January Newsletter

Big News

Local Energy Assessment Fund

Before Christmas Taunton Transition Town applied for a grant from the Department of Energy and Climate Change around local energy assessment.... succinctly entitled Local Energy Assessment Fund (LEAF - http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn11_107/pn11_107.aspx).
Happily we had confirmation this week that we have been successful in our bid and can now run a series of assessment and education projects in the Taunton area. (Queue lots of happy dancing!).

“This is great news for the public sector. Not only do we need to encourage energy efficiency in our schools, hospitals and universities, we also need to get green energy generation and energy efficiency into our communities. That’s why we are also making £10million available for communities to help spur an energy revolution at a local level.”
(Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change)

So what are we going to use the money for:
1. CSE research
The bulk of the money will be going to the Centre for Sustainable Energy to give us street by street data on the best measures for energy efficiency in the area, population profiles to identify areas most and least likely to take up energy efficiency measures, and analyse what housing stock would benefit which energy efficient and renewable energy projects. This will give us a body of research that can provide a focus for future work.
2. Green Doors Scheme
Commissioning one or more freelancers to work to research and prepare a Green Doors open house scheme, to showcase energy efficiency and generation measures in existence in the town. This will result in a "map" of between 30-50 examples of low carbon living (private dwellings, commercial premises, public buildings) and a commitment from relevant parties to take part in an open Green Doors weekend in May. An example of a green doors scheme is in Bristol – www.bristolgreendoors.org
3. Digital Artist
We will be partnering with Taunton's Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre to commission an artist to use thermal imaging equipment to create a new work that would help people "see for themselves" the relationship between the way we live and the energy we use. It could result in a tourable exhibition of images, a film, something interactive, or something that takes advantage of emerging technologies.
4. Open Space event
We will hold a facilitated public event for up to 200 people in a town centre venue (probably The Genesis Centre - www.genesisproject.com). Open Space events are specifically designed for participants to agree and discuss the topics that matter most to them, in this case under the broad theme of Building Local Resilience. Making energy usage sustainable into the future would inevitably be a core topic. Open Space is also more than a talking shop. It is specifically structured to lead to actions that participants have decided for themselves they want to take together, and is frequently a way of birthing new networks and working groups. This will take place in March 2012, and be co-ordinated and delivered by Taunton Transition Town members.
5. Transition Together
The project involves groups of 4-8 householders meeting on a monthly basis to look at different low carbon topics, including energy, and support each other in making changes. To date this has resulted in specific outcomes including Solar PV installation, cutting energy bills by up to 30%, and lowering water usage. Taunton Transition Town already has funding for this project from the Council, but will be able to use CSE data to roll out its pilot project beyond the current 30 householders and target areas/population profiles more likely to take an active part.
6. Deane Energy Savers
This voluntary group, initiated by Taunton Transition Town, is already funded by the Council to cover costs for carrying out a number of energy audits of private dwellings each year, and making referrals to Warm Streets. This project will enable them to target their resources more effectively within Taunton. In particular, the purchase of a thermal imaging camera will enable them to take "before and after" images of homes that are undergoing insulation measures during the period Jan-March and become a long term resource in the locality. The team will also be involved in collecting paper based survey information on the doorstep to help validate desk based research carried out by CSE (see 1).
Now in order to achieve all this we have a big ask of our readership..... we need help.

Validate Desk Based Research Carried out by CSE
In order for the CSE to sanity check their research they have to have some on the spot researchers to do some door-to-door surveys.... the Deane Energy Savers can do some but they need help. If you can give up just a little of your time to conduct some surveys then please get in touch. We have some provisional dates for a ½ day of training to take place which you will need to do. Please contact Chrissie Godfrey (chrissie@visionjuice.com) for more details as the training days are scheduled shortly.
Green Doors Scheme Volunteers
If you own/could suggest a property that you would be willing to show to the general public as an example of energy efficiency or renewable energy then please step forward and volunteer. We aim to hold the event in May sometime (date yet to be decided). If you own a property with all the draught-proofing you could possibly do on a house please come and show your house off! If you have put insulation in your cavity walls please step up! If you have installed a ground heat source pump then please let us know! You might want to show off you solar panels, or your under-floor insulation; it could be your secondary glazing on sash windows or an example of a PassivHaus building (http://www.passivhaus.org.uk)....
Even if you do not know of an example we will still need help on the day by having some event stewards to help support householders and hand out useful information.
Please contact Chrissie Godfrey (chrissie@visionjuice.com) if you are interested in helping out or are interested in becoming a host.
There will be further opportunites and I will post them in the newsletter and website... keep your eyes peeled.
Thanks to everyone involved in putting the grant application together and signing up for various tasks..... 
  

