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WEST SOMERSET TOGETHER DISCUSSION GROUP
If some or all of WST's values chime with yours then come along to meet like-minded people. The group is a Forum 21 initiative to explore ideas, opportunities and links between people who want to bring positive change to
West Somerset.
We had some top ideas come out of the small group discussions at the early gatherings in 2018 . We even found some reasons to be cheerful in these dark times. Now we're looking forward to meeting new people and exploring
new projects.
Do come and join in.
Venue The Friends Meeting House, 9, Bancks Street Minehead, TA 24 5DJ
If some or all of WST's values chime with yours then come along to meet like-minded people. The group is a Forum 21 initiative to explore ideas, opportunities and links between people who want to bring positive change to
West Somerset.
We had some top ideas come out of the small group discussions at the early gatherings in 2018 . We even found some reasons to be cheerful in these dark times. Now we're looking forward to meeting new people and exploring
new projects.
Do come and join in.
Venue The Friends Meeting House, 9, Bancks Street Minehead, TA 24 5DJ
NEXT MEETING NOTE THE CHANGE OF DAY!
When: WST is taking a break from its monthly meetings at the moment whilst we adapt to the constantly changing situation around the Covid crisis. In the meantime some of us are working on a new project to co-ordinate a BuildBackBetter campaign for West Somerset. If you would like more information on this contact Mark Ward on markward63@aol. We will send out another email in the next few weeks with details of our July monthly meeting and more on this new campaign
Where:
Who: all welcome for exchange of ideas.
TOPIC
Further details info@westsomersettogether.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Past events in west Somerset in groups linked through West Somerset Together
Notes from the October meeting on Green Transport
Welcome to the Update about our October 2019 Gathering! - Green Transport
Due to the climate emergency, and the rise in the awareness of biodiversity loss, the October Gathering was on the subject of Green Transport. We had 3 speakers who are working in this area:
A summary of what our three speakers shared with us about Green Transport solutions and activities happening across West Somerset
1. Somerset Steam Coast Trail with Sarah Ellwood, Project Officer
The Steam Coast Trail's is an ongoing project to build a network of multi-user paths around West Somerset. To improve accessibility for walkers, cyclists, mobility scooter and wheelchair users and runners.Phase One of the Steam Coast Trail was opened in December 2016. It runs 2km from Dunster Beach, almost all the way to Blue Anchor.
Phase Two of the Steam Coast Trail opened in October 2018 and runs 1.1km from Old Cleeve (Dragon's Cross) to Washford (Cobbler's Steps).
The Steam Coast Trail is part of the jigsaw of infrastructure and networks of green transport in West Somerset for the benefit of local people and visitors. There are lots of ideas being developed including: electric assisted bike hire that link with the future train to Taunton; installing bike racks and bike pumps en route; and plans to complete the link to Blue Anchor (past the chalets).
Looking at an overview of cycle networks in the whole of the south west there is currently a big gap in provision in West Somerset. The benefits of the Steam Coast Trail to the local community include road safety, sustainable transport, health benefits, accessibility, and economic benefits from attracting tourism for a range of local businesses.
The biggest challenge at present for the Steam Coast Trail is access to land owned by private owners.
For more details contact: Sarah Ellwood, 07909007406 http://www.steamcoasttrail.org/
2. Village Agent for Transport, Somerset Community Council - Izzy Silvester
Izzy's role is funded by the West Somerset Opportunity Area, funding from central government.
Izzy helps individuals and communities with rural transport issues - working on solutions that are community led. This could be helping with a transport crisis to helping someone get to a hospital appointment, a job interview: Or a short term transport issue - such as struggling to access employment, training or education or managing a social life; And long term transport issues - coming up with solutions to fill gaps in transport provision in general.
Under 16s are given free bus passes if they live over 3 miles from school, but no help if you are under 3 miles away. Cycling could be one solution to help with these shorter journeys. One of the Transport Agent's role is looking at getting cycling back onto the agenda. West Somerset Opportunity Area are finding that children are more used to being bent over a computer or mobile phone than out on their bikes. Adverse affects of this include balance issues, lack of core strength and mental and physical health issues. But confidence, finance and knowledge, about where and how to cycle, are barriers to families cycling, especially with Bikeability not on the majority of school's agendas anymore.
As 45% of carbon emissions are from our transport use in Somerset West and Taunton District, education and enabling young people back on their bikes is very important. And cycling of course also helps with the lack of transport in rural areas.
