Attendees were Jim Adams, Michael Petek, Doly Garcia, John Bristow, Andrew Fishman, Martin Grimshaw, Ionela Macovei, Stephen Watson and Matthew Bird.
In this meeting we decided on several actions.
Appointed:
Coordinator – Jim Adams
Website moderator - Doly Garcia
Facilitator (chair) for 10th Feb meeting - John Bristow
Notetaker of 10th Feb meeting – Jim Adams
Notetaker for 4th Mar meeting – Stephen Watson
Investigate funds for Smart Metering - Matthew Bird. (A project group may be formed around this.)
Contact Mari Martesconan on consumer behaviour and invite to next meeting - John Bristow
Investigate what has happened on LED Traffic Lights and Wind Turbines with B&H City Council - Jim Adams
Find out what other Transition Energy Groups are doing - Jim Adams
Arrange next meeting - Jim Adams
Advertise meeting (by e-mail) - Matthew Bird
Advertise meeting (website) - Doly Garcia
Write up notes of meeting - Jim Adams
Minutes from the 10th Feb Energy Group meeting
Talks: Survive and Thrive in Times of Transition – Fri 29 February
An evening of inspirational talks hosted by Transition Town Lewes Heart and Soul Group, which offers people the opportunity to explore personal and inner change in response to the outer environmental change. At The Subud Centre, 26a Station Street, Lewes (map), 7.30 pm £3
The Work That Reconnects - Power to the Planet
Jennifer Horsfall trained as a facilitator with Joanna Macy. She describes her work as being in service to the revolution of our time, during the ‘Great Turning’ from the industrial growth society, to a life-sustaining civilization.
Resilience and Change
Emerald-Jane Turner, resilience specialist, provides stress and trauma solutions for organizations in the UK and Europe. In the aftermath of the recent London bombings Emerald-Jane pioneered the London Underground Stress Reduction Programme.
In The Eye of the Storm - Staying Sane in an Insane World
Philip Carr-Gomm is a writer and psychologist and author of several books including What do Druids Believe? (Granta, 2006) given four stars in the Independent’s review.
Critical Mass Brighton – Fri 29 February
The next Critical Mass bike ride is on Friday 29 February at 6:00 pm. Starting at The Level (find it on a map). Organised by Critical Mass Brighton.
Critical Mass bike rides in Brighton & Hove. Celebrating cycling and promoting a fun, healthy, sustainable alternative to petrol-dependant transport. Critical Mass Brighton meet at the Level on the last Friday of every month at 6pm. Come join us! Bring bikes, lights and noise!
Next TBH general meeting – Thu 28 February
The next general meeting is at 7.30pm on Thu 28 February at The Werks, 45 Church Street, Hove (map) The aim of this meeting is to inspire a deeper sense of connection and engagement amongst participants in Transition Brighton and Hove. We'll be asking for feedback from representatives of the various interest groups, showing a film clip, and facilitating an exercise designed to encourage all of us to think about our role within a successful network.
[read full text]
Transport Meeting Minutes for Monday 11th February 2008
Notes by Neil Harding for second transport meeting held on Monday 11th February at the Bedford Tavern, Western Street (opposite Embassy Court).
Present
Celia Davis
Doly Garcia
Juliet Gregg (Teacher at Hove Park - www.catcharide.co.uk)
Neil Harding
Michael Petek
Graham Towers (Chair)
Stephen Young - (Living Streets/Senior Economics Lecturer/www.giveupyourcar.com)
John Bristow (arrived later)
Apology: Judy Bow
1.0 Introductions
Those present introduced themselves. Stephen outlined the aims of Living Streets, of which he is a member and of his website. Celia spoke of her contacts with local cycling groups. Juliet spoke of her campaigning website catcharide.co.uk which organises car sharing.
2.0 Issues
2.1 Context:
The group was to consider both the need to reduce carbon emissions and the possible impact of ‘peak oil’. Transport contributes about 26% of UK’s total carbon emissions. Each week we agreed to focus on a different topic.
3.0 Talk by Celia on "urban walking and cycling".
Celia spoke of being a keen walker and cyclist but of her frustration at the lack of facilities and information in Brighton & Hove. In particular she highlighted the dangers of cycling in Lewes Road and Dyke Road due to the dedicated cycle paths there being used as a 'loading bay and carpark'. The council seem unable to enforce the law and prevent this. It was suggested that contacting neighbours and local residents groups might be a way of highlighting the issue and getting better enforcement. It was also mentioned that Green councillor Ian Davey (who promotes "Bike For Life" organisation) was campaigning on this issue and for better cycle lanes generally through local cycle group - Bricycles.
