Newsletter 4 short

Newsletter number 3 is available from here

Newsletter 3

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/TransitionTownAbergavenny

Please note the website and facebook addresses at the top of this newsletter. One of our aims in the transition group is to collate all community and sustainability-related events and show them in one place. If you have anything you want posted please send to Rod at vron.rod@btinternet.com

Notes from Paul Clifford

 Part of The Transition Network

Abergavenny Transition Town has successfully applied to become part of the Transition Network. This has grown from just 2 initiatives in Kinsale, Ireland and Totnes, Devon in 2006 to a network of over 1100 Transition Initiatives in 43 countries worldwide in 2013. This gives us access to ideas and information about what other initiatives worldwide are doing – a potential source of inspiration for us. As we develop, we can add what we are doing to our Transition Network page https://www.transitionnetwork.org/initiatives/abergavenny so that others can benefit from our experience. The ethos of Transition is about sharing ideas and resources and supporting each other in what we are doing. We are in touch with Monmouth and Chepstow Transition groups and are exploring the possibility of a joint Monmouthshire wide event next year.

Other Notes

1) Constitution

A constitution has been formally agreed.

2) Registering an interest with TT Network

Abergavenny Transition Town has been formally recognised and now has official   status

3) Bank Account

Abergavenny Credit Union was agreed by the group as the most suitable banking   facility for ATT. Rod Cunningham has been elected to be the treasurer.

4) Raising Start-up funds

The TT Network advice is for funds to be raised locally.

Andy Green, as representative of Gwent Energy Community Interest Company,      donated £500, which has been gratefully accepted. Abergavenny Community Canteen has arranged for a fund raising meal to support ATT on 17^th August.

5)    Food Group

The group has received support from the County Council. The Youth Service and Youth Centre are also involved in projects. It is  encouraging that an increasing number of young people are getting involved .  .

6)    Energy Group

The group has met with  Gwent Energy CIC and there is a meeting planned to discuss with Llangattock community project their recently achieved status of being carbon neutral.

7)    Mapping Group

The group has obtained the Green Mapping programme and  has begun to add information to the map regarding Abergavenny, They will contact Cardiff Transition group who use this system to give a tutorial in the near future to ensure effective use.

8)     Links with other organisations

We will participate in the planned alternative food event Just Food to he held on Sat 21^st Sep during the Food Festival. The intention is to raise peoples’ awareness of food ethics. To promote the event and to raise awareness of both ATT and Incredible Edibles we are planning to develop a questionnaire to ask the public of Abergavenny ’what are your current concerns regarding food?’,’ If you had a solution what would it be?’

9)    Publicity Sub Committee

As there are future events planned and there is an increasing need for literature about ATT,  a  subcommittee has been formed to develop promotional materials.

10) Environmental Fair/celebration of Abergavenny

The group has agreed to take over the responsibility for organising this community event that has been planned for 27^th Oct, from Abergavenny Climate Action. Dates of planning meetings will be posted on the ATT website.

Other news

Simon points us to a link to this new website which is a new initiative in Bristol

http://www.futurebristol.co.uk/

A philosophy in pubs group has started in Abergavenny  see the website http://pipsabergavenny.org   the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 9^th July upstairs in the Hen and Chicks pub, 8pm start. All are welcome to participate, no knowledge of philosophy is necessary. The aim of these sessions is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to discuss ‘The big questions’ that affect our lives and to enjoy ourselves at the same time!

Effective Groups training, Joanna Macy discussion Group

• Rod attended training with Nick Osborne ‘Effective Groups’ advertised by the Transition network. This was for two days and was held in Bristol. He highly recommends this two-day introductory course when it returns to Bristol.

• Organizers of the Bristol Pound were present at the above training, the motto of the Bristol Pound is ‘money which sticks to Bristol’. Well worth us thinking about a Monmouthshire Pound.

• www.shiftbristol.org.uk Shift Bristol is a not-for-profit organization promoting courses and training on permaculture and sustainability. Worth looking at for training and events.

• Philosophy in Pubs. Josie Parkinson-Cribb and Rod Cunningham are establishing monthly PIPs sessions at the Hen and Chicks, first session Tuesday 11th June at 8pm.

• Two discussion sessions are to be held on the work of Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone and its relevance to our transition town activity. 20th and 27th June, 7.30 to 9.30 Upstairs at the Hen and Chicks. Their books include, ‘The Work that Reconnects’ and ‘Active Hope’

Some background:
Three key issues according to Macy and Johnstone are:
1) Limiting the damage – reducing carbon emission, political action etc.
2) Changing structures – ways of operating, democratic voice, inequality etc.
3) Changing mindsets – A wider sense of self.
With reference to this third point we hope to discuss how we can use Macy’s ideas and activities to draw more people into the transition work. More information from Rod vron.rod@btinternet.com

• Community Canteen is sponsoring Abergavenny Transition Town on Saturday August 17th. Bookings will be available from Jeremy Gass. RC aims to run a community discussion on a transition issue during the meal (probably food related).

• This will lead seamlessly into the food festival fringe event ‘JUST FOOD’ on Saturday 21st September at the Trinity Hall which involves short talks and discussions on food issues while you have a bowl of soup.