gloucestershire reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites by challenging households to produce not a single item of waste during the week of 26 January - 1 February.This means only using things that you can reuse, recycle or compost - leaving you nothing to throw away.You can enter as an individual, family, household or a community and there are lots of great prizes to be won. To sign up visit the site www.recycleforgloucestershire.com

Don’t forget the next TRANSITION DRINKS will be Tuesday 13th Jan at 7.30 at the Prince Albert, Rodborough.

Hope to see you at one of the meetings.
I leave you with a new word for the new year - OHNOSECOND - That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake (e.g. you've hit 'reply all')
Every good wish for 2009.
Happy Transitioning,
Helen

Matt Harvey in town

2008-12-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

It's been another lovely Stroud weekend. Sometime last week a friend from Wooton asked me to go to Matt Harvey's poetry performance in The Space. By an act of non-random synchronicity, the very next day I had a phone call from a BBC West producer. Rob Hopkins had told him to ring me to find something to film of Transition in Stroud. He was making a film about Matt's journey to the heart of Transition and wanted something filmic.

I admitted that I was spending the weekend making baskets with Sheila and they invited themselves along. Matt is quite delightful - and his show was so hilairious that I hurt my stomach. The star of the show was his character Empathman - the superhero for our times who manages to disarm dangerous criminals by connecting with their inner children. My friend's partner is a psychotherapist and she nearly fell off her chair with laughter as Matt went through his Client of the Year routine.

Matt made two beautiful wicker Christmas trees for his five-year-old twins. With Sheila's help I made ten or so which I took to the barter market on Sunday. I also made some face creams and recycled Christmas cards. It was a highly convivial event and I came back with a good haul of presents - and a nice warm feeling. I also have a rather erratic and rustic shopping basket which has just proved itself during a trip into town.

The film should be available in a few months and I will certainly post it to this blog if I can work out how. And by the way Helen (nice photos!) it was teasles not thistles!!

Barter or Buy

2008-12-08T04:02:00.001-08:00

It was a warm sunny day on September 21st when we met at Mills Cafe with our items for the ''Buy Or Barter Brunch'. People had brought a mixture of food, drink and professional sessions to barter. The local currency for the day was dry butter beans. As people arrived they paid £2 and were given 10 beans, they were then able to swap what they had brought for something else or exchange it for beans.

There was enough food to go round, beans to help us move things along a bit and even a song or two from one budding super star. Many lessons were learned about how the economy works (or doesn't). Emily brought some pictures she had printed, Max brought a coaching session, Molly brought bread left over from her party the evening before and was going to give it away free as people arrived and then realised that she would be undercutting the currency of anyone who had brought bread to barter. The person who had brought the most food should have been, in effect, the richest person there and yet the person who had brought the least (or so it seemed) ended up the 'richest' person there (or the one with the most beans anyway) ... and only had to sing one song. At the end of the afternoon we were left with a handful of beans and a discussion about what money really means. The day was friendly, lively, amusing and a great way to talk economics. Maybe this is the way to teach children in schools (and out of them)?

After the success of the barter Brunch we decided on a Barter Market on December 7th. As it was just before Christmas people made a real effort to bring home-made presents. The tables were decked with mince pies, luscious bread, chutneys, willow Christmas tree hangings, cards, material and many other delightful items. This time the currency for the day was Thistles - a small ticket with a thistle printed on it.

As people arrived they paid £2 and were given 10 Thistles. With this they swapped, bartered and paid their way to an excellent collection of Christmas gifts. One family brought swords, beautifully hand made, and 'sold' them almost as soon as they put them out on the table.

This time people were so intent on getting some great Christmas presents that very little time was spent on talking about the economy. However plans were made to continue the bartering and several of us are continuing to make beautiful home made gifts which can only make the credit crunch that we are now experiencing much less of a fearful monster.

Not only did we have a good time coming together and eating Maggie's wonderful mince pies (5 thistles each) but we discovered how creative we are and how, come the end of the credit system as we know it, we will have something that will work for our good.

We will continue to arrange Barter activities in the future to lead up to us setting up our own local currency. We might even contuinue after we have a local currency as we have enjoyed them so much.

Launch of the Eco-Bardic Manifesto

2008-11-30T02:20:00.000-08:00

If you've ever wondered what we will be doing to entertain ourselves after oil then clear you mind of the fearful vision of endless games of charades around a single, flickering candle. Last night we enjoyed a feast of entertainment by talented musicians, story-tellers and poets.

A friend had told me about the philosophy behind the eco-bardic manifesto and I was sufficiently intrigued to endure the possible toe-curling nature of what I expected to find in the British School. But my prejudices were blown away by the power and excitement generated by the artists and performers. The evening was a birthday celebration for William Blake, and many of the pieces were either inspired by Blake or recitations of his own verse.

The evening was sponsored by Fire Springs, a company of performers who have been working together since 2000 and who share 'an audacious vision for the arts that holds together commitment to artistic integrity and craft with responsiveness to the challenges of our time.

The manifesto itself is a deep and inspiring document (ring Anthony Nanson on 840887 or Jay Ramsay on 759436 to get hold of a copy) but the message was communicated far more powerfully by the reality of the performances themselves. The bardic tradition is a source of energy from old Albion that we can draw on in our time of need.

Helen Moore recited a poem that had been inspired by a seed-saving event. This year's annual seed-saving was taking place simultaneously next door at Star Anise cafe - so there was much useful cross-fertilisation between the green-fingered types and our local literary artists. How could TV possibly compete?

Green plan for recession launched

2008-11-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

The Stroud Subscription Rooms filled with nearly 200 people on a damp Thursday night to hear a panel of speakers looking at how to 'Come out of the Recession Healthier, Wealthier and a Lot More Green'. Many Transition Stroud members were amongst the audience and Helen Royall had a stall with info and more to encourage people to participate.

Photo: Colin Hines, Simon Pickering, Molly Scott Cato, Martin Whiteside and chair Carole Garfield - other hotos of event and Transition Stroud stall

The event was the Gloucestershire launch of the 'New Green Deal' on Thursday 27th November - it included lead speaker Colin Hines, co director of Finance for the Future and a former head of Greenpeace Economics Unit, who was the originator of the Green New Deal concept. He also co-authored the report with a panel including Green party Leader and MEP Dr Caroline Lucas, Richard Murphy, Co-Director of Finance for the Future and Director, SolarCentury boss Jeremy Leggett, Guardian Economic Editor Larry Elliot, and former Friends of the Earth chief Tony Juniper.

