Dear Transitioners
We got 2018 off to a stonking start! At the meeting on 16 January we decided on a new Facebook page – Transition Monmouth Chat – go see, + chat! We are thrilled with the response + the results.
At the same meeting it became clear that making Monmouth a Plastic Free Town was of huge interest, starting with getting rid of plastic straws + unrecyclable single use coffee cups. This is confirmed by Transition Monmouth Chat – so – while we are at it let’s make a big difference. Members are invited to post or write in or come to the next meeting on Tuesday, 20 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood to tell us:-
- Who you know that has already changed the way they do things. We started with a Facebook post by No 7 Church Street saying they had changed to paper straws + fully compostable coffee cups; Madeleine’s in Beaufort Court of course already does this, + we are keeping a list of others
- Who you have influenced to amend their ways – be it a shop, eatery, place of work, or school. We’ve been told of three schools that have already changed over to paper straws, + two of them have banned that other scourge – glitter!
- Who you have tried to influence, what the problems are, + let’s talk about how we can succeed. In Monmouth a particular problem is Waitrose; we started writing to them in October 2015 – nothing has happened + they have recently posted a very complacent statement on what good chaps they are encouraging customers to take free coffee in free unrecyclable cups – http://www.waitrose.com/home/inspiration/about_waitrose/the_waitrose_way/packaging.html. Does this call for a national Change.org campaign? For a start we could all write to the Managing Director – rob_collins@waitrose.co.uk; please let us know how you get on!
- How you have changed the way you personally do things – for example, in the last two weeks, we have a new Suma Food Group which buys in bulk to avoid plastic packaging
- What ideas should we pursue – for example, Natural Weigh, the zero waste shop, is opening in Crickhowell in March – do we want one in Monmouth? – should we organise a trip to Crickhowell to see how it’s done? – see naturalweigh.co.uk
Can we make Monmouth a Plastic Free Town? Please help!
Members’ Meetings
Our first discussion meeting – Tuesday 13 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood – will be led by John Payne. The topic: Electric Vehicles. John has run a Nissan Leaf for a couple of years + has been involved in the installation of charging points. Come + listen + tell + learn.
The next Members’ Meeting is on Tuesday 20 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood. Topics will include making Monmouth a Plastic Free Town, Food Sense – our new food poverty/food waste project, RECS – our flood prevention project, Chippenham children’s playground, Claypatch Woods, up-coming + other stuff + anything else you want to talk about.
Food Sense – next meeting on Wednesday 28 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood; the main topics will be feeding children (especially those entitled to Free School Meals) during the school holidays, + getting/filling/operating a community fridge – but plenty else beside. If you would like the full agenda please let us know. Here’s some more stuff about what’s going on elsewhere:-
https://www.casseroleclub.com/
http://www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/bisto
https://www.hubbub.org.uk/Event/community-fridge-network
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2018/01/08/12-ways-stop-wasting-food-drink/
Here’s the diary for the next few weeks:-
Discussion: Electric Vehicles: Tuesday 13 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood
Fairtrade Pancakes: Tuesday 13 February, 12.30 onwards at the Methodist Hall, Castle Street, Abergavenny – as a pre-celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight – sweet + savoury fillings, also tea + coffee
Local Wildlife Site Landowner Morning: Sunday 18 February, 9.30 to 1pm at Llanishen Village Hall to hear about otters, orchard conservation, adders, the National Tree Seed Project + updates on the LWS scheme. Free of charge but please book with Andy Karran – akarran@gwentwildlife.org or 01600 740600 so he knows how much cake to buy!
Members’ Meeting: Tuesday 20 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood – Plastic Free Monmouth, the Monmouthshire Well-Being Plan, food poverty (an uphill struggle), flood prevention, woodland management (both going brilliantly), Chippy Playground (showing signs of moving!) + anything else you want to talk about!
Fairtrade Coffee Morning: 24 February, 10 to 12 at Monmouth Priory – Fairtrade + homemade refreshments, Fairtrade goodies to buy, Swap Shop for seeds/plants, tools from Tools for Self Reliance Cymru who are always most grateful for donations of your old tools for refurbishment, especially sewing machines, please!
Real Bread Week: 24 February to 4 March: We will post any events up on Facebook but please look in at Madeleine’s, Beaufort Arms Court – open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10 till 3, + treat yourself to an extra bit of real bread!
Food Sense: Wednesday 28 February, 7.30 at the Robin Hood – see above for details
Fairtrade Breakfast: Friday 9 March, 10am at the Abergavenny Community Centre – http://www.abergavennycc.org/find-us/4588669597 for directions; if coming by car use the Centre’s car park off Merthyr Road
100 years of votes for women – and we’re not done!: International Women’s Day Celebration: Friday 9 March, 6.30 at the Shire Hall, Monmouth – inspiring speakers + dance + music + drinks / nibbles – suggested donation: £3
Seedy Sunday: Sunday 11 March at the Abergavenny Community Centre – email richard@middleninfa.co.uk for further information
La Leche League: Saturday 17 March, 10 till 12 – coffee morning at Ty Price – fundraiser for this breastfeeding support group. The Paint On Me pottery company will be there to amuse the little ones
Earth Hour: Saturday 24 March at 8.30pm – what will you do to show solidarity? – ideas + pledges, please – further information: https://www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour
Spring Greens Environment Fair: Saturday/Sunday, 5/6 May at Court of Noke near Pembridge HR6 9HW – showcasing inspiring, enjoyable + healthy solutions to the difficult social, environmental + economic issues which confront us – a family friendly event exploring innovative skills + ideas. Get involved – bring a stall, exhibit, activity or performance – contact info@springgreens.org.uk or call 07777 661252 – more information at https://springgreens.org.uk/
And, as ever, there are your Local Produce Markets:-
Grosmont – Saturday 10 February – 10 till 2 – Market of Love – keep up to date on the Grosmont Market Facebook page
Usk – Saturday 17 February – 10 till 1
Abergavenny – Thursday 22 February – 9.30 to 2.30
Usk – Saturday 3 March – 10 till 1
Grosmont – Saturday 10 March – 10 till 2
Usk – Saturday 17 March – 10 till 1
We hope to see you soon, hopefully at the Robin Hood for the Electric Vehicles meeting on 13 February, the Members’ Meeting on Tuesday 20 February, + Food Sense on Wednesday 28 February!
Ann Eggleton, Chair
Bryan Miller, Deputy Chair
Transition Monmouth 