Bulletin 23 - September 08
1. Introduction * 2. Who you calling a hippy? * 3. “People all over the world are starting to wake up!” * 4. Economics & Livelihoods Group Update * 5. Transition Teams project gets underway * 6. TTT Project Support update * 7. Solar Water Heater Challenge Update * 8. A Change to Get Some Hands on Experience of Hemp-Lime Building * 9. Latest news on the Totnes Pound project * 10. Health and Wellbeing Group Update * 11. Upcoming Events * 12. Non-TT Events * 13. Help Wanted *
1. Introduction
TTT's Season Three has begun in style with some wonderful events. Talks by Albert Bates 
from the Farm Ecovillage and Roberto Perez from Cuba were well attended and fascinating (see below), and our storytelling event with Ashley Ramsden which formed part of the Totnes Festival and offered a first sight of the Transition Tales film, was a glorious and spellbinding evening.
Between April and May this year, the Transition Tales team were busy working with all the Year 7 students at KEVICC, doing some awareness raising work around peak oil and climate change, followed up with creative storytelling work, leading to them being filmed being the newsreaders on Totnes TV in 2030, reading the evening news to a successfully powered-down Totnes. The films were premiered on Thursday evening at a big event a KEVICC, and are now available online, the main film is here, some very funny outtakes here, and the rest of the films as done by each class here. Our thanks go to the teachers and students at KEVICC and to the Transition Tales team for bringing together this wonderful project, and we look forward to the 2009 films!
Wednesday's launch of the Energy Descent Pathways initiative was itself a very memorable evening, one that provided a fitting start to this new stage of TTT's work.
Globally it has been an extraordinary few weeks, with the economic turmoil that a few speakers at TTT events over the past two years had foretold as a result of runaway oil prices arriving in spectacular style. On the front page of last week's Times, economist Nouriel Roubini was quoted as saying "it's clear that we are one step away from a financial meltdown". This, together with the ongoing challenge presented by peak oil and the latest news on climate change, meant that the launch of the Energy Descent Pathways initiative arrived at a time when the idea that we need a Plan B was already in many peoples' minds. A full write up of the event will appear in the next TTT Bulletin, but for now it is enough to thank everyone who both organised the event and those who attended it, it was a very special night.
We are delighted to announce below a forthcoming workshop by Richard Olivier, exploring, through an approach called Mythodrama, many aspects of the inner resources Transition asks of us. The workshop is in October (click here for details), and although it is open to anyone, there is a special reduced price for anyone active within TTT working groups. It is a unique opportunity to experience something quite extraordinary.
Over the last week, TTT's media darling has been our Garden Share scheme, which has 
been in hot demand. Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall from River Cottage will be making a short piece about the scheme this week, visiting the gardens and being filmed making a dish using what he finds there. Thanks to all of those involved in this wonderful project for their being so accommodating of the demands of the media and of people lugging camera equipment around, as if all your hard work gardening hasn't been enough! Many fledgling projects with similar aims have been getting in touch wanting to replicate the scheme, so hopefully this coverage will be a great way to spread the idea. A film crew from Open University has also been in town this week, documenting various aspects of what we do, and the EDAP launch generated a lot of press coverage. With the Transition projects spreading across the US, a recent piece in Christian Science Monitor offered a fascinating insight into how our work is viewed from there. The Guardian also recently carried a full page article about Transition initiatives.
The TTT office at the moment is a wonderful place to be. More and more volunteers are getting involved, skillfully co-ordinated by Minda Bunce, and it is a hive of activity. We are delighted, as you will see below, with the deepening of our relationship with the rather splendid Traydio.com. Traydio is a kind of YouTube of audio, documenting all kinds of fascinating things, including regular Matt Harvey podcasts and all kinds of other things, often with a Totnes angle. Traydio has recorded Albert and Roberto's talks, and is planning now to do a regular TTT podcast. The last thing I want to mention is the TTT Food and Wellbeing Garden project, which is moving forward very fast indeed. Details need to be kept under hats at the moment, but we hope to have more news for you next issue.
Finally, a few people asked for the quote by Brian Eno that I used in my short talk at the EDAP launch. With deepest gratitude for all your valuable time and contributions to this historic community process, I'll close with that:
"Humans are capable of a unique trick, creating realities by first imagining them, by experiencing them in their minds. …As soon as we sense the possibility of a more desirable world, we begin behaving differently, as though that world is starting to come into existence, as though, in our mind's eye, we are already there. The dream becomes an invisible force which pulls us forward. By this process it begins to come true. The act of imagining somehow makes it real… And what is possible in art becomes thinkable in life".