Carole Garfield of Stroud Chamber of Commerce chaired the evening and opened the event by saying that the Green New Deal was a response to the global economy facing a ‘triple crunch’: a combination of a credit-fuelled financial crisis, accelerating climate change and soaring energy prices.

Colin Hines introduced the Green New Deal that calls for the increase in public expenditure to be spent funding hundreds of thousands of green collar jobs in a 'carbon army'. This 'army' will be trained to make every building in the UK energy efficient and increase the use of renewables. He said: "Investment in this 'Green New Deal' will create jobs all over the country, whereas tax cuts will have fewer benefits as people are likely to increase immediate spending largely on imported goods."

The other speakers were Dr Simon Pickering from Ecotricity; Molly Scott Cato, Economist and Euro-Parliamentary Candidate and Councillor Martin Whiteside, International Development Worker and Parliamentary Candidate. After each spoke there was an hour of lively questions and comments taken from the floor.

Martin Whiteside made the links between the national plans for green investment and local businesses. He said: "The Green New Deal is an exciting opportunity for us to invest in the businesses that will create a sustainable green economy. The Government has recognized the need to invest to prevent massive increases in unemployment, but is going down the wrong route. Instead of tax cuts we need to see investment is being spent strategically to bring about a green industrial revolution."

Molly Scott Cato said: "It's time to put to rest once and for all the false option of choosing between economic success and environmental sustainability. We must engineer the green economy of the future to compensate for the collapse of a discredited economic model dependent on credit binges, gravity defying house prices and increasing consumption. In short it's time for the Green New Deal."

Simon Pickering from Ecotricity discussed the important role that electricity generation and supply companies must play in the low-carbon economy. To applause he announced that papers for compulsory purchase will be served on Tricorn House owners : Ecotricity hopes that an exciting zero-carbon building with energy from local wind power generation will be built on the site.

What is the Green New Deal?

The Green New Deal report proposes public investment of £30 billion that will save energy and have the added advantages of helping to address climate change and increase UK energy security. In the short term it will address the threats to the real economy from an economic downturn that threatens to rival the crash of 1929.

It proposes:

* A £30bn stimulus package, creating thousands of green-collar jobs in environmental works that will dramatically reduce the carbon emissions of UK buildings
* The creation of new national investment products, such as local government bonds, to fund this work and provide a safe haven for pensions and savings
* Keeping interest rates low to encourage investment in the green economy
* Shifting from VAT to pollution taxes, cutting the standard rate of VAT to 15%, and reducing it to 5% for some items, and abolishing road tax whilst increasing pollution taxes on fuel
* Closing offshore tax havens to stabilise the financial sector, discourage tax avoidance and to help provide funds for the Green New Deal

You can download a copy of the report at: www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/

Successful afternoon apple picking and juicing

2008-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

From Julia Currie:

About 50 people turned up at the orchard at Humphreys End, Randwick/Ruscombe to pick apples on Saturday 25th. Everyone had the additional bonus of seeing apples pressed and juiced and then tasted. Some were able to take some juice away to drink at home and it couldn’t have got more fresh or local than that!

It was wonderful to see the apples doing more than just dropping off the branches as has happened over the last 10 years. Although doubtless the birds had enjoyed them! As supermarkets have turned away from local fruit and traditional apple varieties, so orchards have fallen into neglect or been grubbed up. But now for local people there is a ready source of unsprayed Newton Wonders, Blenheim Orange and Bramleys to choose from.

As I have planted up the orchard with Gloucestershire varieties including Stroud’s own Lodgemore apple, in years to come, as more old trees die, so we will have further access to our own wonderful local apple varieties..

Saturday 8th November from 2-5pm will give locals a chance to pick again - £5 per large sack (provided) or £2 for supermarket size carriers if brought along. Please be prepared for the apples to have small blemishes – the bonus from not being sprayed.

Do come along and join in the fun; pick apples, juice fruit and bring your own containers to buy some juice. (Please bring a bike helmet if you have one!). There will also be a recipe sheet and information about the orchard, and for anyone wanting to have a greater involvement in the orchard, I will be taking contact details. See you there, but call if you need directions or handy parking – Julia Currie 764376

See also http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com/ for Philip Booth’s photos and video clips

Bartering with beans

2008-10-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

The Lifestyles and Livelihoods working group of Transition Stroud is running a series of events this autumn to get people thinking about money and how local currencies might contribute to a resilient local economy.

Molly Scott Cato, one of the organisers, said the first event on 21st September, was a great success and showed people that trading goods was more important then ending up with a pot of money, which in this case was beans. It was a Buy or Barter brunch where people were encouraged to play at trading using beans as currency. This gave all the chance to explore how markets work and what our personal economic strategies are.

This has led to plans for a barter market that will be held on December 7, where people can trade home-made gifts for Christmas presents – using an alternative currency that will only work for that day and which will be created specially out of beans. This event will be held at Mills Café.

Plus don't forget on November 9th they'll be holding a Lets Celebrate! day from 3-5pm at Mills Cafe, which accepted 100% payment in LETS for some time. We want to encourage people who were part of the scheme to join in this reunion – an opportunity remember and exchange their experiences whilst also enjoying some excellent tea and scones. We are encouraging people who were members of LETS to bring items they received through LETS trading; people who are new to the idea or the area are also welcome to come and learn more.

So what does a local currency have to do with a low-carbon economy? In the future we will need to meet more of our needs locally, and to do this we need to build a stronger local economy now. Money that is spent locally tends to stay longer in the local economy and circulates more times before it leaves. So using a local currency will build the strength of the local economy. We also hope it will encourage more people to make things to sell at the various events.

Smelly fruity wildlife

2008-09-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

We have spent today thinking throught the vision for Transition Stroud. We did not get so far with structure. That will form the focus for a half-day workshop soon. Please try to come along. Your views really matter.

