Notes of Meeting in Llandeilo, Oct 25th 2008

Note: Agreed date of next Meeting Saturday Feb 7^th Machynlleth: Hosted by Bro Dyfi: Venue TBC. This follows agreement at this meeting to a policy of moving the Network meeting round the country. The Chair Peter Segger asked for offers for meeting venues later in 2009.

In attendance

Rhiannon Rowley (Chair. AM) Chris Leech, Sue Weaver, Isabel Lovelock, Chris Evans (TT Llandeilo) Di Greaves, Geoff Greaves (TT Llandrindod) Rob Owen, Di Gill (TT Holywell) Mandy Dean, John Mason (TT Bro Dyfi ) Kate Stewart, Peter Segger (Chair PM) (TT Llanbed) Steve Hack, Penny Spawforth, Jenn Carter (TT Calon Teifi) Chris Lawrence, Sally Woods (TT Narberth) Tom Latter (TT Bro Gwaun)Marcus Perrin (TT Chepstow) Rhodri Thomas (Cynnal Cymru) Ben Brangwyn (TT Totnes+Transition Network) Martin Fitton (Transition Network Wales)

Introductions

During the Group updates two issues received lengthy discussion; the continuing problem of achieving full communication through the Network and the need to involve the Welsh Language and indigenous community in the TT Groups.

Communication

It was agreed that-

Use of the Wales Forum on the Transition Website to highlight the Wales Network programme of meetings, agendas and meeting notes would provide an additional  channel for communicating to member and potential members of the Groups.

Ben Brangwyn and TT Network would provide a Welsh language link to the Wales Forum on the home page and a Welsh language Introduction to the Forum.

The mapped data for Groups had now been restructured and Groups could enter the most appropriate email for contact. This might also show what proportion of the entries on the TT Web were actually active.

Finally it was agreed that all Groups would make further efforts to forward Wales Network information  to all their contacts so information was widely spread.

Welsh Language Community

Kate Stewart (TT Lambed) reported some reduction in the number of Welsh Speakers attending meetings. This had been especially noted at the recent Lampeter TT launch. This led to discussion about the best strategies to adopt to ensure Groups were fully representative of the community. This issue re-surfaced at several points in the meeting. Rhiannon Rowley emphasised that the groups had to be serious about bi-lingualism and that Welsh and English text should be of the same standard and receive equal prominence in Group documents.

Translation of the Primer

MF reported that he had received two quotes from recommended translators and proposed to accept the lower (£1235). An application had been made for a Welsh Language Board (WLB) Promotion Grant. (50%). After discussion about the possibility of using volunteer translators it was agreed to go ahead and if grant was not received from the WLB to draw on RR's offer of help and from contributions by the individual Groups. It was agreed that volunteers would be needed to update the Primer. Rhiannon thanked Ben for the offer of £600 donation towards translation costs.  Action MF

Common Themes

Bags

A number of Groups reported on costs and impact of commissioning and distributing bags within the community. Chepstow had distributed 7000, sourced from India costing with printing £1.75 each. RR had costed bag production in her factory using organic cotton; cost with printing £2.75. Fishguard had commissioned jute bags at
£1.30 with printing. A number of Groups had considered sourcing re-cycled cloth but none had fully costed this option.

It was agreed that bags could be a useful tool for local promotion of TT especially during the launch stage but that there was little merit in putting effort into an all Wales programme. Those Groups who had commissioned bags would of course share information with any interested Groups.( Chepstow; Marcus Perrin This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   Llandeilo: Rhiannon Rowley: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Fishguard: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

It was reported that the Assembly was finally considering a national ban on free plastic bags and it was recommended that Groups should contact their AM's to encourage them to support the proposal.(Action All)

Food etc

Peter Segger outlined the opportunities of encouraging composting and lobbying local authorities to set an example. In a wide   ranging discussion promotion of allotments was also raised though a note of caution was expressed as land had been allocated in some areas and not taken up(e.g.Abergavenny)  Also highlighted was the high incidence of anaerobic digesters in some European Countries (7000 in Germany 1 in Wales).The launch of the Soil Association Food Security Commission in November might also provide an encouragement to action.