2. Who you calling a hippy?
A
lbert Bates : Anything is Possible - Write-up by Carl Munson from Traydio
It was my huge privilege to hear Albert Bates talk last week. Albert was guest of Transition Town Totnes and, invited as I was by the folks at TTT to record the show for posterity, further distribution and extended listening pleasure, I turned up seeing it as something of a job. I should have known better.
Albert kicked off with the etymology of 'hippy'. Far from its now accepted status as a mild put down, or in some circles - term of abuse, a hippy is one who (according to its alleged West African origins) has opened their eyes or woken up. With this in mind, and after ninety minutes of pure inspirational storytelling – feel free to call me a hippy; I'll take it. To read more click here....
You can hear hear the whole talk about his experiences on traydio by clicking here.
3. “People all over the world are starting to wake up!”
The recent evening talk with Roberto Perez, by Nicky Scott, Chagford Hub, Devon.
...these words were ringing in my ears as I walked away from Roberto Perez’s talk in Totnes about how Cuba had managed to feed it’s entire population using mostly organic and permaculture methods. I had Steve Bell like visions in my head of people coming out of their zombie state and their eyes opening to the reality of a world where until very recently a £100 worth of capital could get you £8,000 worth of credit (I don’t know maybe you still can?) where we need 3 planets each to keep up with our consumer lifestyles. Cuba had to find out the hard way. Read more...
4. Economics & Livelihoods Group Update
One of the main aims of the Economics & Livelihoods Group is to identify new business opportunities resulting from our transition to lower energy lifestyles, products and services, and to support new business start-ups. Revenue generated from such ventures may be used to support TTT projects and core costs and/or to provide income for people.
To this end, we have started a new E&L group - please click here for more information about our aims, what we plan to do, meeting minutes, date of next meeting etc. If you want to join us you will be very welcome.
5. Transition Teams project gets underway
This exciting new project is currently in its planning phase. The idea is to build a number of
teams made up from a representative cross section of the people in Totnes and surrounds. As team members, you will then work together, supported by the TTT project team, to:
- Learn how to reduce energy use (and therefore energy bills!) in your own home.
- Get support from TTT and our partners to carry out recommended retrofit activities.
- Find out the best ways to minimise your need for petrol/diesel - reducing your exposure to rising fuel costs.
- Identify practical ways to reduce your food miles, and how local, seasonal food can be delicious and fulfilling - especially when grown in your own garden.
- Find out about local suppliers of energy efficient products and services - as well as getting advice on which grants are available.
- Learn how to easily reduce your water consumption - saving yet more money on our extremely expensive water here in the south west.
- Find out the feasibility of installing some renewable energy on an individual or group basis.
- Make new friends and have a great time, working and learning together and supporting each other.
- And lots more!
6. TTT Project Support update
We are currently going around all the TTT groups and projects, to ask them what kind of support they would like to help with projects already on the go, or to help get more projects underway. This will define the support services that we offer from early 2009. The main work of project support will really get underway as the EDP project gets going, and we work more with our local community to find out their ideas for projects and activities that will help us achieve our vision of Totnes in 2030. If you have ideas for projects, or need help with your current TTT project then please let us know. Click here for more information and contact details.
7. Solar Water Heater Challenge Update
"I'll never forget my first 'sunshine shower' - for that's what it felt like - standing in a pool
of sunshine! The knowledge that it was warmed by the sun and nothing else was VERY satisfying - no gas, no electricity, no oil. As we all know it hasn't been a hot sunny summer but we still take a daily peek at the Controller (Resol Deltasol BS4) to read the water temperature at the exit from the solar panels on the roof - frequently surprising on a grey, cool day.
Very grateful for this bit of magic! And thanks to Naresh for his persistence and hard work in setting up and co-ordinating the project" - Rosie Bell, first 'guinea pig' in the TTT Solar Hot Water Challenge .
"We had wanted to have solar hot water for a while but the costs were making us hesitate..." to read more of Amanda Cuthbert's experiences (see picture left) with their installation click here.
Also, the Cooperative is promoting the opportunity for schools to get free solar panels - see here for details. Closing date to nominate a school is Nov 5th 2008.