People's visions are listed in no particular order, just as they emerged, but organised under headings. They are interspersed with pictures from the workshop itself. We were all asked to model Transition Stroud as it is now, in plasticine and fluffy things. James's involves lots of pumpkins and other prickly plants; Melissa's vision reminds us not to be too fluffy (!) and Ben's look like a very solid structure indeed - but we're not sure about the rather tight boundary that surrounds it!

So how will Stroud look in 2018?

Buildings

All new buildings produce low/zero carbon
Treehouses and other hidden houses within forest gardens
Nouncells Cross has merged into Summer Street allotments
Lots of shared/communal living arrangements
Public buildings are multi-purposes
Supermarket buildings are used for gatherings, markets, etc.

Quality of Life

Painting in beautiful colours
Public art (anarchically created and displayed)
No health and safety rules - using own intelligence
Lots of gardeners chatting to passers-by
Slow
Living outside
Know lost of people I meet
Street parades and dances (no heavy metal)
Community celebrations

People
Working together happily
Loneliness and isolation a thing of the past - togetherness
People relaxed - a slower pace of life
James is the Mayor of Stroud!
Recognition that sharing feeds us all
Fewer people; lots of laughing
Children learning out of doors
People are more at peace - less frantic
People know each other and are friendly - talk to each other in person
Old people's skills used and valued - skills centres run by elders
Children being freed
Enabling each other
Equality
Neighbourhood schemes
You can't walk more than 2 miles without knowing someone

Food
Community bakehouse and icehouse
Farms as hubs for food, energy, industry, education, compost and communities
Smell fruity wildlife
Vegetables fruit and flowers everywhere - growing veg in gardens
The bypass has become an orchard
Farmers' market three days a week
Berry fields
Varied forms of agriculture: animals, vegetables, nuts, seed, fruit, hemp
Shared eating
More animals around (hens, goats, etc.)

Nature

The Earth is sacred
Clearn streams and rivers
Hear more wildlife
Respect for nature
The land is not for sale
Fewer road; more trees
Wild swimming
Wildlife thriving
Working horses

Transport

I never smell petrol fumes - only hear cars in the distance
No cars, or far fewer cars that run on renewable energy
Joined up public transport powered by solar, hydrogen and PVCs
Bicycle hubs for community use
Revival of canal system for transport
New rail station at Stonehouse high level - Nailsworth railway reopened
Lots of people walking
Tram up the High Street and Bisley Old Road
Aerial wire transport system from hill to hill
More use of animals for transport and farming

Transition Stroud
Reaching out, connecting
Hope solutions
Transition Stroud networks community decision-making: no more SDC and GCC!
TS well supported
TS hub/resource centre (or hug resource centre?) - demonstration centre
Transition Stroud no longer needs to exist
TS active and running smoothly

Enterprise
Traders guilds
I am wearing boots made by a local cobbler from a Stroud cow, local hand-made clothes uninfluenced by fashion and locally made jewellery
Schools are workshops and full of as many adults as children
Animal farm for children and husbanding skills - children are learning to grow and cook food
Old skills are brought back to the commonality
Theme markets selling crafts, where we hear the noise of chatter and play
We look back to the Age of Waste and Greed
Trees for use - woodland co-operative
No poverty - social services, hospitals etc. reduce as the need for them reduces
New industries for recycling waste - mending workshops
All small shops busy
Local jobs - no need to commute
More exchanges; less money, or no money at all, or local money!
Murals replace adverts and signs
Local small-scale industry is thriving
No McDonalds, no Woolies, no Barclays . . .
Mindset has changed so that money no longer equals survival
Industrial units side-by-side with food along the canal
Work day ends early and starts late!

Energy

A huge locally owned wind turbine in Rodborough
Tidal stream energy
Power and heat from sewage
Solar panels
Heating with wood - sustainable coppiced woodland (instead of TV)
Micro/personal home energy

Hundreds visit eco-homes over weekend

2008-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

Open Homes for a more Sustainable Future

At the weekend over 750 visits were made to 12 homes in the Stroud area to see renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in action and in addition well over 400 people visited Randwick Village Hall to see the eco-exhibitions and the official opening of the hall (i). Below is the press release we sent out - but also see the childrens' poster competition here, Philip Booth's blog re the opening of the Village Hall plus photos here and lastly more re the Village Hall here.

Photos (1 to 3): Getting ready for village hall opening, one of the exhibits and inside Randwick Village Hall.

Philip Booth, the Coordinator of the Transition Stroud project who organised the opening of the 12 homes and exhibitions in Randwick Village Hall said: "We've been blown away by the response. Interest in energy efficiency and renewable energy is huge. The homeowners have had constant flows of visitors all weekend and most could not have coped with larger numbers. Enormous thanks must go to these pioneers for opening their homes to help others and give advice - indeed the whole project has been put together by volunteers and thanks must also go to them all (ii)."

WI nearly run out of cakes!

Randwick Village Hall had over 150 attend the Hall Opening with speeches by the Village Hall Committee members Alan Tomlinson and Val Flack, the District councillor for the ward, Cllr Philip Booth and Wap Mayor Stan Giles who cut the official ribbon. Flowers were presented to Krista Harris of Stroud District Council for her help with gaining the grants and to Alan Tomlinson's wife, Sue for her support. In total on the Saturday well over 400 people visited the hall, which is claimed to be the countries first carbon neutral village hall and has various insulation measures, PV and a Ground Source Heat pump which were all on show to the public along with exhibitions on energy advice, grants and various technologies.

Philip Booth commenting on the Village Halls' eco-makeover said: "The Village Hall committee, Alan Tomlinson, Val and Harden Flack and Mort Watkins have been absolutely amazing with this: it is lots of hard work to pull in the grants and get a project like this together. We are very fortunate to have such a great team which has been supported by so many in the village. It was amazing to have over 400 people visit the hall and see the exhibitions. At one point I got worried the WI would run out of cakes - but I should have remembered that has never occurred in their history and somehow other cakes were rustled up for the teas there. Indeed the money raised from the teas will be going towards the next project; improvements to the hall's toilet facilities."

Tranquility had over 250 visitors

Photos (4 to 5): Wood Pellet boiler and Tranquilty House.

Most of the homes were having over 50 visitors to see measures including wood pellet boilers, lime plasters, solar thermal, green roofs, co-housing, rainwater harvesting, external insulation and more (see website with details: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk).