Schemes in the pipeline to support older people, people trying to get to college or work etc include: piloting an electric community car with the Onion Collective and West Somerset and Taunton District Council; the Rusty Road Project - where old cars are done up and donated to those who are in need; Work Car Share Schemes; Car Schemes where people are paid to give others a lift; and Electric Community Cars.
We need to make it cool to cycle and normal to lift share.
To contact Izzy phone: 07931 018045, email izzy@somersetrcc.org.uk Web: www.somersetagents.org
3. West Somerset and Taunton District Council, Climate Change Portfolio Holder - Peter Pilkington
Electric Cars
The geography and rural nature of West Somerset gives us transport challenges, but technology is changing and coming to the area. There are now a number of electric charging points for cars eg. 3 at Wheddon Cross and more on their way for Bicknoller and Brushford and electric community cares are going to be piloted at Watchet.
Electric Cars would enable us to reduce our carbon footprint. There are a number of negative myths around electric cars which need to be challenged however, and information on the benefits need to be shared. For example Peter shared with us that electric cars and their batteries could actually be used as a power source for a street, when not in use.If we’re using electricity instead of fossil fuels to power our cars, we’re going to need to generate more electricity. But perhaps not as much as you think. Electric vehicles are much more efficient than conventional cars so don’t need as much power. Recent analysis from Cambridge Ecometrics shows that a total move to electric vehicles would only add 10% to overall UK electricity demand. Western Power have stated that we do have enough electricity already to power electric cars if we all charged out of peak time hours. Also 54% of our power is already from renewables, and as technology and the climate emergency gains momentum, renewable are going to be further developed.
Peter compared our transition from the combustion engine to the electric engine as the same cultural shift as going from horses to cars. So bear with this transition!
Notes from the September 9th 2019 meeting on the woodland of Exmoor and the future for tree planting
At the Monday Gathering on the 9th, Graeme McVittie, Senior Conservation Officer from Exmoor National Park gave a very informative and thought provoking description on the woodland of Exmoor and how we'll all need to be aware of how climate change is going to impact on what trees we plant, and where, and the management of woodland on Exmoor. Graham covered the topics of protecting veteran trees; ash die back; 'rewilding' aka working with natural processes - nature regeneration; where communities could plant trees; carbon capture... There was a discussion around what we could do as a group to plant trees - including having a scheme where parishes plant trees, to planting trees in our gardens.
Important considerations for tree planting and renovation of woodland including on-going maintenance
Types of trees ‘best’ for carbon sequestration are generally exotic conifers and not necessarily native trees, such as Sitka spruce (Picea sichensis) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) but it could also be best to consider buying and planting ‘exotic’ trees from further south, e.g. sessile oaks (Quercus petraea) from the middle of France and Europe where the species are adapted to wider temperature ranges than have been experienced historically in Britain. Other tree species such as coastal redwood, (Sequoia sempervirens) wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) and small- leaved lime (Tilia cordata) are better adapted to a warmer climate.
Friday 15th March 2019 7:30 at the Lysaght Club, Old Cleeve,
West Somerset LETS (Local exchange and trading system) group
Margaret Tatham, the coordinator of the Watchet and the Quantocks
Dementia Action Alliance will be the speaker .
The talk will be followed by the AGM and a shared supper.
Prospective members are very welcome. LETS members trade a myriad of
skills such as home baking, bike repairs, IT tuition, and dog walking using a locally created currency “Exes”, rather than conventional money. Further details are available from 01643 821768
Sunday 17th March2019 14:00
Launch Event – Minehead and West Somerset Plastic Free Communities
The Beach Hotel, Minehead
Project Partners: Surfers Against Sewage, West Somerset Together, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Channel Adventure
Come along and learn about this exciting new campaign to help West Somerset reduce single use plastics.
Free. For more details and to register:
www.somersetwildlife.org/events
Wednesday 20th March 2019 18:30
West Somerset Community Land Trust AGM
Williton War Memorial Pavilion, Robert St, Williton TA4 4PG
Free event. Refreshments from 18:30, speaker Alison Ward (Wessex CLT) at 19:00
Just turn up, RSVP: info@wsclt.com or call 07802247761
Tuesday 26th March 2019 18:00
Launch Event – Citizens Somerset
Richard Huish College, South Rd, Taunton TA1 3DZ
A Citizens alliance brings together a wide range of civic institutions which together use their collective power to act on a range of issues, build accountable relationships with politicians, civil servants and business leaders, and rebuild and strengthen communities. And the first of the local alliances is West Somerset Citizens.