8. A Change to Get Some Hands on Experience of Hemp-Lime Building
This weekend (27th - 28th September), Rob Hopkins and his family will be hemp plastering their kitchen, and if you would like to have some hands-on experience of this wonderful building material they'd appreciate a helping hand or two. Hemp and lime is a sculptural and artistic plaster which is easy to apply with gorgeous results. If your experience of applying plaster is schcooping it on with a trowel, this is altogether different, being more akin to making coleslaw stick to the wall.
No previous experience is necessary, and if you would like to have a go, give Rob a ring on 07868 604454 in advance, so we don't end up with dozens of people crammed into a small kitchen. Hemp lime plastering is also very social, and highly infectious, walls start to look naked without with it.
9. Latest news on the Totnes Pound project including new business members and discounts available to Totnes Pound users.
New leaflets and window stickers, Totnes Pound usage, Discounts, New business members , The Lewes Pound, Totnes Pound Volunteers....to read the latest update on the pound click here.
10. Health and Wellbeing Group Update
The Community Health and Wellbeing Garden Project Meeting on 16th September saw us
progressing much faster than expected, as opportunities open. We have drawn together project proposals for funding applications and are looking into several potential sites in Totnes for a garden. We welcome more input from anyone with an interest in growing healthy plants and being part of a community garden that tackles the links between gardening, growing our own healthy food, working together, and creating a resilient local food supply. To see an outline of our plans click here.
We have been invited to visit the medicinal herb garden at Embercombe , near Exeter, and hope to plan a group trip over there soon.
Eat Something Wild Every Day Walk - September 16th.
We had a great walk with Frank, identifying loads of weeds and propagated plants for food and health. We only got as far as Morrisons as there were so many plants to talk about. Read more...
Look out for the upcoming Mexican Healing Workshops with Eloxochitl on Oct 4th & 5th!
and the course Medicinal Herbs and Sustainable Nutrition - Two Ways to Health and Wellbeing, Nov 18th... to get people thinking about the forthcoming Open Space Day on Nov 22nd: Simon Mills will speak advocating sustainable self-care for health and wellbeing, including using herbs and plants.
11. Upcoming Events
To see all the TTT Meetings and updated info about TTT events click here onto the Calendar of Events.
Wednesday 1st October. 7:30-9:30pm. Totnes Methodist Church.
Building Bridges
If we understand the different ways people think, we can help them respond positively to a future vision of a post-oil world. However, first we have to understand our own thinking. A challenging, but light-hearted interactive talk, with illustrations, by Sue Holmes, local writer.
Entry by donation. Refreshments available. For more info please contact Lou or Noni on 01803 867358 or click here...
Saturday 
4th and Sunday 5th October
Eloxochitl Mexican Healing Workshops
Eloxochitl who recently gave a talk on traditional Mexican healing, is visiting again and will be leading a weekend seminar teaching the first part of the tradition. The course is on Oct 4th and 5th costing £200 plus venue hire and food. Contact Neil (07754897024) from the Health & Wellbeing Group for more information.
Sunday 5th October - Cycle out to Landscove for cream tea at Hillhouse Nursery!
We will meet at 10am on the Plains in Totnes and meander down the lovely lanes via Staverton to Landscove. Please join us, whatever your level of experience, however slow of fast...we always wait! A really do-able ride for all the family...
The other date for your calendars is Tuesday 14th October, when we are going to have a big Cycle Group meeting to chat over what we have done since last February when we set up, and what we would like to do in the next year...Bring your bikes, inspiration, and join us at 6:30 for a ride followed by 7:30 drinks and meeting in the Seven Stars, Totnes.
Totnes Cycle Group - Sunday Ride Out on the first Sunday of each month at 10am from the Plains, Totnes.
Thursday 9th October. Bogan House. 7:30-9:30pm. £2 (£1 conc.).
A Question of Belonging: ‘Where do you belong? Who does Totnes belong to?’
A Fishbowl discussion exploring our connection to place.
We’ve called Totnes a ‘Transition Town’’…says who? What right has any group to think
about the focus of a place? How long do you have to live in a place to say that you really come from there and can speak with any legitimacy on behalf of your community? Few people pass the land that they live and work from generation to generation many in our society move from place to place, often many times in a lifetime. What effect does this have on our sense of belonging? Can we truly belong to a place where we weren’t born, where we didn’t grow up? The Heart and Soul group of Transition Town Totnes is hosting an open discussion called ‘A Question of Belonging’ on the Tuesday 8th October to explore this. They will be looking at what happens if we do not live the place where our ancestors lived, whether we lose our connection to the past, and even our sense of responsibility for the future.
