Notes by David Greenop
Venue: Cowley Club 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Present: Kat, Doly, Stephen, Ann, Simon, John & David
Apologies: Jo, Chris & Maureen
1. Website Policies: Stephen proposed that we needed to make clear the
criteria for linking companies & organisations to the TB&H website. This
would consist of a set of policies which are openly available on the
website. Stephen will send out an email to Hub members for suggested
policies and coordinate the replies.
2. Paul Mobbs Rude Awakening Peak Energy tour: Stephen proposed that we
invite Paul to speak in B&H as part of his tour; there are a number of date
options. The meeting agreed that this was an event the energy group could
organise and Doly agreed to take it to this group. It was asked whether it
may be possible to find some funding for the event from the B&H grant for
the event.
3. Connecting with other groups: The meeting discussed how making
closer ties with a wide range of other local groups, in particular those not
involved with green or sustainability issues, could be a key component in
our awareness raising. Ideas for identifying groups included using the
Voluntary Sector Forum, putting a request on the website, using Ted’s
community organisations list (on website), and asking the special interest
groups for organisation names. Ideally initially contact with organisations
should be through personal contacts rather by email or cold calling on
telephone. We would offer to come and make a presentation or discuss the
role of TB&H on a one to one basis. This exercise will need to be
coordinated. Stephen proposed a talk to the Brighton Society which has a
historical & social perspective on B&H. David will identify and examine
lists of organisations which could be contacted.
4. Liaising with Local Government: Maureen informed the meeting by
email that a new Cabinet structure for the local council is being put in
place and the existing Sustainability Commission will disappear and be
replaced by a Partnership. It is important that TB&H is included in this new
Partnership as a body representing the interests of a wide range of
voluntary organisations and neighbourhoods across B&H. The meeting was asked
to agree that a formal letter or representation is made to this effect to
the Council. The meeting agreed that TB&H should have a role in the
partnership and requested that the Local Government Liaising group prepare a
proposal for the Hub to agree. There was some doubt as to whether a letter
was the best way forward and that a personal approach may be best.
5. Awareness of the Transition Process: Stephen expressed concern that
many people involved in TB&H were not sufficiently aware of the Transition
process and it was important that more effort was made, perhaps at General
Meetings, on familiarising people. Doly was concerned that not enough people
really understood what Transition was about. Simon suggested that this was
important for developing the local Transition Network community. Suggestions
for bridging this gap include: having the Hub reps on the interest groups
spend some time explaining the process, special sessions at General meetings
where people can experience some of the Transition tools & techniques (see
Rob Hopkins new book) and ask for outside help in developing people’s
skills. The meeting also recognised the importance of making our events and
meetings more exciting and inspiring. Stephen will try and include something
new in the next General Meeting which he is facilitating.
6. Next Meetings: The next Hub meeting is on Wed 2nd April (David will
email out to check peoples availability). The next but one General Network
Meeting is on Wed 7Th May at the Werks (changed from 8th May as the Werks is
not available on Thursday evenings) facilitators will be requested at the
next General Meeting on Wed 9th April.
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 18 March