Founding members include: West Somerset Quakers, Taunton United Reformed Church, King’s College, Richard Huish College, Taunton Deane and South Sedgemoor Methodist Circuit, Taunton Welcomes Refugees, YMCA Taunton, Taunton Mavericks and The Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Refreshments provided. Free event, further details and booking.
Thursday 28th March 2019 10:30
Somerset Mental Health Stakeholder Engagement Forum
The Engine Room, Bridgwater
Organised by the Somerset Mental Health Club for positive mental well-being.
Free, refreshments provided. Further details and booking.
Saturday 30th March 2019 2019 7:30
Earth Hour
Musical soirée and supper by candlelight
YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO JOIN OTHERS WORLDWIDE CELEBRATING OUR PLANET
AND ITS HUGE VARIETY OF LIFE!
Old Cleeve Church Room (next to the Church)
LIGHTS SWITCH OFF 8:30pm
Bring a dish and a bottle to share : Please lift share and park carefully nearby as there is limited space : bring a torch
Free but collection for local environmental project.
More info: www.earthhour.org
Organised by West Somerset LETS Group
RSVP: 01984 656526 jamierob12@gmail.com
Monday 1st April 201919:00
Hustings for the Somerset West and Taunton Council May 2nd Election
Richard Huish College, Taunton
Organised by Transition Taunton and Taunton Green Parents.
Free but donations welcome to contribute to costs. Turn up on the night, or get further details and book a place.
Friday 5th April 2019 20:00
“Why local farming and landscape will change, and soon” – talk by Mike Cooper.
Crowcombe Church House.
Quantock Eco AGM
Admission £3 for non-members. Preceded by AGM at 19:00 and Refreshments at 19:30.
More information at quantockeco.org.uk or 07850 740516
Wednesday April 10th 2019 19.30 - 21.30
Climate Change Training for Candidates in Somerset West and Taunton District Council Election
The Beach Hotel, Minehead, TA24 5AP
Training offered by Forum 21.
Free evening event, donations welcome. For details, please contact info@westsomersettogether.uk
When: WST is taking a break from its monthly meetings at the moment whilst we adapt to the constantly changing situation around the Covid crisis. In the meantime some of us are working on a new project to co-ordinate a BuildBackBetter campaign for West Somerset. If you would like more information on this contact Mark Ward on markward63@aol. We will send out another email in the next few weeks with details of our July monthly meeting and more on this new campaign
Where:
Who: all welcome for exchange of ideas.
TOPIC
Further details info@westsomersettogether.uk
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Past events in west Somerset in groups linked through West Somerset Together
Notes from the October meeting on Green Transport
Welcome to the Update about our October 2019 Gathering! - Green Transport
Due to the climate emergency, and the rise in the awareness of biodiversity loss, the October Gathering was on the subject of Green Transport. We had 3 speakers who are working in this area:
- Sarah Ellwood, from the Steam Coast Trail
- Izzy Syvester - Somerset Community Council Transport Agent;
- Peter Pilkington, Somerset West and Taunton Council (Climate Change Portfolio)
A summary of what our three speakers shared with us about Green Transport solutions and activities happening across West Somerset
1. Somerset Steam Coast Trail with Sarah Ellwood, Project Officer
The Steam Coast Trail's is an ongoing project to build a network of multi-user paths around West Somerset. To improve accessibility for walkers, cyclists, mobility scooter and wheelchair users and runners.Phase One of the Steam Coast Trail was opened in December 2016. It runs 2km from Dunster Beach, almost all the way to Blue Anchor.
Phase Two of the Steam Coast Trail opened in October 2018 and runs 1.1km from Old Cleeve (Dragon's Cross) to Washford (Cobbler's Steps).
The Steam Coast Trail is part of the jigsaw of infrastructure and networks of green transport in West Somerset for the benefit of local people and visitors. There are lots of ideas being developed including: electric assisted bike hire that link with the future train to Taunton; installing bike racks and bike pumps en route; and plans to complete the link to Blue Anchor (past the chalets).
Looking at an overview of cycle networks in the whole of the south west there is currently a big gap in provision in West Somerset. The benefits of the Steam Coast Trail to the local community include road safety, sustainable transport, health benefits, accessibility, and economic benefits from attracting tourism for a range of local businesses.