Little was resolved though it was agreed that data collection by the groups on waste collection of compostable food waste may be valuable if Cylch or the WLGA did not have this data.   (Action PS to review and if appropriate prepare a short questionnaire for groups)

Energy Descent Strategies

Kate Stewart reported that Menter Lambed had received £100,000 RDP Grant to undertake an EDP. This would be the first Group in Wales to undertake the exercise and KS agreed to circulate background data on both the bid and methodology as the work progressed (Action KS). BB offered Jackie as a contact in Totnes for further info on EDPs. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    for info.

Grants and Funding

This led to a general discussion about EU funding opportunities. MF report on the INTERREG bid which would now be made in January. Rhodri Thomas and Steve Hack thought there might be potential for Objective 1 convergence funding and it was agreed that this should be explored further.(Action MF/RT/SH to prepare a note and to also consider whether Cynnal Cymru could act as lead partner for a bid)

Education

MF reported on the possible opportunities for integrating Sustainable Development into the curriculum that could arise now that the new Foundation Phase  of then "Wales the Learning Country curriculum was being mainstreamed. Related to this the Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC) initiative also offered an opportunity for TT Groups to work with their local schools. In promotional material teachers were being encouraged to use NGO expertise in taken ESDGC forward. At the same time ESTYN Reports suggested a lack of consistency in the presentation of ESDGC. If TTs were to take advantage of this opportunity they would need to be informed about curriculum developments so that TT could be tailored to the curriculum. The Assembly were running two workshops that would help with this. This issue led to an enthusiastic discussion and a general agreement that it should be explored further. Marcus asked that Kate Stewart's young daughter's inspired contribution on her involvement in a "healthy schools project" be noted. He wondered whether we could get school groups to contribute to future Network meetings. (Action MF to draft and circulate a more detailed note. Mandy Dean would also review opportunities)

ESDGC Workshops

It was noted that the Assembly Government were running conferences on ESDGC. In

         South Wales - 10th November - ECM2, Port Talbot

        North Wales - 12th November at Glyndwr University, Wrexham  

These had the objective of encouraging people from across the sectors to work together on ESDGC projects including education groups, voluntary sector organisations, businesses and communities

Contact for registering; Claire Horton DCELLS 02920 825822 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  (Thanks to Mandy Dean for this information)

Sustainable Communities Act.

MF reported that the Assembly had opted out of this legislation and Wales could not be re-included except by further legislation. The Assembly considered existing powers were adequate in Wales. Agreed no further action at this time

Future of the Network

In a wide ranging discussion it became clear that a number present  were not aware of the structure agreed at the first Builth meeting despite the wide circulation of the remit for the network for further comment on three occasions. As was pointed out by PS this focused on sharing good practice and promoting the principles of Transition and where there was agreement, facilitating joint action. The Community Groups remained autonomous and fully responsible for activity in their own communities. The focus was sharing information and avoiding undue bureaucracy.

In an extensive discussion a sizeable minority indicated they would like more structure and a clearer statement of objectives. (With these perhaps posted at each meeting) At the same time a large majority (included some who wanted a clearer structure) valued the informality and the open nature of proceedings. It was clear that, difficulties notwithstanding, no progress can be made without full and equal use of both languages of Wales.

It was agreed that a further and hopefully final discussion would take place at the next meeting from which would come a further refinement of the network remit.

Ever effort should be made to get a full attendance and it was hoped that all groups would be represented (ACTION all Groups to ensure representation)

The Chair's Personal Summary

PS summed up the meeting as having been a continuation of previous Network meetings where good energy and spirit prevailed. That the core discussions were food and associated activities; energy, education and funding and much was taken forward in a practical manner. He reminded the meeting of the invaluable and selfless work of MF and he hoped MF would continue as Coordinator into the foreseeable future. Many thanks also to TT Llandeilo for the facilities.

