Transition Swindon
In Swindon many groups are already beginning to address these issues in different ways. We have a number of local farmer's markets and a network of local meat and veg box schemes; local goods and services are traded through the Swindon LETS; energy demand is starting to be met by local production at Westmill Windfarm; and there are long-standing proposals for locally-grown wood-fuelled energy at Roves Farm. Swindon's new library and the National Trust's Heelis building demonstrate how new developments can improve Swindon's sustainability without costing jobs.
In summer 2009, after a SCAN talk by Ben Brangwyn, co-founder of the Transition Network, a Transition Swindon steering group was set up
Transition Swindon is part of Swindon Climate Action Network and is led by a small group of volunteers.
For starters we aim to:
- raise awareness about the twin crises of peak fossil fuels and climate change
- develop and support practical community-based approaches and re-skilling
- create a network to link other local groups and individuals who are already working towards a sustainable future
- harness hope and mobilise communities into transition
Our efforts are focusing initially on two areas: food and schools.
Local food
In January 2009 around 40 people from a wide variety of interest groups came along to our food networking event at Lower Shaw Farm in West Swindon. The aim was to discover the potential for establishing a sustainable local food supply for Swindon, and to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by local food producers and other groups and including individuals.
Some clear themes emerged from the lively discussion, including: the difficulties of raising awareness in and reaching a local market efficiently; increasing understanding of basic nutrition and the benefits of fresh food; dealing with confidence about how to cook fresh food, including such fundamental issues as literacy and numeracy.
More on this event and the local food network
Second food networking event
On 13 July we held our second food networking event at the National Trust HQ building, Heelis. Thanks to everyone who made the time to take part. We had an introduction to the Wiltshire Traditional Orchards Project, parallel sessions covered the 'Food Champions' idea - led by John Nickerson of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust - and Mike Pickering and Patrice Garrigues of Midcounties Co-op's talked about their local food suppliers policy. We also piloted a draft '10-minute climate change' presentation which could be used by people as an introduction to their presentations about their own initiatives. All these sessions were in response to issues that came up at the January meeting. As with the last meeting there wasn't enough time for all the discussion we wanted to have.
A full write-up of the event will appear here shortly; in the meantime if anyone has feedback, questions or comments please email adele@swindonclimate.org.uk
Schools
We are planning to introduce the transition message to schools and colleges by developing and piloting resource materials for both teachers and pupils. It is hoped to hold Transition Schools/Colleges events later in 2009.
Specific details and developments will be added here.
As Transition Swindon gains momentum we aim to extend our reach to awareness-raising and localities
Teaching Transition...
Two members of the TS steering group took part in a one-day training course on how to present the Transition message, to help raise awareness about the issues and draw individuals and groups in to the process. It is hoped that in time we can establish a trained panel of local volunteer presenters who are confident in giving talks to local groups, schools and businesses - perhaps their own workplace - to create a Transition epidemic!
Localities
The experience of the national Transition Towns network is that localities are the cornerstone of building community resilience. It is hoped that Transition Swindon will begin to grow in local communities, complemented by the Swindon-wide initiatives such as food and schools. Swindon is a large town with many already close-knit and active communities which are ideal for taking on Transition.
Your input
There is a lot of enthusiasm for Transition in Swindon but we need your help to harness that enthusiasm and turn it into a bright future.
Everyone working on Transition Swindon is a volunteer. We would love to hear from you if you have ideas or time to contribute, or if you would like to be kept in touch with developments. In the first instance please contact transition@swindonclimate.org.uk
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