However Tranquility House that has been dubbed by the Building Contracts Journal as ‘the most energy efficient house in the world’ had over 250 visitors over the weekend.

Philip Booth said: "Tranquility House takes a very different approach to some of the other homeowners. Those who joined the tours there were given much thought-provoking information. I had the chance to talk with some of the people going around the various homes and they were grateful for the chance to discuss the possible measures and get views about the best way forward for their homes. I was also surprised to find that folk had travelled from Worcester, Bristol and a whole host of other places to see the homes. Apparently there are only two or three similar Open Homes schemes around the country - Stroud leading the way again!"

Walks and Cycle

Photos (6 to 8): Cycle group off to visit another home, details of external insulation at one home and in another home learning about lime plaster.

A cycle and walk tour went around the homes over the weekend and one further walk is going ahead on Sunday 21st September as part of the Walking Festival The four mile walk will be 10am- 4.30pm (approximately) and go around Rodborough including Tranquility House.

Philip Booth added: "Many people expressed concern about rising energy prices and the challenges climate change presents. Houses account for a quarter of UK CO2 emissions. New builds only account for less than 1% of homes and so even if we do them more sustainably we still have to sort out our older homes. Retrofitting older buildings is preferable to demolition as it avoids waste and saves the embodied energy within them rather than using more energy to make new buildings - quarrying, transporting and processing raw materials as well as construction all take lots of energy. It has been great to see the enthusiasm from the community for this Open Homes project from people in all walks of life. Let us hope it translates into eco-renovations across the whole District!"

Notes
(i) Transition Stroud will be compiling a brief report on the day: not all feedback forms from the homes have been collected yet, but the figures are based on numbers counted or estimated by the homeowners.

(ii) In addition to thanks to the homeowners thanks must also go also to Stroud District Council for funding the leaflet, Debbie Hewitt for organising the walks, the Greenshop for funding our website and Transition Stroud members who helped organise especially Paul and Claire Sheriden, Greg Dance, Dave Crane, Dave Cockcroft, James Beecher, Imogen Shaw and John Albar

Join a local wildlife hunt

2008-09-14T09:05:00.001-07:00

7.30 Thurs 18th Sept join a group learning more about our local wildlife with conservationist John Rhodes. Call Helen Pitel on 762957 for more info.

Help for homeowners to take green initiative

2008-09-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Open Homes for a sustainable future: 13th and 14th September 2008

As regular readers of this blog will know Transition Stroud have organised 12 homes around Stroud to open to the public so that they can see renewable energy in action, discuss energy efficiency and get advice on eco-renovations.

When homes were opened in Oxfordshire people got excited and inspired and already here in Stroud there is a real buzz around the project. We have homes that have taken a few measures like adding solar thermal or a wood pellet boiler to those who have taken many measures. These pioneers are showing what is possible and there is no question that with climate change and rising energy prices taking such measures is going to take off in a big way.

Houses account for a quarter of UK CO2 emissions. New builds only account for less than 1% of homes and so even if we do them more sustainably we still have to sort out our older homes. Retrofitting older buildings is preferable to demolition as it avoids waste and saves the embodied energy within them rather than using more energy to make new buildings - quarrying, transporting and processing raw materials as well as construction all take lots of energy.

On Saturday 13th September at 11am Randwick Village Hall will have it's official opening: they are have installed measures like a ground source heat pump and Solar PV and hope to be the country's first carbon neutral village hall. In the hall from 11 to 4pm there will be exhibitions of some of the measures that people can take, plus grant information and money off solar and rainwater harvesting installations from the Greenshop.

Over the weekend in addition to a whole range of measures on different homes there will also be a chance to see the largest PV generation in the country on private housing, see how co-housing works and there will also be tours of Tranquility House that has been dubbed by the Building Contracts Journal as ‘the most energy efficient house in the world’ (pictured above). There are also two guided walks of the homes which are part of the Stroud's Walking Festival and a cycle route.

See our website which has times and details of the homes plus links to many eco-renovation projects:
http://www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

On My Bike

2008-08-06T02:39:00.000-07:00

Now I wouldn't say I was much of a biker, in fact when I was searching for a word to describe it I came up with 'pusillanimous'. Unlike the professional bikers we have in Transition Stroud I was a bit wobbly. But I felt I had to at least try after hearing a talk and power point presentation given by Kevin at David Drew's Climate Change Bill meeting. It was very depressing and rather frightening (we are losing 200 species a day!) but at least it got me on my bike.
(Picture: Imogen looking cool with James in the background)
I had to get a few things organised first. It's not easy finding a helmet to fit when you have just spent a morning spiking your hair up to make you look a bit younger, (well I have got an image to keep up here - I'm a singer in a band, me and Rod Stewart have to think of our appearance) and then there's an outfit that can be seen that fits in with my colour co-ordination.

I do have a very nice bike and the lads at Cytek will always look after me if I need help. So I eventually ran out of excuses and got on my bike.

My high healed shoes were a bit of a nuisance but I managed to wobble off down the road. I know one is not supposed to cycle along the footpath by the canal but it is lovely and bikers must use it judging by the tyre tracks in the mud.

I wouldn't say I was fast but I did see more. A very large woodlouse was trundling along ahead of me. Yes I did manage to overtake it but my point is I wouldn't have noticed it if I was in a car. Not much of a recommendation I admit but I did see a lot of insects and flowers and heard the birds. I'm not sure if there are as many as I have noticed in the past (maybe Kevin has a point) but it is wonderful to slow down and take notice of my surroundings. It was also rather fun to come up behind some very small boys on their bikes. As soon as I (very politely) overtook them they felt obliged to prove that they could keep up with me so, as we travelled along in formation we started a conversation about where they were going and how they enjoyed the bike jumps in Victory Park.

Another perk of riding was being overtaken by a very nice set of calves ... oh sorry, was that a bit sexist? legist? .... never mind, I don't think anyone reads this stuff....

My point is, if I can do it, get on my bike that is, it's a very low bench mark - maybe you can too...

Transition Library launched

2008-07-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Transition Stroud supporters launched a new section of Stroud Library this Saturday. They have created a display of books relating to climate change and Peak Oil that can be borrowed in the same way as other library books.

Photos: Helen cutting red ribbon, Helen with DVD, Philip with books, Helen with The Transition Handbook (one of the donated books) and lastly John Marjoram, Helen Royall and interested library-goer Ali Poole.