Date of Next Meeting

• Organise a referendum in March 2009 (as it might be the only fair way to make a decision in this instance).
• Ensure that Tesco can't be granted planning permission until the results of the referendum are known and decisions made accordingly (this might need a specific campaign on its own or just a bit of lobbying).
• Outreach / propaganda: for it to reach everybody in town the material probably needs to be posted through every door and, to reach people's minds, be non controversial and non alienating. (I mean by that non-classist, non anti-welsh, and not culturally dominated or charged).
• Connect with other towns' experiences of Tesco and find an outlet for these voices. It could be a short audio or video record of these people. It could be posted through each door again. Cost of this would on the lines of 500*30p = £150-200.
• If you can, raise money by putting donation boxes in all supportive shops.
• For me you can't say no to Tesco if you have no alternatives in mind for providing more affordable food in town. What I am thinking of? Well I'd like to study with others the possibility of a viable cooperative - not for profit, providing jobs, cheaper food (maybe food in bulk), not only based on alternative food (healthy, vegan etc...) but more varied. In other words focusing on a kind of shop or food depot. Also to:

• develop the idea of customers having an input into the products they want to see and would purchase.
• check the possibility of delivering the food to doors or even inside houses.
• check the possibility of cooking one or two meals a couple of times a week and delivering them to people who need it for an attractive price (like £1 a portion, or cheaper price for families and older people).

These are just some ideas.

The economic recession continues apace with stock markets remaining volatile and currencies faltering under the threat of collapse. Governments may have shored up the banks, but does that amount to fixing the system? Unfortunately not, because the problem lies not just with the banks but with the very way money is brought into circulation. All over the world the way money is created is nothing less than a gigantic pyramid scheme which always was going to collapse - it was just a question of when.

Like most people and businesses, you probably think that when you take out a bank loan, the money comes from hard cash that others have deposited in the bank. Wrong! The money you borrow actually never existed before and is simply created "out of nothing" by the bank sending you two statements. The first is your current account statement showing that the amount in your account increased by the amount you just borrowed. The other statement shows that you owe that amount back to the bank, plus interest. But this has nothing to do with the relatively small amounts of hard cash actually sitting at the bank. In actual fact, banks lend out many, many times more money than they actually hold as physical deposits. This lending "out of nothing" is what the bankers call "fractional reserve banking" or the "credit multiplier"; suitably technical-sounding terms designed to make your eyes glaze over while the banks practice what is, effectively, legalised fraud. Let me state it baldly: they create the money out of nothing by writing it into your bank statements even though they only had a fraction of that amount in their vaults as hard cash. It costs them next to nothing and yet you'll have to pay the full amount back plus the interest! - and, if you can't, they'll take your house. Heads they win, tails you lose.

Shifting our Vision

& seeing with new eyes

  an experiential workshop based on Joanna Macy's ‘Work that Reconnects'

  Our planet is in trouble. It is hard to go anywhere without being confronted by the wounding of our world, the tearing of the very fabric of life... In the face of what is happening, how do we avoid feeling overwhelmed and just giving up, turning to the many diversions and demands of our consumer societies? It is essential that we develop our inner resources. We have to learn to look at things as they are, painful and overwhelming as that may be, for no healing can begin until we are fully present to our world, until we learn to sustain the gaze.

  Now it can dawn on us: we are our world knowing itself. We can relinquish our separateness. We can come home again - and participate in our world in a richer, more responsible and poignantly beautiful way than before...

An opportunity to experience Deep Ecology work facilitated by Sue Weaver and Jessica Griffin

for the Transition Town Llandeilo Heart and Soul Group

Friday 21^st November 7.30-9.30pm at Llwynbwch Barn, Llansadwrn, Carmarthenshire Cost £10

  For further information contact:

Sue (01550 777402) This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Jessica (01269 826533) This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The first meeting of the Transition Llambed Energy Group took place on Monday night in the Black Lion, Lampeter.

A great time was had by all (I think). After moving tables 3 times because new people kept finding us (and when we did get the table by the fire we were asked to move because we weren't dining !) we eventually settled down to nothing more complicated than a chat about energy. I learnt new things, heard so great ideas, shared a few laughs and generally found the couple of hours to be enjoyable and informative.

We will move on to 'doing stuff' but for the first meeting it was a great introduction to some great people and I am sure we will achieve great things - eventually.  

My notes from the night are attached here in the form of a Mindmap created in a PDF file - if you cannot open or view this then let me know and I will get it to you in a version that works for you.

The next meeting is Monday 24th November, 7:30 - again in the Black Lion, Lampeter - why not join us?

