Minutes
of the Blackdown Hills Transition Group held at Howley Tavern
on Wednesday
18th
January at 7pm
Present:
Selena Mitford, Charles Hill, Jim Rogan, Geraldine Field, Jenny Ash,
Jodie Hoare, Alison Tottenham, Matthew Mellier-Smith, Peter Smith,
Moira Wood.
Apologies:
Tracey Bell, Lesley Rogan, Val Grainger, Sarah Hitchens.
Minutes
of meeting held on 9th
December 2011 were agreed and signed.
Matters
arising from last meeting
*Resource
packs/advertising: Focus is ‘what do we want to say about
ourselves’ – specifically in the Blackdowns. Geraldine will
produce a banner photo to use as our logo. Selina invited other
members to join her and Sarah in making a set of postcards – or
bookmarks - with web details and logo. Jodie will try to get a wind
turbine postcard, supported by her employer. We will continue
distributing the Transition Network leaflet at present.
*Book
and DVD collection: We
have the beginnings. Members were asked to donate books or send
titles they are willing to lend [ Selina].
*Food
map/directory: The possibility of creating a Blackdown map [modelled
on the hand drawn Map of Wellington shared at previous meetings] was
discussed. Totnes publishes a food guide [producers, outlets etc]
Taunton has an online guide to free/wild food which contributors can
add to. It was felt that mapped food
information on the website was needed. Selena to ask Emet and Tristan
about website/getting help. Tracey to write to all AONB Parishes on
behalf of the ‘grow your own group’ to gain food information.
Orchard Network/Orchard Live flag items eg fruit swaps. The Blackdown
Hills Directory, published by the Blackdown Hills Business
Association includes a local food and drink section. A long term aim
should be the publication of a Food Directory.
Peter
would like to make contacts/generate activity in the Hemyock area. He
will contact Rob Varley [Met Office] re possibility of a talk
on climate change.
Apple
Day
Val
will submit a bid before the end of January
and we are optimistic of a good outcome. Geraldine to contact Libby
with ref to using Wambrook as a venue. The possibility of offering
pruning courses in each Parish as a follow up was discussed. Orchard
Network and Orchard Live can support.
Suma
Tracey
will be taking orders until 28th
and will then circulate the list so that people can share a case if
wished.
Gardening
group
Jim
reported on the meeting held on January
11th.
Members had considered the purpose of the group. Key was to promote
local food growing, reduce carbon use and generally increase local
resilience. The main aim should be to develop information on the web
site. Tracey and Jim would compile a list of questions for the
Parishes; the gardening blog to be kept up to date; a seed swap day
to be organised on February 19th
at Riggles Farm.
It was
agreed that local gardening information/knowledge should be
disseminated. Eg which potato varieties do well on the Blackdowns.
Thornhayes had good knowledge of fruit varieties. The key would be an
effective website.
Future Meetings
Thursday 29th March at 1pm - Sidmouth Arms
Wednesday 30th May at 7.30pm – Candlelight Inn -AGM
Tuesday 24th July at 7pm - Val Grainger’s
Wednesday 26th September – To be decided
Thursday 29th November at 1pm – Stentwood TBC
The meeting closed at 9pm
