Dear Transitioners
Our last newsletter of 2019, and perhaps time for reflection on what a tumultuous year it has been – starting with the publication of the IPCC report on Climate Change which, for the first time, the world seemed to take seriously. This was closely followed by the first Extinction Rebellion protest in Parliament Square on 31 October 2018 when we were introduced to the then 15 year old Greta Thunberg – a leader of our time she has truly turned out to be, meeting with and addressing world leaders while unashamedly shaming many, and inspiring the international Youth Climate Strikes. In May, Monmouth Town Council declared a Climate Emergency and this was followed a few days later with a similar motion that was carried unanimously by Monmouthshire County Council.
These things don’t come easy and involved a huge amount of work by a huge number of good folk fighting for the cause. So far, so good – but this is almost where the hard work starts. Our stamina must not waver. We applaud, organise and join in when we can with the Climate Emergency protests and Youth Strikes (the youth in Monmouth have had a particularly difficult time – we are proud of their continued action) to influence Government at all levels, and shame corporations for their destructive practices. Locally we continue to work with the County Council on measures to combat climate change, but also through the new ACE Monmouth (Action on Climate Emergency) projects – Bike-Friendly Monmouth, ACE Festival of the Future, and Green Spaces, with a Repair Café, Energy and Local Food projects on their way. Below we give dates of the various meetings for the remainder of the year. All welcome to all the meetings. Please let me know if you would like to be put in contact with any of the project leaders.
And as though we don’t have enough to do, we now also have a General Election on 12 December. OK, Brexit is a top issue, but so is the Climate Emergency, and of course the two impact on each other. We are therefore holding a Climate Emergency Hustings – at Bridges Community Centre on Friday 29 November, 6.30 for a prompt 7pm start – to seek clarity on the positions held by the candidates:-
- Ian Chandler – Green Party
- David Davies – Conservative Party
- June Davies – Renew
- Hugh Kocan – Plaid Cymru
- Yvonne Murphy – Welsh Labour
- Alison Willott – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Email questions in advance to reception@bridgescentre.org.uk. Include your name, constituency and whether the question is to be asked from the Chair or audience. There will also be opportunity to post written questions on the day prior to the start of the meeting. Refreshments available.
At our AGM this week Karin Chandler, our out-going Chair, gave a detailed report of our busy year – copied below and also posted on our website. Bryan Miller is our new Chair, with Simon Durrant as Deputy Chair. I will continue as Treasurer and Admin. For the newsletter I would much welcome any contributions or suggestions on news that you would like to get out to the members.
Now for those dates for your diaries:-
ACE Monmouth: Bike-Friendly Monmouth: Thursday 14 November, 7pm at the Robin Hood to take forward the bold ambitions of the group – making the Agincourt Square redevelopment bike friendly, active mapping of cycling routes and much more – all welcome!
Repair Café in Abergavenny: Saturday 16 November, 11am to 1pm at the Abergavenny Community Centre, Park Street. We are looking to set up a Repair Café in Monmouth and would encourage anyone interested in being involved to come along to find out how others do it
Climate Emergency Action Festival of the Future: Saturday 16 November, 10am to 3pm at the Overmonnow Family Learning Centre, Victoria Court, off Wonastow Road, Monmouth NP25 5AR: A workshop to fix a date for the Festival, plan a timetable, decide on roles and requirements. Please come along if you are willing to help with the festival or have expertise in planning events. Feel free to come for only part of the day. Also bring your children, and your suggestions. Please also bring food to share; drinks and fruit will be provided
Lantern Making Workshops:
- Saturday 16 November, 10am to 4pm at the Shire Hall and
- Sunday 17 November, 1pm to 5pm at the Rockfield Park Community Centre
These are drop in sessions for you and your children to make a lantern for the parade on 6 December. Materials provided and refreshments too, but bring your own battery operated fairy lights
ACE Monmouth: A Repair Café for Monmouth: Wednesday 27 November, 7pm at the Robin Hood: Inaugural meeting which, hopefully, will result in us starting pop-up events early next year
Climate Emergency Hustings: Friday 29 November, 6.30 for a 7pm start at Bridges Community Centre – further details above
ACE Monmouth: Green Spaces: Wednesday 4 December, 7.15 at the Robin Hood to get a tutorial on the new Monmouth Green Spaces interactive map, and to discuss the various planting opportunities round town – the new Kingswood Estate, Chippy, where else? – creation of biodiversity corridors, encouraging wild gardens etc
Lantern Parade: Friday 6 December, 6pm at the Old Bridge to parade up to the Shire Hall for this inspirational community event – a family fun evening with performers on stage, Father Christmas and street entertainers
Grosmont Winter Market: Saturday 14 December, 10am to 2pm at Grosmont Church – hot drinks, a BBQ, local food, festive story telling, make-and-take craft table, unique Christmas gifts and cards – many made by local people. Live music too ….
And that’s it for 2019 – so much achieved! Thank you, all! We hope you have a good break over the Christmas period and return in January with your energies and ideas replenished.
Vivien Mitchell
Transition Monmouth 