The biggest challenge at present for the Steam Coast Trail is access to land owned by private owners.
For more details contact: Sarah Ellwood, 07909007406 http://www.steamcoasttrail.org/
2. Village Agent for Transport, Somerset Community Council - Izzy Silvester
Izzy's role is funded by the West Somerset Opportunity Area, funding from central government.
Izzy helps individuals and communities with rural transport issues - working on solutions that are community led. This could be helping with a transport crisis to helping someone get to a hospital appointment, a job interview: Or a short term transport issue - such as struggling to access employment, training or education or managing a social life; And long term transport issues - coming up with solutions to fill gaps in transport provision in general.
Under 16s are given free bus passes if they live over 3 miles from school, but no help if you are under 3 miles away. Cycling could be one solution to help with these shorter journeys. One of the Transport Agent's role is looking at getting cycling back onto the agenda. West Somerset Opportunity Area are finding that children are more used to being bent over a computer or mobile phone than out on their bikes. Adverse affects of this include balance issues, lack of core strength and mental and physical health issues. But confidence, finance and knowledge, about where and how to cycle, are barriers to families cycling, especially with Bikeability not on the majority of school's agendas anymore.
As 45% of carbon emissions are from our transport use in Somerset West and Taunton District, education and enabling young people back on their bikes is very important. And cycling of course also helps with the lack of transport in rural areas.
Schemes in the pipeline to support older people, people trying to get to college or work etc include: piloting an electric community car with the Onion Collective and West Somerset and Taunton District Council; the Rusty Road Project - where old cars are done up and donated to those who are in need; Work Car Share Schemes; Car Schemes where people are paid to give others a lift; and Electric Community Cars.
We need to make it cool to cycle and normal to lift share.
To contact Izzy phone: 07931 018045, email izzy@somersetrcc.org.uk Web: www.somersetagents.org
3. West Somerset and Taunton District Council, Climate Change Portfolio Holder - Peter Pilkington
Electric Cars
The geography and rural nature of West Somerset gives us transport challenges, but technology is changing and coming to the area. There are now a number of electric charging points for cars eg. 3 at Wheddon Cross and more on their way for Bicknoller and Brushford and electric community cares are going to be piloted at Watchet.
Electric Cars would enable us to reduce our carbon footprint. There are a number of negative myths around electric cars which need to be challenged however, and information on the benefits need to be shared. For example Peter shared with us that electric cars and their batteries could actually be used as a power source for a street, when not in use.If we’re using electricity instead of fossil fuels to power our cars, we’re going to need to generate more electricity. But perhaps not as much as you think. Electric vehicles are much more efficient than conventional cars so don’t need as much power. Recent analysis from Cambridge Ecometrics shows that a total move to electric vehicles would only add 10% to overall UK electricity demand. Western Power have stated that we do have enough electricity already to power electric cars if we all charged out of peak time hours. Also 54% of our power is already from renewables, and as technology and the climate emergency gains momentum, renewable are going to be further developed.
Peter compared our transition from the combustion engine to the electric engine as the same cultural shift as going from horses to cars. So bear with this transition!
Notes from the September 9th 2019 meeting on the woodland of Exmoor and the future for tree planting
At the Monday Gathering on the 9th, Graeme McVittie, Senior Conservation Officer from Exmoor National Park gave a very informative and thought provoking description on the woodland of Exmoor and how we'll all need to be aware of how climate change is going to impact on what trees we plant, and where, and the management of woodland on Exmoor. Graham covered the topics of protecting veteran trees; ash die back; 'rewilding' aka working with natural processes - nature regeneration; where communities could plant trees; carbon capture... There was a discussion around what we could do as a group to plant trees - including having a scheme where parishes plant trees, to planting trees in our gardens.
Important considerations for tree planting and renovation of woodland including on-going maintenance
Types of trees ‘best’ for carbon sequestration are generally exotic conifers and not necessarily native trees, such as Sitka spruce (Picea sichensis) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) but it could also be best to consider buying and planting ‘exotic’ trees from further south, e.g. sessile oaks (Quercus petraea) from the middle of France and Europe where the species are adapted to wider temperature ranges than have been experienced historically in Britain. Other tree species such as coastal redwood, (Sequoia sempervirens) wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis) and small- leaved lime (Tilia cordata) are better adapted to a warmer climate.