Events

Funding and Finances for you Community Energy Project - Saturday 21st January

Venue: Glastonbury Town Hall
Time: 10-2.30
The Centre for Sustainable Energy have arranged some new training dates.... To book a place contact Kirsty Mitchell:kirsty.mitchell@cse.org.uk or phone 0117 931 4100, with your email address, phone number and name of your group or organisation. Please let them know if you have access requirements.
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Tone Conservation - Wednesday 25th January

A new group of conservationists have recently formed to look after the wonderful wildlife areas in and around Taunton. Meet on 3rd Wednesday of each month at willow cathedral in Longrun Meadow ( first meeting on 25th Jan at 1.30pm so everyone has notice).
Each month they will survey the pond area so they have a comprehensive knowledge of what grows and lives there. 
As jobs come up other times will be arranged including weekends or evenings so that everyone can come.
If you are interested in lending a hand then contact Helen Lawy - helenlawy@gmail.com

Transition Drop-in Café - Sat 28th January

This month we devote to the wonderful news of the Local Energy Assesment Fund (LEAF) and the grant that we have received to provide the groundwork for some great energy efficiency and generation projects in Taunton. Meet to discuss and help lend a hand to launch some groundbreaking energy projects in your local area. 
Venue: Friends' Meeting House, Bath Place, Taunton
Time: 10.30-12.30
 
 
 
 
 

Food Co-ops Networking Event - 8th February

Venue: Southville Centre, Bristol 
Sustain and the Soil Association are organising a networking event for Food Co-ops in the South West and West Midlands. It will take place at the Southville Centre in Bristol on 8th February 2012. There will be speakers from a university, wholefood and fresh food co-ops as well as the Love Local Food van. Workshops on starting and developing a food co-op, funding, good communication and the legalities will also also be held. The event will present a great opportunity for food co-ops to meet and share ideas and a chance to seek advice and information. This is being organised as part of the lottery funded project. Making Local Food Work.
For further information and a booking form contact: alison@sustainweb.org
www.foodcoops.org
 

'Better lives with less?' - Friday 10th February

Venue: Ilminster’s Warehouse Theatre
Time: From 7pm
Could we lead better lives and still leave a thriving planet for our children?
'Better lives with less?' will take place on Friday 10 February at 7.30pm at Ilminster’s Warehouse Theatre. Top-level speakers Sir Graham Watson, MEP and Stewart Wallis, Director of nef, the new economics foundation, will bring new thinking to subjects such as high speed rail, inequality, China, bees in trouble, electricity prices, fishing quotas and well-being rather than welfare.
South Somerset Climate Action has organised this event because it believes there are practical solutions to our problems which are wider than just the climate. It is going to be a fascinating and stimulating evening.
Friday 10 February at the Warehouse Theatre, Brewery Lane, Ilminster TA19 9DA
From 7pm there will be displays and refreshments before a 7.30 start. The talks will be followed by questions.
Tickets £5 (Concessions £4) from:
Home Energy Centre, 8 Ditton Street, Ilminster TA19 0BQ 01460 250986
Lanes Garden Shop, Silver Street, Ilminster
SSCA 27 East Street Ilminster TA19 OAN 1460 55323 or 52347 or
Order by email from admin@ssca.eclipse.co.uk
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Seed Swap and Potato Sale - Saturday 11th February

Time: 10 - 12
Venue: Minehead Methodist Church Hall, the Avenue, Minehead
Please collect seeds and plants for the coming spring events. At the swap you can exchange seeds for packets donated by seed companies and members, pick up some heritage varieties and buy unusual seed potatoes, books, plants etc.
Contact Maureen: tel: 01643 709478 / email:tma2009@hotmail.co.uk
Also look up http://www.transitionmineheadandalcombe.org/ 

Raw Food Made Easy: Raw Food for Foodies - Saturday 11th February

Venue: The Space and Bakery, Tracebridge, Somerset
Time: 11am – 4pm
Or… how to create a more youthful body, lose excess weight, gain an extra two hours in your day and feel better than you’ve ever done before (and still eat chocolate)! Raw fruit and veg are great for your health and have all the flavour of cooked foods when you know how. This class will help you to integrate as much raw and living food into your current way of eating as you want to. We’ll show you a range of raw and living foods from sea vegetables to superfoods. The class is all about tasting so it includes a substantial delicious lunch and a recipe pack to take away. Suitable for vegans.
£60 per person

 
Raw Food Tacos by Geoff Peters 604, on Flickr (Flickr Creative Commons)

To book and for more info, email kvenner@btinternet.comor call 01823 672301

Tuesday 21st February - Planning and Permissions for Energy Projects

Venue: Quakers Meeting Hall, Bath Place, Taunton
Time: 6.30 - 9
The Centre for Sustainable Energy have arranged some new training dates.... To book a place contact Kirsty Mitchell: kirsty.mitchell@cse.org.uk or phone 0117 931 4100, with your email address, phone number and name of your group or organisation. Please let them know if you have access requirements.
More from CSE is the update to the PlanLoCal website with two new sections which cover 'renewable energy' and 'saving energy'. Both look at energy issues in a domestic, community and work-based setting and cover the low carbon issues and actions, as well as any planning issues that may be involved. Check out www.planlocal.org.uk/pages/what-matters-to-you

Wednesday 22nd February - Forum 21 New Planning Policies and the West Somerset Environment

Time: 6.45 pm
Hear what the National Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust have to say about the effects of the new 'localism' agenda. How can it be used to benefit West Somerset. Join the discussion with Forum 21 (http://www.west-somerset-forum21.org.uk).
All are welcome and refreshment are provided. Free admission.
I recommend that you subscribe to the newsletter which is packed with information on local energy projects....especially if you are in the west Somerset area.