Helen Royall, who coordinates Transition Stroud cut the red ribbon opening the new section in the library.

She said: "This will be a chance for people to learn more about climate change and Peak Oil - peak oil refers to the point where world oil production peaks and starts to decline. Some experts consider we have reached that point while others believe it is only a few years away. Certainly current oil prices and forecasts indicate that things are not going to get easier. However it doesn't all have to be doom and gloom and many of these books and DVDs have positive ways forward that we can start taking now. Indeed the Stroud area is already alive with many exciting projects that will help with the transition to a post carbon world."

Philip Booth, who coordinated the collection of the books for the new section, said: "We have been delighted by the quality of books and DVDs donated. This is the start of developing an important resource for the community that we hope many people will use. Many thanks to all who have donated already and to the Library staff who have been wonderfully supportive. We would still welcome more books and DVDs on Peak Oil and climate change: do please drop off any possible contributions to the library direct. "

John Marjoram, Mayor of Stroud, dropped in to welcome the new section in the Library: "This is a great way to make this information more accessible to a wider number of people. Well done to those who have put this project together."

Open Homes for a sustainable future website launched

2008-07-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

A date for the diary - Transition Stroud presents...Open Homes for a sustainable future on Saturday 13th and 14th September 2008.

Photo: Transition Stroud Energy group viewing solar on one of the homes that will be part of the Open Homes scheme

This is your opportunity to visit homes around Stroud, see renewable energy in action, discuss energy efficiency and get advice on eco-renovations…

On the Saturday 13th September we have an exhibition of the energy efficiency and renewable energy measures that people can take plus grant information, in what hopes to be the opening of the country's first carbon neutral village hall in Randwick. Plus over the weekend we have ten homes open to the public to show Solar Thermal, Wood Pellet boilers, rainwater harvesting, solid wall insulation and much more. There will also be tours of Tranquility House that has been dubbed by the Building Contracts Journal as ‘the most energy efficient house in the world’.

There are also two guided walks of the homes which are part of the Stroud's Walking Festival and a cycle route is also being developed by Bicycology Stroud. We have just launched an exciting new website with the details plus the District Council has supported us in helping fund 3,000 leaflets that gives info on grants and the open homes.

The leaflet is due out early next week. See our website which has times and details of the homes. It is in the process of being developed further to provide more information about the homes: www.stroudopenhomes.org.uk/

Do contact me if you can help with this project: Philip Booth 755451

A Day in Stroud

2008-06-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

I began by borrowing another little Molly for an hour. Jenni, her mother, is my landlady and is selling the flat so I took Molly to the Farmers' Market which she loves. First we visited the tomato stall for a vine of delicious Sunstream organic plum tomatoes. They always sell out first. After buying a tub of heavenly double cream, some ham and olives we were ready for our pain au chocolats which we ate while listening to a busker playing Annie Laurie on her flute. We must have met at least half a dozen friends during this half hour.

Next stop was Hawkwood - a half hour walk via the woods - for farmday at Stroud Community Agriculture. Today around 12 of us were weeding the rows of onions and carrots and mucking out the pigs. The muck was mixed with weeds for rotting down over the next six months and improving the soil fertility next year.

Then is it was back to Springhill for work-share at Pete and Helen's wood-fired bread oven. The puddling had already been done - mixing clay with straw and making it into bricks - and the sand form that the oven was to be built around was in place. Under Sam Makumba's excellent supervision we slapped on clay and moulded it into place 'with love' - the key ingredient for a succesful oven it seems.

Meanwhile Sam explained the dependence of the global weather system on the equatorial belt and how the African fig can save the human species. Helen provided excellent cakes and Sylvia and Clare sorted tiles for creating the mosaic on the finished oven.

Tonight it's off to see Patsy Gamble at the Trinity Rooms - a fund-raiser for the Green Party. With a day like that who would want a foreign holiday?!

Emancipate yourself from mental slavery

2008-06-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

Lovely to see Helen's pictures of the Stroud Communiversity launch. Please come forward and offer your skills and knowledge - it's your university. We already have offers of visioning the future, keeping chickens, a sixties-style teach-in and death rituals. Now how Transition is that!

Here's a bit of what I had to say about why we need the Communiversity:

Our universities are not free. In this late phase of global capitalism our institutions are being captured by the market and the university has not escaped. Our academics are trapped between seeking politically motivated research funding and achieving market-driven targets. I won’t go into the arcane lore of journal rating agencies or the metrics that are used to assess what should be creative and inspiring intellectual work. It is clear enough to those who work in universities that we are now a wing of the capitalist state, whose duty is to produce minimally skilled and maximally compliant economic production units.

The role of the universities in questioning and in inspiring a critical attitude in young people is now actively discouraged. This would be serious at any time, but in an era when we are facing such serious problems it is a disaster that the very places where creative solutions should be developed are so neutered and contained. This is why we need alternative structures where intellectual creativity can flourish.

Since we’ve made the idea of the Communiversity public many people have asked me: what is it? The answer is: whatever we want it to be! It is a collaborative educational project to help us develop the knowledge and skills we need to make our transition to a sustainable future. It will be a living example of how higher education should be in the future we want to live in. Our learning and teaching will be based around co-operation. Our goal will be sustainability. Other than this we are open to ideas. We wouldn’t be much of a Communiversity if we weren’t!

Stroud Communiversity Launch

2008-06-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well over 60 people came to The Space to the Stroud Communiversity launch on Friday evening. Molly Scott Cato introduced the idea of the Communiversity and Martin Large came with his spade to help us plant the roots of the venture (see what I did there?). Professor Hugh Barton arrived on his fold up bike and gave a splendid talk on Creating Healthy, Sustainable Towns and Neighbourhoods. His humour and insight left us with a real vision of what could be in Stroud and gave the Communiversity an excellent launch.

After the talks people were invited to look at the exhibitions that had been put up about the areas that will be available at the Communiversity in September.

