Dear Transitioners
It’s all go on the Climate Emergency front, at last! On 7 May, the Environmental Affairs Committee of Monmouth Town Council declared a Climate Emergency, + then on May 16, a similar motion was carried unanimously by Monmouthshire County Council. Well done to all who worked so hard to achieve this!
But what we need now is action! We heard at the Town Council meeting from three Indy Councillors who had attended a Climate Emergency Summit at CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology) of the Machynlleth experience where they started by calling a public meeting. This was very well attended + resulted in the formation of 12 Theme Groups, each tasked with developing possible actions. Yes, this sounds good. We need as many people involved as possible + we need to tap into all the considerable local knowledge + expertise that we collectively have.
Monmouth Town Council formed a small Working Group from those present at the Environmental Affairs meeting. Membership + attendance at the Working Group meetings is currently restricted to those few initial members. Their first meeting is at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 22 May in the Punch House.
We don’t yet know how the County Council plans to proceed but we need to keep up the pressure for action. One way you can do this is to support the Youth Strike next Friday, 24 May – assemble at 9 am in St Mary’s Churchyard but stewarding help is needed – please let us know if you are up for it or just come to the Churchyard at 9am prompt, wearing high viz if you have some. The route + procedure will be explained to you then. There will be an opportunity for children/young people to make a speech outside the Shire Hall.
Now for some stuff for your diaries:-
MTC Working Group on the Climate Emergency: Wednesday 22 May, 6.30 in the Punch House
Stories of Rebellion: Thursday 23 May, 6.30 to 9pm at the Abergavenny Community Centre, Park Street: Hear all about the Fortnight of Rebellion from those who were there, + bring food to share
Youth Strike: Friday 24 May: Assemble at 9 o’clock at St Mary’s Churchyard – more details above – bring high viz if you have some even if you don’t wish to steward
Wyesham Community Woodland – Claypatch: Sunday 26 May, 10 till 12: Working party to prepare for the Big Lunch on 2 June
Family Picnic – a festival to get to know the Laurie Jones Community Orchard in Abergavenny: Thursday 30 May, 10.30 onwards – pond dipping, story telling, learn about wildflowers, birds + bugs – bring a picnic, something to sit on + yourselves!
Wyesham Community Woodland – Claypatch Big Lunch: Sunday 2 June, 12 till 3 – bring food to share + have fun with the country games!
Nature Isn’t Neat: Tuesday 4 June, 5.30 in the King’s Head – more on the Action Plan
Grosmont Summer Market: Saturday 8 June, 10 till 2 – loads of stalls – food, clothes, plants, flowers, etc etc
Members’ Meeting: Tuesday 11 June, 7.30 till 9pm at the Robin Hood – undoubtedly the Climate Emergency will be on the agenda but we also want to arrange Discussion Evenings + other events
Repair Café Clothes Mend: Sunday 16 June, 10 till 1 at the Rockfield Community Centre
And the Local Produce Markets:-
Usk – 1st + 3rd Saturdays – 10 till 1
Abergavenny – 4th Thursday – 9.30 to 2.30
We hope to see you soon!
Vivien Mitchell
Transition Monmouth 