Dear Transitioners
Extinction Rebellion protests are in full swing around the world and we are grateful to the millions that are protesting and the thousands that have already been arrested. If you possibly can, please join the protests in London which are planned to continue throughout this week. It’s easy to find local groups to engage with – see https://rebellionroles.earth/. You can also support the actions by making a donation towards costs of providing facilities, training, legal help etc – see https://rebellion.earth/donate/.
In the meantime we are doing what we can locally. On Thursday 17 October we have an ACE Monmouth meeting (6.30pm at Bridges Community Centre for a 7pm start) to hear updates on our first three projects – Climate Emergency Festival of the Future, Cycle Friendly Monmouth, Green Spaces – and to hear about plans/ideas for other projects. Opportunities for everyone to be involved – please come!
Hazel Clatworthy reports that County Council Officers have been working over the summer on a draft Climate Emergency Action Plan – see https://democracy.monmouthshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=4001. This has been considered by the Strong Communities Committee as a policy development exercise. At present it is a ‘response’ rather than an ‘action plan’, and contains aspirations that might not be achievable, but that is no barrier to their inclusion. Prioritisation and work with members to understand some of the trade-offs is on-going.
Now for those dates for your diaries:-
ACE Monmouth: General Meeting: Thursday 17 October, 6.30pm till 9pm, to hear updates on the projects and discuss further actions / other projects. Light refreshments will be provided to maintain your energy levels! Contact vivienmitchell@yahoo.co.uk for further details or to be put on the mailing list
The Big Autumn Swap: Saturday 19 October, 11am to 2pm at Monmouth Priory. Yes, another Big Swap event for clothes, books, toys etc as well as the usual seeds/plants/produce. Tools for Self Reliance Cymru will be there for you to start buying Christmas presents for your gardening friends. Please bring stuff to swap, but come anyway and make a donation for anything you take. Bring the children – we will have activities for them. We will serve coffee, tea and cakes as usual but also vegan soup and bread so you can relax over a light lunch. If you would like to help with soup making, this will take place that morning in the Priory kitchen starting at 10am. Offers of help please to karin@chandler.wales
Active Travel: Tuesday 22 October, 1pm at the Shire Hall. This is a group facilitated by the Town Council but all are welcome to attend – much scope for improvements in and around Monmouth – come and have your say
Food Sense: Wednesday 6 November, 7pm. Currently the main activity of this group is the collection of surplus food from the supermarkets and ensuring it is put to good use; freezer and refrigeration facilities are being investigated. Please come along if you would like to participate – contact vivienmitchell@yahoo.co.uk for venue details
Transition Monmouth AGM: Tuesday 12 November, 7.15 at the Robin Hood to receive reports for the year from Chair and Treasurer, elect officers for the coming year – all offers welcome – and then we are going to have a PARTY! The Robin Hood has kindly agreed that we can bring finger food to share. We look forward to seeing you
Repair Café: Saturday 16 November, 11am to 1pm at the Abergavenny Community Centre, Park Street. We are looking at setting up a Repair Café in Monmouth and would encourage anyone interested in being involved to come along to find out how others do it
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 