Positive Vision

2008-06-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I was reading Rob's Transition book again and was struck by how important it is to have a positive vision. Since then I have heard several people talking about how they are feeling depressed or unhappy about the way things are and by what we are doing to our world and how we are behaving in our society. As Rob acknowledges and honours this and understands that we need to tell the story of how things are going wrong so that we start to do something about it he asks, "what would happen if we came at this the other way round, painting a picture of the future so enticing that people instinctively feel drawn towards it?"
While we recognise the negative, it is important to hold on to a dream. It is important to share that dream with others. It is important to make that possible future so bright, so real that we begin to believe it and live as if it were happening now. In that way we not only bring about that change but we become that change.
Let me leave you with something I have hanging in my room as a reminder. It is 'The Secret' by Christian D Larson (modified by The Secret 2007)

"I promise myself

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

Enjoy the dream. Happy transitioning....

Change The Dream

2008-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday evening and I have just got home from a most wonderful day.

We spent our time looking at what was happening in the world and then dreaming up what we could and are doing about it.

Most of the 23 people there knew that we are living off our eco-credit card, "as if we are living inside of a dream, sleepwalking toward oblivion, while self-serving, shortsighted interests encourage our slumber with managed news, celebrity culture and other weapons of mass distraction".

But throughout the day the aim of the symposium was gently and persistantly made clear - "bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, socially just human presence on the planet as the guiding principle of our time."

Indigenous people of South America who still live in their traditional Earth-honoring ways refer to our modern worldview as our "dream" and have urged us, for the sake of all life, to "change the dream of the North".

By watching not only what was going wrong but what courageous people all over the world are trying to do to help we were inspired to work out our own dream and our own plan to help the bigger picture.

It was an inspiring and uplifting day. If you get the chance to go to a Change The Dream Symposium (http://bethechange.org.uk/) take a chance and go. It will certainly change your dream and it may just change the world.

"Never doubt that a small band of committed people can change the world. Indeed, nothing else ever has." Margaret Mead

Wild Flower Walk

2008-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Thursday 5 of us set out for a walk on the wild (flower) side led by Helen Pitel. We walked from Cainscross Road, down into Frome Gardens and across the bridge to the Ebley by-pass. Helen pointed out many wild flowers, trees and grasses and we were amazed at how abundant the small amount of green was. Helen and Andrew Treacher were very well informed about the types and nature of the plants. As it started to rain we all went in doors for a cup of tea and a look through the flower books to see what the names for all the flowers were. A most enjoyable and informative evening. Thanks to Helen for getting it organised.

Tour de Presteigne - electric bike rally

2008-05-19T13:58:00.001-07:00

Myself, Nigel and Maisy travelled to Presteigne on Sunday (19 May) to visit the electric bike festival. I took along my Kalkhoff Agattu and had fantastic fun riding the the Tour de Presteigne - the world's premier electric bike rally. Very pleased with myself managing to complete 19 laps and having loads of cheers from the spectators, especially the children who liked my puffin helmet... See pics of the event at - tourdepresteigne.co.uk Photo Gallery

Many of the top electric bike brands were at the show and plenty of folks got time to try bikes but only for short rides. I've been busy lending out my bike to interested local people who want to cycle more but find the hills and valleys around Stroud to be a bit off putting. So far rave reviews... people keep falling in love with the bike, it really does put the fun back into getting around and flattens out those hills.

Getting to see lots of other bikes at the show and talking to other owners I'm quite happy I made the right choice in the Kalkhoff. Although it seems expensive at first it's getting ridden a lot and will last many years I'm sure. The cheaper electric bikes I've seen are very inferior bikes in terms of frame and components and not up to serious everyday use, never mind being able to power up the big hills.

So if you're after a transition vehicle you can't go far wrong with a Kalkhoff Agattu - www.50cycles.com (I've got the medium stepthru frame and it can be adjusted to suit almost anyone - great for a bike shared by various members of the family) and by buying on the Cycle to Work Scheme you get it almost half price. If you're in Stroud and would like to borrow my bike for test ride please get in touch.

Make do and mend

2008-05-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

It is fascinating how climate change is seeping into all areas of life. This year's annual Textiles Festival included both a special day on the Transition textiles group and an art installation called Make do and Mend by Studio Seven, a group of textile artists based in Stroud. Here is what they say about it:

Inspired by the local textile heritage of the Stroud Valleys area, Make Do & Mend focuses on the themes of weavers and weaving, woollen mills, the use of the Stroud Scarlet cloth for military uniforms, women working in industry during wartime, and the ethos of 'make do and mend'. These thematic threads are brought together by the seven artists into a unified world of images and ideas which the audience is invited to explore.

The exhibition is a celebration of female skills - those of our mothers' generation and those of the present-day artists, who do not need to use them practically but are keeping them alive. My new resolution is to 'patch with pride' - making the mends to my own clothes obvious and artistic rather than trying to hide them for the shame of not having enough money to buy new.

The ability to mend is something to be proud of, as this quotation from an 1934 Encyclopedia of Needlework I found at the exhibition tells us:

The best method of repairing damage caused by the wear and tear of use or accident is an art quite as valuable as that of skilfully fashioning new articles

The Textiles Festival also features this poem by Jane Weir:

1914, Working with Red in a Field Hospital, Belgium

Back in the workshop I look
for any kind of flux, discrepancy,
or break from the uniform,
when dyeing wild madder with gromwell,
or common sorrel with bedstraw - but not here.

The men lie, abstract shapes and sizes
angled and shattered in beds
a fraction between types and ages.
Without exception all dye red,
grimy sheets, make do blankets.

I notice little variation in shade
or depth of shade, or length of spread or seep,
or smear or splatter;
where the bandage unravels,
or the flesh stitches bloom and split.

Take this boy - he won't mind me showing you -
His wound replicates early nineteenth century anilines -
look closely at this right buttock,
see mauve going green, going flinch black -
no amount of handiwork can stop
the corruption that imprints flesh -
there are no mordants for miles around.

Alternative Textiles Day

2008-05-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Textiles Group put on a wonderful alternative textiles exhibition in John Street on Saturday.

A steady stream of people, both informed and otherwise came to visit and some excellent networking went on.

It was good to put faces to emails and meet some of the members while the sun shone. Emily, omnipresent as ever, was in two places at once (Stroud and Nailsworth). Only two you cry!

