Dear Transitioners
We had a very interesting debate at our last Members’ Meeting with Cllr Frances Taylor + Judith Langdon (MCC Place Plan Team) about citizen’s democracy – what does it mean, how can we extend it? Those of us in the thick of things don’t have much of a problem, but what about those that are neglected + disadvantaged? They, understandably, feel disenfranchised + angry. We didn’t come up with any answers but will bear this important issue in mind in our future work.
Spring promises to be here, accompanied by the end of the tree planting season. 300 trees still left to plant, + most of them are yet to be delivered – so a hefty effort is required to get them all in the ground quickly. Hence there will be planting parties over the weekends of 11/12 + 18/19 March. Please contact vivienmitchell@yahoo.co.uk / 01600 715065 / 07931 849486 with your availability if you would like to come + join us in getting cold + muddy – but sense of satisfaction guaranteed!
Some dates for your diaries:-
Members’ Meeting: Wednesday (note the radical change from Tuesday!) 8 March, 7.30 at the Punch House – much to talk about left over from the previous meeting, as well as the new monthly Beans Stall over the summer months to encourage people to cut down on their meat consumption + eat delicious/nutritious/cheap bean meals instead
Swap Shop: Saturday 4 March, 10 till 12 at Monmouth Priory: Seeds + plants to swap or buy, tools from Tools for Self Reliance Cymru, fairly traded goods from Oxfam + Love Zimbabwe; Fairtrade refreshments by Monmouth Fairtrade Forum as part of the Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations
EV – Electrical Vehicle – Open Day: Saturday 4 March, 10 till 4 at Bridges Community Centre, Monmouth: Electric vehicles, solar + battery storage systems, charging points, community transport schemes, local renewable investment opportunities + more. Light refreshments available – see http://www.EVOpenDay.com
Fairtrade Celebration Tea Party: Saturday 4 March, 3 to 5 at Abergavenny Community Centre to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight and the 10th birthday of the Abergavenny Fairtrade Forum – celebration cake, children’s activities, photos + stories from the archive – further information on http://www.monmouthshirefairtrade.org.uk
Fairtrade under Fire in Palestine: Friday 10 March, 7pm at Monmouth Priory: Talk by Cathi Pawson, the Communications Director of Zaytoun, an award-winning social enterprise with a mission to develop the UK market for fairly traded Palestinian produce. Cathi was a founder member. Tickets £5 to include a drink + nibbles – at the door or from Madeleine’s in Beaufort Court
Tree Planting Parties: Saturday/Sunday 11/12 March: Times to be arranged to suit
Swap Shop: Saturday 18 March, 10 till 12 at Monmouth Priory: Seeds + plants to swap or buy, tools from Tools for Self Reliance Cymru, Fairtrade refreshments by the Two River Meadow Group
Tree Planting Parties: Saturday/Sunday 18/19 March: Times to be arranged to suit, + continuing until all trees are planted! That will make 1,100 in all this winter – wow!
Rewilding with Simon Ayres: Monday 20 March, 7.30 at the Shire Hall, Monmouth + organised by Gwent Wildlife Trust: Simon is Chair of the Wales Wild Land Foundation. He will talk about rewilding + what it really means for the landscape – £2.50 at the door
Earth Hour: Saturday 25 March @ 8.30pm: The world’s largest demonstration of support for action on climate change: Join millions of people around the world, switch off your lights + take part in an event or throw your own party – see http://www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour for ideas
Beans Stall: Saturday 8 April, 10 till 1 in the Cattlemarket Car Park: We will be handing out free samples of delicious bean meals + recipes. Please get involved – making a dish, manning the stall – contact anneggleton@waitrose.com / 01600 780449
Spring Greens Fair: Saturday/Sunday 29/30 April at the Court of Noke: A wide variety of talks, activities + entertainments for all the family – https://springgreens.org.uk/
And, don’t forget your Local Produce Markets:-
Usk – Saturday 4 March – 10 till 1
Grosmont – Saturday 11 March – 10 till 2
Usk – Saturday 18 March – 10 till 1
Abergavenny – Thursday 23 March – 9.30 to 2.30
Usk – Saturday 1 April – 10 till 1
Grosmont – Saturday 8 April – 10 till 2
We hope to see you soon, hopefully at the Members’ Meeting next Wednesday, 8 March.
Other Transition Treasures are on the website http://www.transitionmonouth.org (currently being rebuilt) + on the Transition Monmouth Facebook page
Ann Eggleton
Chairman
Transition Monmouth 