Happy New Year! This month Transition Network News wrote:-
“Phew! We are coming to the end of what has been for us a very busy 2017. Around the world, we have seen devastating earthquakes, fires + floods, interesting, challenging + frustrating political situations, + continuing human rights crises. But we’ve also heard inspiring stories of people (often Transitioners) coming together to respond with compassion, strength + creativity to those challenges. We continue to believe that working locally to develop resilient + caring communities is one of the best ways to thrive in our world.”
Yes, thank you indeed for being part of our thriving local resilient + caring community, + a special thank you to those taking forward our various projects. We hope you enjoy all the hard work you do, but remember – your hard work is infectious – it is what inspires others to join in with us. Unfortunately we don’t keep a record of numbers, but are thrilled with the number of members who have joined Transition Monmouth this year + the new groups that have developed + the existing groups that have joined in with our projects. The mutual support + encouragement is wonderful! So, thank you, thank you, thank you! It’s been a great Transition year in Monmouth + 2018 looks like it will be even more vibrant!
Members’ Meetings
The next Members’ Meeting is on Tuesday, 16 January, 7.30 at the Robin Hood. There is much to discuss on our new food poverty/food waste project, RECS, + other projects – but – there is generally insufficient time to explore the wider context – the rapid changes that are occurring in the natural world, technological developments, our responses to County, Assembly + Government actions. So – John Payne has offered to run regular meetings to discuss these wider matters, question what we do, can we do it better, + how – topics such as:-
- How do we know if climate change is the result of natural events or the result of our interference? – + maybe invite our MP?
- How to drive an electric car, where to get it charged etc
- Are wood stoves environmentally safe?
- Is nuclear power a sensible transitional energy option?
BUT – it’s up to you. What would you like to discuss? Please contact john@lambsquay.com or phone him on 01600 712170 / 07880 672672. It would be good to get a discussion/debating forum established – maybe even do some film shows?
Food Sense – the current title for our new group looking at food waste + excess produce – + how we could use it to good effect, especially to combat food poverty
The next meeting is on Wednesday 10 January, 7.30 at the Robin Hood. We had another excellent meeting in November. David Blair is our new Chair. There is more fact finding to be done but new initiatives are already underway – community meals, meals for FSM children in school holidays, deliveries from supermarkets etc. Please join us if you are interested! Further information from blair@waitrose.com.
In the meantime, here’s a bit more reading on + around the subject:-
https://www.ft.com/content/57cd9dae-c53f-11e7-b30e-a7c1c7c13aabb
https://m.thegrocer.co.uk/559639.article?mobilesite=enabled#.WgAj1ctGVwg.twitter
Climate Change Champions + Active Travel
Climate Change Champions is a group facilitated by Hazel Clatworthy (MCC Sustainability Officer). It has met quarterly for over 10 years to exchange information on climate change matters with groups such as Transition Monmouth throughout the county. Depending on the topic, there is high level MCC representation. Please let us know if you would like to come to the next meeting – Wednesday 24 January, 7pm, in Chepstow – when Active Travel will be the main topic.
Here’s the diary for the next few weeks:-
Food Sense: Wednesday 10 January, 7.30 at the Robin Hood – see above for details
Amnesty International Monmouth Group: Wednesday 10 January, 7.30 at the Robin Hood (no, this isn’t a mistake – same time, different room to Food Sense): Inaugural meeting of the new, revived Monmouth Group to start the New Year by making a difference to victims of human rights abuse
Community Canteen: Saturday 13 January at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Abergavenny, 7 for 7.30: A winter stew to raise money for the Monmouth-based charity Hands Around the World – see https://www.facebook.com/HandsAroundTheWorld/. Please book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited – email community-canteen-group-1@googlegroups.com. Also, please consider offering to help with the preparation of the meal; this is sociable + enjoyable, + starts at 3pm
Members’ Meeting: Tuesday 16 January, 7.30 at the Robin Hood – food poverty, flood prevention, ban plastic straws, woodland management + anything else you want to talk about!
Woodland Management Demonstration Day: Thursday 18 January: An outdoor demonstration at GWT’s Croes Robert Nature Reserve showcasing coppice + ride management, horse extraction, low impact mini-forwarder for timber extraction, winching + an introduction to creating added value to woodland products including charcoal making + firewood. Booking is essential – contact Andy Karran – akarran@gwentwildlife.org or Neville Hart – nhart@gwentwildlife.org or phone 01600 740600
Wassail + Mari Llywd: Saturday 20 January, 2pm at Lower Bridge Street, Chepstow
Climate Change Champions: Active Travel meeting: Wednesday 24 January, 7pm in Chepstow. Please let us know if you would like to attend (+ car share) + we will send you further details when these are available
And, as ever, there are your Local Produce Markets:-
Grosmont – Saturday 13 January – 10 till 2 – Wellbeing Market
Usk – Saturday 20 January – 10 till 1
Abergavenny – Thursday 25 January – 9.30 to 2.30
Usk – Saturday 3 February – 10 till 1
Grosmont – Saturday 10 February – 10 till 2
Usk – Saturday 177 February – 10 till 1
We hope to see you soon, hopefully at the Robin Hood for the Food Sense meeting on Wednesday 10 January + Members’ Meeting on Tuesday 16 January.
Ann Eggleton, Chair
Bryan Miller, Deputy Chair
Transition Monmouth 