The stalls included Daylight Rubbery (Tara above), Emily's buttons and old lace, Jane's beautiful 'tea bags' (Patsy left), Imogen making flags for the bike ride to Chalford, the Disabled Workers stall, a facinating rag rug being made by Cathy from old clothes, Ricia's hedge dyes (below right) and the transfer stall where you could paint the Transition logo on a tea shirt. Molly set up a hemp stall and Rose sat and span on a beautiful spinning wheel and sold her delightful clothes made from bits and pieces she had put together from other clothes and material. Jessie's stall draped with the most gorgeous hand dyed clothes made up the exhibition and lots of Transition brochurs were given out to passers by. The Make Do and Mend exhibition in the Art Space seemed to attract a lot of interest throughout the day.

On Bank holiday Monday one or two transitioiners made it to Hawkwood College for their open day. We spent a laid back, mellow day on a stall in the tent at the bottom of a field. Yes well, transition? me? It's the closest I'm getting to camping.

Sue & Greg Dance's views of Nailstock

2008-04-28T10:59:00.001-07:00

Sue - Pre planned commitments to duty lists saw us catching the 93 bus amongst many young people and young families. Toddlers and teenagers in anticipation & excitement. We ended up stuck in a traffic jam for 20 mins & missed the procession. Arriving at the Nailstock festival site keen to sign in and participate.
The site was busy - finding a well organised gazebo & meeting fellow transitioners for the first time in person - putting faces to e mails. Others well known to us showing our Transition Town Stroud bright yellow jackets, new leaflets, and other useful tools of the day.

I was impressed by the young people's commitment to recycling. Tiny people being helped to put their bottles in the right bins. Archway school boys wanting to wear the fluorescent jackets sharing their knowledge of carbon footprints. A variety of folk wanted technical information in order to make practical changes to their homes. All wanting to do something for our future even though they had not heard of Peak Oil. I met potential new members encouraged some to leave their details and realised that Transition Town Stroud is mushrooming into a large dynamic umbrella group.....we all have so many ideas to share, practical ways to learn & it would be great to harvest the enthusiasm that we met.

I was very sad to see the field change as the afternoon progressed, alarmed about those who ere out of control & in need of first aid, the wearing of the yellow jackets drew people to us who asked for help & we were able to summon first aiders.

Greg - The day was a successful one, I spoke to many curious people who in the main wanted to discuss the practicalities of having solar panels of one sort or another. One chap wanted to make his driving school business low or zero carbon which certainly presents challenges!

I didn't meet any anti sorts (denialists), some who hadn't heard of peak oil/gas had a concerned look in their eyes when I said what the possible implications could be.
The site remained tidy throughout the day thanks to the hard work done by the teams, and also I think the tidy attitudes of the daytime festival goers.

The night time revelers, mostly young who arrived in large numbers from 8pm onwards were another type though. We went off site until around 9:30pm and on our return the site had become a waste land of rubbish. Was it the anonimity of the darkness that transformed people into wasters? Or was it that the families had gone and the "too cool to care" rabble were on duty?
The bus trip home was crowded and well natured, if a bit loud at times. Lots of cheering for no particular reason through which one young chap managed to sleep! Overall the day was well worth it, thanks to Simon Allen!

Thoughts for the 2009 event - Maybe the rubbish issue would be helped by illuminating the bins with low level lighting so they can be easily seem, and asking the organisers to put out reminders to the crowds over the entire day to use the bins correctly. Also reminders about the no glass on site rule would prevent the accidents that occurred.

Transition recycling at Nailstock

2008-04-26T15:49:00.000-07:00

Nailstock is a community-run free music festival, celebrating local bands and musicians in Nailsworth - and a blooming good event!

Transition Stroud have been hard at work all day collecting 'rubbish' to recycle - and running a stall with info - talking to folk about climate change, peak oil and more.

For more details see: http://www.nailstock.com/

Some photos from this year here.

Stroud Transition library

2008-04-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

On Friday Philip, Molly and Helen R met with two members of the Stroud Library Staff, Trudy and Helen, to discuss the possibility of displaying books that were relevant to the Transition movement. Many of the books have been donated by Transition folk.

Photo: our meeting in library

Trudy and Helen were most helpful and suggested we use a "dump bin" - this infact turned out to be a neat, wooden free standing, display shelf and not as bad as it sounded! This could be used to display our books and lend them out using the normal library system. So from this June (hopefully) we will have a stand in the library not only with interesting and useful books but also with our logo, a brief description and how to contact us.

Photos: Stroud Library and "Dump bin"

If you have any books that you think would be relevant and are in good condition please take them into the library and leave them for Helen Foulkes or Trudy Henry. We will also be launching soon an appeal for DVDs.

Dreaming

2008-04-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

I was reading "eGaia", a book by Gary Alexander (growing a peaceful, sustainable Earth through communications) when I caught myself dreaming.
I had forgotten the power and pleasure of dreaming.
I have a book in which I write down my dreams from time to time. I call it my Vision Book. About once every 6 months I curl up with my book and a set of colourful pens and just think about what I want for my life. I might draw a picture or diagram or I might write a list or a short description. I include a lot of detail and make it look attractive. I then imagine the things that I have wished for happening in my life right now.
Dream on fellow transitioners. Have fun. Maybe we could get together and share some dreams sometime.

Transition Ambridge: Pat Archer comes to Stroud

2008-04-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

In last night’s Archers, Pat Archer took another step towards setting up Transition Ambridge, as she prepared for a fact-finding trip to Stroud. The reference at the beginning to ‘King Cups’ is, I think, the name of one of their fields. Anyway, in this episode, she is talking to her husband Tony, about how her Transition research is going, and about her trip.

Pat. Do you want a hand with the milking Tony?

Tony. No, no. It’s useful having two of us coming down from King Cups (?), but I’m alright now….

Pat. OK, then I might sneak another look at the Net.

Tony. Oh yeah? Getting ready for your trip to Stroud?

Pat. Well, if I’m spending an afternoon discussing Transition networks, I ought to have some idea of what I’m talking about!

Tony. You seem pretty clued up to me Pat…

Pat. I’ve only scratched the surface. It’s fascinating though, I mean, when you look at what Totnes is doing…

Tony. Yes… I was more surprised by what they’re doing in Nottingham…

Pat. Oh yes… its not just little country towns…

Tony. It’ll be interesting to see it in action…

Pat. You don’t mind me taking a day off?