Friday 15th March 2019 7:30 at the Lysaght Club, Old Cleeve,
West Somerset LETS (Local exchange and trading system) group
Margaret Tatham, the coordinator of the Watchet and the Quantocks
Dementia Action Alliance will be the speaker .
The talk will be followed by the AGM and a shared supper.
Prospective members are very welcome. LETS members trade a myriad of
skills such as home baking, bike repairs, IT tuition, and dog walking using a locally created currency “Exes”, rather than conventional money. Further details are available from 01643 821768
Sunday 17th March2019 14:00
Launch Event – Minehead and West Somerset Plastic Free Communities
The Beach Hotel, Minehead
Project Partners: Surfers Against Sewage, West Somerset Together, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Channel Adventure
Come along and learn about this exciting new campaign to help West Somerset reduce single use plastics.
Free. For more details and to register:
www.somersetwildlife.org/events
Wednesday 20th March 2019 18:30
West Somerset Community Land Trust AGM
Williton War Memorial Pavilion, Robert St, Williton TA4 4PG
Free event. Refreshments from 18:30, speaker Alison Ward (Wessex CLT) at 19:00
Just turn up, RSVP: info@wsclt.com or call 07802247761
Tuesday 26th March 2019 18:00
Launch Event – Citizens Somerset
Richard Huish College, South Rd, Taunton TA1 3DZ
A Citizens alliance brings together a wide range of civic institutions which together use their collective power to act on a range of issues, build accountable relationships with politicians, civil servants and business leaders, and rebuild and strengthen communities. And the first of the local alliances is West Somerset Citizens.
Founding members include: West Somerset Quakers, Taunton United Reformed Church, King’s College, Richard Huish College, Taunton Deane and South Sedgemoor Methodist Circuit, Taunton Welcomes Refugees, YMCA Taunton, Taunton Mavericks and The Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Refreshments provided. Free event, further details and booking.
Thursday 28th March 2019 10:30
Somerset Mental Health Stakeholder Engagement Forum
The Engine Room, Bridgwater
Organised by the Somerset Mental Health Club for positive mental well-being.
Free, refreshments provided. Further details and booking.
Saturday 30th March 2019 2019 7:30
Earth Hour
Musical soirée and supper by candlelight
YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO JOIN OTHERS WORLDWIDE CELEBRATING OUR PLANET
AND ITS HUGE VARIETY OF LIFE!
Old Cleeve Church Room (next to the Church)
LIGHTS SWITCH OFF 8:30pm
Bring a dish and a bottle to share : Please lift share and park carefully nearby as there is limited space : bring a torch
Free but collection for local environmental project.
More info: www.earthhour.org
Organised by West Somerset LETS Group
RSVP: 01984 656526 jamierob12@gmail.com
Monday 1st April 201919:00
Hustings for the Somerset West and Taunton Council May 2nd Election
Richard Huish College, Taunton
Organised by Transition Taunton and Taunton Green Parents.
Free but donations welcome to contribute to costs. Turn up on the night, or get further details and book a place.
Friday 5th April 2019 20:00
“Why local farming and landscape will change, and soon” – talk by Mike Cooper.
Crowcombe Church House.
Quantock Eco AGM
Admission £3 for non-members. Preceded by AGM at 19:00 and Refreshments at 19:30.
More information at quantockeco.org.uk or 07850 740516
Wednesday April 10th 2019 19.30 - 21.30
Climate Change Training for Candidates in Somerset West and Taunton District Council Election
The Beach Hotel, Minehead, TA24 5AP
Training offered by Forum 21.
Free evening event, donations welcome. For details, please contact info@westsomersettogether.uk
When: Monday 10th June 19:30-21.30
We are delighted to announce that Forum 21 has received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The Award recognises voluntary organisations that have made an outstanding difference to people's lives and local communities.
In a change to our planned programme we will celebrate the volunteers who contribute to the projects that featured in our nomination:
Woodcombe Community Woodland
Surviving Winter
Graham Boswell and Lorna Scott will speak about how these linked projects contribute to fighting the climate crisis and improving the lives of local people.
We will also extend our discussions about actions needed to reach the Somerset carbon neutral target.
All welcome – light refreshments will be provided - feel free to bring a friend
Free event. Drinks from the bar.
Further details info@westsomersettogether.uk
Past events in western Somerset in groups linked through
West Somerset Together
EVENTS CALENDAR
See the calendar for dates of events coming up. More details may be available in the Powerpont Slideshow- click here
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Next WST meeting THURSDAY 5th March 7.30- 9.00
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