Tim Martin

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Our next steering group meeting will be held this Thursday, 23rd October, 7pm, Menter Llambed Offices, Station Terrace, Lampeter.

We're holding it as soon after the very successful Launch day as possible so as to catch the energy and enthusiasm already generated. We shall be adopting our constitution so if you would like to be represented on the steering group either as part of an Action Group (you may wish to start one yourself) or as a co-opted member, please come along.

A small roundhouse in the grounds of a Lampeter school needs cordwood walls, and people with experience (or just enthusiasm!) are asked to come and help us. We will provide training, tools and tea, you need to bring warm clothes, waterproofs and a packed lunch.

Please contact us if you would like to come or if you have any questions.

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mobile: 07786067297
or 01239831758 and leave a message.
First workday Saturday October 29th, Cwmann, Lampeter.

If you are interested in the campaign against a new Tesco in Machynlleth, please join the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it list.

https://lists.riseup.net/www/info/notescomach

GARDENING AND SMALLHOLDING SKILLS

Our adult education course ‘Grow well, eat well, live well' is going well.  You can still join the course or just attend individual sessions - at a charge of £6 per session or £23 for a 5 week module. Subjects, speakers and dates are as follows

• Keeping livestock  21 Oct Celia Thomas
• Problems & mishaps of smallholding  4 Nov  Chas Griffen
• Cider making Chris Ahern. 11 Nov
• Beekeeping  Ian Richards. 18^th Nov
• Preserving & storing food Guy Morris. 25 Nov
• Permaculture  Jen Carter. 2 Dec
• Chickens, geese & ducks Patrick McNaughton. 9 Dec

There will be a further 5 sessions after Christmas.   CONTACT Chris Samra on 01348 831021 if you would like to attend all/ any of these. 

Menter gymunedol yw ‘Trawsnewid Bro Gwaun' er mwyn hybu ystwythed economeg a chymdeithasol lleol mewn ymateb i'r sialensiau byd-eang o wacâd adnoddau a newid yn yr hinsawdd

TREE SCHEME - Ann and David Bushell are ready to begin hosting their tree nursery.  They plan to grow on  seedlings, which could then be sold at the Farmers Market to raise awareness  and some money for the TBG kitty.  They would like nuts and seeds e.g.  hazels, cobs, acorns, horsechestnuts, crab-apples;  tree seedlings (of no more than 6 inches or they are likely to suffer root damage on transplantation) and  wind break cuttings. A crucial element of this scheme is that the trees and cuttings are sourced, as much as possible, from the Bro Gwaun area.  CONTACT Ann Bushell on 01348 811291.

LOCAL TALKS AND  EVENTS  - Over the next few months we plan to get our message across to local groups in the TBG area i.e. not hold all our meetings in Fishguard.  If you know of any groups who would like us to give a talk, or put on a fun event which would help people start thinking about their impact on the environment and ways to change, CONTACT Mary Baker 07890 155538

ALLOTMENTS PETITION - Our request for Fishguard allotments is now being considered by the Legal Department of the County Council, so its time to put on more pressure.  Please contact your local county councillor and/or get as many people as possible to sign the petition.  CONTACT - Liz Morris 01348 874592

RECIPES  NEEDED - The Soroptomists and TBG are producing  a recipe  book and would welcome recipes you have which use local produce.  CONTACT Dot Jackson  01348 891286

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

ENERGY AND FOOD - Paul Mobbs on how we can eat a diet that will minimise damage to the environment  - Thursday 20^th November at St. Mary's Hall, Fishguard. (Please could you display the attached poster) 

CAWL CRAWL - Fishguard and District Round table are organising a Best Cawl Tasting Day.  For £3 you can  visit up to 24 pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops to sample and decide which establishments use local produce to make the best Cawl in Fishguard.       1^st November 11.00 - 17.00.  CONTACT  Robin Baker 07976988109.

BANG or the alternative to Bonfire Night!.  Presented by Base 64 and Theatr Fforwm Cymru - 8.00 pm Monday 3 November at St Mary's Hall, Fishguard. 

WEB SITE  -  keep up to date with all our news on www.transitionbrogwaun.org.uk.  And get details of how to post your own news and join the CAR SHARING SCHEME.