Tony. No, not at all, I’m all for it. The more we know the sooner we can get things moving in Ambridge.

Transition Network Conference, 11 – 13th April 2008

2008-04-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have arrived home from the Transition Network Conference full of hope and comfort. Hope that there are so many people who are prepared to make a difference, and comfort that I don’t have to do anything alone.

We began with a talk by Caroline Lucas. I thought I wasn’t roused or inspired and yet I found myself constantly wanting to write down what she said because it was worth remembering. Things like “a low carbon lifestyle” (or any phrase with low in it) is not an inspiring phrase. We must use terms like “living lightly” and “we want streets to belong to people again”. “When things are closer together we will have more time to spend with friends.”
It was an excellent start to the conference.
Ben Brangwyn followed and stated that we are a movement to get unelectable policies electable.
Naresh and Sophy reminded us that the weekend was not all about thinking, it was also about feeling and led us in an exercise to connect with our heart and soul.

Workshop 1 for me was Story Telling.
We created a town in the present day and then dreamed improvements in the future. It was good fun and very imaginative. Hannah left us with a beautiful quote from Rilke, “The future enters into us in order to transform itself long before it happens.”

The next day my workshop was with herbalist Mandy Dean from Bro Ddyfi. We looked at modern ailments and tried to work out what were some of the main causes. It is possible that many people now have allergies because we are too clean so doctors are injecting children with soil from Africa to help their immune system! We ended the workshop by looking at local flowers and herbs and learning their uses. I will now think very differently about the common daisy which is such a brilliant little plant.

I took part in several other workshops including Dealing with Backlash (something we may need to have a strategy for) and Avoiding Activist Burnout. With the help of the wisdom of Joanna Macy we learned that to avoid burnout we turn to each other not from each other.

I came home with a note book full of ideas and wisdom and have made new contacts with Transitioners all over the world. A most enjoyable and hopeful experience.

Transition Towns Annual Conference

2008-04-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

Stroud Transition folk are joining the conference taking place at the Royal Agricultural College near Cirencester from 11-13 April 2008. Green Party ‘eco hero’ will open the conference and warn of global food insecurity resulting from peak oil crisis.

The Green MEP for the South East will be visiting Cirencester tomorrow (Friday 11 April) to open the annual conference of one of the UK’s most revolutionary environmental movements and then will be in Stroud to talk at the Sub Rooms at 7.30pm on The Future of Food.

Dr Caroline Lucas, who sits on the European Parliament’s influential Environment Committee and was voted ‘Politician of the Year’ by the Observer newspaper in 2007, will tell visitors to the Transition Towns Annual Conference of the urgent need to address the increasing cost and scarcity of oil. She will say: “I truly believe that the Transition Town network is the most exciting, most hopeful, and most inspirational movement in Britain today. It is exciting because it's such a fast-growing, grassroots, direct response to an oil crisis which will affect us all.

“The Transition Town project proposes meaningful solutions to the two greatest challenges we face today - peak oil and climate change. It doesn't wait for government, politicians or corporations to act; it's about people in their communities taking action now, and joining together to create an alternative vision of how society could be.”

In the current system of globalised trade, food production is dangerously dependent upon oil – 95% of all the goods in shops involve the use of oil. Dr Lucas will warn that only by consuming more locally sourced food and services, and improving support for domestic producers, can we decrease our reliance upon unsustainable fossil fuels. Dr Lucas will highlight the positive message of the Transition Town network, which works to wean communities off oil, at a time when oil production may have already peaked and regularly surpasses the $100-a-barrel mark.

She says: “The Greens have been trying to get the subject of Peak Oil onto the political agenda for several years. But now, there's a new and growing awareness of the dramatic consequences of it becoming more costly and more scarce. Transition Town demonstrates that the changes we urgently need to make in order to address peak oil and climate change are positive changes in themselves. By making these changes, we can not only tackle the environmental crisis, we can also lead more fulfilling lives - through stronger local communities for example, better insulated homes, more vibrant local economies, more local production and consumption.

Life and death

2008-04-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Some of the peasant skills we need to learn during the Transition are pleasanter than others. This morning it was killing chickens. On the community farm we are trying out chickens for eggs, but inevitably we end up with cockerills that have no real use. They harrass the hens and need to be killed.

I was so nervous about this that I didn't have any breakfast to stop myself being sick. But as a meat-eater I feel it is necessary to take some responsibility for the death that is involved so I arrived at the farm early on a beautiful spring day to find out how it is done.

The expert chicken-slayer arrived in full leathers on a motorbike - which made me think of Alice Cooper and helped break the tension for me. He was actually a lovely man called Adrian who works at the Camphill Community at Thornbury near Bristol. Ute, who works part-time on the farm, also had experience of killing chickens.

The killing was distressing - mainly because the birds flap after their necks are broken and this can go on for some time. I wasn't able to do this myself but could cope with gutting and plucking the birds. I now have two stiffened bodies in my fridge and am wondering whether I am going to be able to eat them. They seem quite different in the kitchen from in the farmyard.

By a strange coincidence given my various writings on their £1.99 chicken, the bird I had plucked ended up in a Tesco carrier. I passed our local branch on the way home from the farm: shoppers were streaming out with their 'bags for life' packed full of plastic-wrapped goodies. What a difference between this and the life-and-death experience I had just been through.

The most curious thing is that the smell of the chickens after they were dead was just the same as the smell of my children when they were born. It isn't a smell of blood - something deeper than that. Perhaps a smell of life? I certainly learned something about life and death this morning and I wonder whether I will need to put the technique into practice in the future.

Personal Transition

2008-04-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

I dropped in on a textile group meeting the other evening and met a group of wonderful people sitting around a table discussing possibilities for helping the transition process in Stroud and knitting, sewing and crocheting.
I was handed a pair of needles and some wool and encouraged to start knitting. I haven't knitted for a long time and wondered if I would remember. With encouragement I was able to design something and get started. Since that meeting I have created the beginning of a beautiful, multi-coloured jumper and as I knit I imagine designs for other clothes that I could wear for different seasons. I also wonder if I can encourage my daughter to make her own clothes and maybe start knitting or sewing.
This leads me to realising how important it is for people to get together to do things because it is inspiring and supportive.
I feel as though my own personal transformation has begun and I am not alone.
Thanks Textile Group.
Helen