Sourdough Classes: Tuesday February 28th, March 20th, April 17th

Venue: The Space and Bakery, Tracebridge, Somerset
Time: 11.30 – 4.30pm
Gordon takes small groups (up to four people) through the sourdough process from ‘starter’ to finished loaf using the Blue Peter principle of ‘one I prepared earlier.’ This means you get to practice each stage of the process without the waiting. He has adapted the sourdough method to suit home kitchens and routines, so that what you learn you will be able to apply when you get home.
£69 per person. 

“It was a magical day. I really enjoyed Gordon's teaching and it was brilliant to come home with warm bread, dough and mother. The lunch was also wonderful.” Sarah Burns Cox

To book and for more info, emailkvenner@btinternet.com or call 01823 672301
 
 
 

Spring into Living Foods: Saturday 10th March

Venue: The Space and Bakery, Tracebridge, Somerset
Time: 11am – 4.30pm
Raw and living foods are growing in popularity and can help you to lose excess weight, gain more energy and feel and look more youthful. This way of eating is growing in popularity because it makes you feel great – gives you more energy, helps you lose excess weight and makes you feel younger. We’ll show you how to make some energy boosting drinks, breakfast ideas, easy spreads and healthy butter. Also on the menu are inspiring salads, bean free hummus and a tasty garden burger with a dairy-free mayonnaise. We’ll show how to sprout your own micro greens and fermenting techniques to make nut mylk yoghurts. We’ll round the day off with ice cream and lemon cheesecake. (This is Deb’s best ever raw cheesecake - you won’t want to miss it. No specialist equipment required – just a blender and food processor. Substantial lunch and a full recipe pack to take away with you. Suitable for vegans.
£69 per person
To book and for more info, email kvenner@btinternet.com or call 01823 672301

Looking for Land Events in 2012

Are you looking for land? On a waiting list for an allotment but eager to grow and don't know what to do next? Somerset Community Food are holding a series of events across Somerset this Spring to support individuals & groups looking for land.
Information Evenings have been organised for Town & Parish Clerks, Councillors and Residents to explore, enable & support access to land for new and existing food growers. The first is taking place in Mendip on Tuesday 31st. For full details & to book your place see here.
Provisional dates for the remaining Looking for Land events include: 
Sedgemoor - Bridgwater, 29th February 
Taunton & Deane - Taunton, 27th March 
South Somerset - Yeovil, 24th April 
West Somerset - Dunster, 29th May
Sign up with Nicole (nicole.vosper@somersetcommunityfood.org.uk) for the latest booking information. If you can work with Somerset Community Food in your area to make the meetings a success, please get in touch as local knowledge is pivotal. They are also eager for landowners, public and private, to attend. Please get in touch. 

News

Incredible Edible Somerset

You may have heard of the fantastic Incredible Edible Todmorden, our friends up North, who have turned their town into a vibrant vegetable patch, cultivating unused corners of land and more, bringing together local people to take pride in their home grown produce.

Following their example, folks from the Somerset Land & Food Project which for the last 2 years has been researching & connecting the dots between local food webs in Somerset, have decided to launch Incredible Edible Somerset, a new interactive online forum designed to celebrate community food growing in Somerset. People & projects can sign up online and find a one-stop-shop of local land & food news, events & useful resources.
Incredible Edible Somerset are developing a Knowledge Bank. Its aim is to capture the varied land and food related skills that the people of Somerset have, enabling greater opportunities to learn, share and promote land and food related skills in Somerset.
They will be creating a downloadable and printable version of a Somerset Land & Food Skills Directory in June 2012. If you would like to be featured please register not only what you can offer but also what you need via the form on the site before May 1st. Please encourage your friends & contacts to join too - the more full, the more useful it will be. If you would like some paper forms to distribute, please get in touch (see link below).
Join the community now - http://incredible-edible-somerset.ning.com/and find out what is going on food-wise in Somerset. There are some great food growing events that are publicised on the site - too many to mention in this newsletter so do join this online resource.

Notes

I always need input, news and events to update this newletter. If you know of any events or have news about Transition please email me, Vicky Briggs on shuunyanet@gmail.com by mid month.
There are some new ways to follow what we are doing. Join our Facebook Group , find out what we are up to on the blog, or follow us on Twitter.