Present: Tracey Bell, Val Grainger, Alison Fittenham, Chassidah Stern, Emet Stern, Jodie Hoare, Tristan Purvis, Selena Mitford, Jim Rogan, Lesley Rogan, Moira Wood, Sandra Aldworth, Jenny Ash.
Discussion as to whether we wish to be part of the official Transition Network and agreement reached that this would be a positive step, beginning by initially registering as “mulling”. For this we need 2 reps to supply personal details. Tracey is already “mulling” as Dunkeswell; Moira and Selena to be the BHT reps. To become a full member group of the network, at least two of our group needs to attend the official Transition training at a cost of £400 for two or £2,500 for a group of up to 25. It might be possible to get locality money to fund this but trainees would have to commit to the full two days.
Two possibilities: To train just two people who would then disseminate information. Advantages –less costly in time and finance. Could get it off the ground quicker.
Training a group. Advantages – the experience could aid our development as a group. Also more people could benefit from the potentially high calibre training. Jenny had done workshops with several of the trainers at the recent Transition Conference and found the standard to be very high.
Val has already investigated content of the training. She will send this information out to us all again. Six people present (Selena, Jodie, Jim, Lesley, Moira, Jenny) were interested in doing the group training.
Agreed : -To read Info from Val. -To find out more of Taunton Transition’s experience of training at the event on 21st July. - For Selena to highlight this potential training in her regular Parish magazines article to ascertain whether there are others from within the 52 Parishes of the Blackdown Hills, that might be interested. - To review a decision after this and vote by email for a decision in 3/4 weeks time
Bank Account
It was resolved that Sandra, Lesley, Selena and Tracey should become signatories for our Co-op Bank A/c – any two to sign. Susan Harley’s name will be removed as she has now left the group and the area.
Website
Thanks expressed to Emet who has done such a lot of work re our Website. Each parish to have a page. Front page to include items that change to give higher rating on Google etc Emet, Selena, Tracey and Tristan to meet next Weds to continue work on it and make it live. Investigate how articles can be an interactive experience. Blog under different headings including Selena’s Journal, Heart and Soul, In the Kitchen (Tracey)
Constitution
Moira pointed out that we are exceeding the number of people originally agreed in our Constitution as making up the Committee. It was resolved that the wording be changed to read that “The committee shall comprise no fewer than eight members”
Eco Teams
Jim reported on his attendance at the Sidmouth Eco Team roadshow. Eco Teams have been endorsed by the United Nations since 1990 and exist to help people monitor their energy consumption. Discussion followed as to whether we felt it would be beneficial to set up as an Eco team but it was generally agreed that we need to stay simple for the first year and not take on new projects until we have developed our own clarity. However Eco Teams have a valuable contribution to make eg giving suggestions for how individual parishes could go forward. Tracey offered to include Jim’s report, along with other reports of events we have attended, on our website.
Food Conference
Moira reported on the excellent Somerset Food Conference that she had attended. This takes places twice a year, next date in October and well worth attending.
Upottery Transition
Lesley noted that Sharon Pavey is in the throes of setting up a Transition Group in Upottery and the importance of supporting all those sharing the ideals of the Transition movement was agreed. Our original aim had been to act as a hub and a resource, not soapboxing but inviting people to come together. It was felt that economic viability would take the movement forward.
Ecological Land Co-op
Sandra reported on developments with the Ecological Land Co-op (google this for more details), of which she is an integral part. They have bought a parcel of land at Greenham Reach, with the aim of providing three eco build units with 7 acres each to farm. Planning application is being sought from Mid Devon. Support for this innovative plan will be much appreciated.
Next Meeting to take place at Churchstanton School Hall on 21.7.10. This will take the form of a workshop run by Taunton Transition Town. All welcome.
J.A.