This evening is a great chance to create a space where we can explore these ideas together and the deeper questions of belonging that are there for all of us. How long different people have lived here and their relationship to the town comes up often. How many generations your family need to live in a place to truly belong? In our transient, fast-moving society, how many of us really feel a connection to where we live? Many of us who grow up here but can’t afford to live here now. When do so-called ‘blow-in’s naturalise? Read more...
Saturday 11th October. . The Steiner School, 7.30pm for 8-10pm. £3 (£2 conc.)
In association with The Steiner School
Parallel Commun
ity: A platform for change
A talk by author & renowned dowser Hamish Miller.
Wednesday 15th October, Methodist Church. 8pm £3 (£2 conc.)
Natural Building for a Sustainable Future: How to construct healthy, ecological buildings using local & reclaimed materials.
There are numerous examples of sustainable building in the Totnes area. This meeting will feature video diaries and speaker presentations on a range of local builds including straw bale, cob, clay plasters and other sustainable and recycled materials.
Doors open at 7:30pm - there will be a chance to view the displays and literature provided and put questions to a panel of experienced builders. Refreshments will be available.
Video diaries & slides from local eco-builders of straw, cob & timber frame homes.
12. Non-TT Events
There are some fantastic courses and events going on locally over the next few weeks, too many to put them all here, but for the full listing of those that we have been alerted to click here...
13. Help Wanted
TTT Outreach Group - Spreading the Word....
People to help run the market stall
Anyone wanting to help bring TTT to the Totnes Friday market-place please contact Hal on 01803 868416. Hang out and chat with all sorts of people from your town...
Indeed...we are having to respond to an increasing number of requests from event organisers, offering free space for us to run a TTT stand at their events. We are obviously keen to support these events and take advantage of any opportunities to reach out to more people but we are still very limited by volunteers. So if you are enthusiastic about TTT and want to help spread the word, please contact Hal to see what opportunities are available to get involved in this vital activity.
Hosting Course Participants & Speakers/ Workshop tutors
Would you be happy to host a tutor / speaker, or someone who was down for an evening / weekend to participate in a TTT course? Maybe you don't have the space, but would like the chance to meet interesting and like-minded people by offering a meal to somebody visiting for a TTT workshop or event?
We are trying to compile a list of potential hosts that TTT visitors can stay with or even just have a with Maybe you who have a bike you are happy to loan out to a course-participant, or you want to lift-share to venues / the station. If you have suggestions of anything you would be hapy to offer a TTT visitor we would love to hear from you. It may be great opportunity for getting to know new and interesting people involved in transition and the environmental movement, and showing them some home-spun Totnes hospitality. Contact the office! A big thank you to those of you who have got in touch already!
TTT Youth Group urgently recruiting now...
...passionate, active folk to get involved with our current project ...
BIKE POWERED GENERATOR MAKING
We are looking for a bike powered generator enthusiast/s or similar to help us make repairs to our wonderful bike powered generator that was unfortunately damaged at Sharpham Youth Camp last week. Also to coordinate a team of young enthusiasts to make new bike powered generators to power future local youth events
We need a keen youth worker or similar to rally a group of young people to get excited about this project and to get loads of young people to join in. Make this your project. We are looking for a fundraiser (this group has a good track record already with funders)
For more details contact Steph Bradley at transitiontales@googlemail.com
Volunteers needed to help distribute posters and programmes
Fancy spending an hour or so once a week going around the Totnes Shops distributing TTT Posters and Programmes for upcoming events? We really need people to help us put posters around the town and beyond. Maybe you live on the outskirts of Totnes or in a nearby town and could take a poster or two to your local shop regularly? If you have any time spare to help us put posters up and about we would love to hear from you.
All this last year's posters came to you thanks to our fantastic volunteer Simone, who has done a wonderful job of spreading them far and wide. Thank you for all your hard work over the year Simone...
To look at all of our previous bulletins please click here. In order to receive this monthly bulletin by email, please register on our website.
Please note that our office hours have changed and we are now open Tuesday afternoons 1 - 4pm. Otherwise the opening hours stay the same: Wednesday - Friday 10am - 1pm. Thanks.
Transition Town Totnes, 43 Fore Street, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5HN.
Tel: 01803 867358 Email: totnes@transitionnetwork.org
Web: www.totnes.transitionnetwork.org
Latest TTT updates
Current opportunities
Partners and links