Celia suggested we should campaign for one lane on the sea front to be closed for cycling on "car free day" later this year in September. Celia agreed to draft a letter on this issue. It was also agreed for Juliet to liaise with Brycycles on this issue and perhaps be our contact within that organisation. Doly is to mention at the hub meeting about finding volunteers to try to give up their car for a week and then write down their experiences. It was pointed out that North Street was particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists and that congestion needed to be cut here. The council have been allocated £1.5m for this purpose and Stephen noted that proposals are currently being drawn up and there is an exhibition at Chapel Royal.
The approach of 'naked streets' was discussed - where signs are minimised and pedestrians and motorists 'share' road/pavement space. This can naturally lead to more caution by drivers and a change in their 'speeding' culture.
Celia then moved on to talk about schemes to encourage cycling to work such as "Bike To Work" where there are tax free incentives to purchase bikes through people's wages. There needs to be more promoting of this scheme - maybe through trade unions. There is also a scheme for tax relief on bus fares to and from work that is not well known. It was suggested that Rob Dicken on the council might be an appropriate contact for ideas on promoting these schemes. Celia also talked of the need to reduce congestion - 'there are too many cars on the road" and that is what is offputting for pedestrians and cyclists and makes things unpleasant and dangerous. Michael suggested a fly wheel tram along the sea front.
Finally Celia highlighted the poor information avaliable about cycling and walking routes in Brighton and Hove. She showed a tourist cycling and walking map and how limited the information was. It was suggested we might need to contact the council to raise this issue. Maybe through Becky Reynolds at Bricycles. Juliet said she could be a contact for our group on this.
4.0 Future meetings
It was agreed that as the PV was closed for the foreseable future we would continue to meet at the Bedford Tavern in the meantime. Subject to confirmation the next meeting would take place on Monday 17 March. At the meeting Michael offered to present some ‘public transport ideas for Brighton'
Brighton Science Festival: How to Make a Difference – Tue 26 February
Tuesday Feb 26th 7.30pm – 10.00pm at Friends' Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF (map). A practical guide to living a greener life. Networking opportunities, plus experts on sustainable energy, transport, architecture, food and everyday ways to be environmentally friendly, giving short talks and answering questions. There will be no lecturing, just useful, practical suggestions.
For more information see here.
TBH newsletter – March 2008
If you wish to receive this newsletter as an email each month, please register on the forum – this will put you on our mailing list.News
• A program of talks is being put together to raise public awareness of peak oil, climate change and related issues. We aim to have twin talks, with a nationally renowned speaker and a local speaker on each event, talking about related issues. The first one will be on April 17, with Jeremy Legget, author of Half Gone and Jim Watson from Sussex University (see Upcoming Events below).
• Members of the TBH hub are currently presenting talks about Transition Towns to community groups – to North Laines earlier in February, with others arranged for the Clifton Montpelier and Powis Community Association and Hove Community group. (If you would like a talk given to your community group, please contact talks*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk)
• Links have been established with Sussex University. Doly (from TBH hub) has given two brief talks as a participant of events organized by the Sussex Uni Environmental Society and the Environmental Action Network, and John (also TBH hub) has been in touch with students interested in doing Transition-related research.
• Chris and Stephen from the TBH hub were interviewed about TBH on Radio Reverb, Brighton's community radio station: once for the Vision Shack show on 14 Feb (you can hear the interview here, in two parts). The other interview was for the One World Community show and will be broadcast on Sat 1 Mar at 2pm (One World Community site)
• Transition Shoreham-by-Sea has so far been part of Transition Brighton & Hove but is soon to launch as an independent Transition Town. TSbyS have held their first public meeting, you can read the notes here
Contact shoreham*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk for more details.
• All the Transition Interest Groups have had their first meetings and started discussing their main goals.
General requests for help
• TBH summer gathering: plans are currently in motion to hold a Transition Brighton & Hove event in Preston Park on 8th June from 11am-7pm. Our vision for the event is a coming together of Transitioners and other groups and people within the city (and beyond?) to share ideas, unify the network and celebrate all that we have achieved so far. This is a fantastic opportunity to present our vision of the transition process to the rest of Brighton and Hove. The event will likely include talks, stalls, hands-on workshops, other entertainments, food and music. We currently have a very small group of people co-ordinating this event so could really use any help that can be offered. Jobs that need doing include applying for funding, publicity and help with organising key aspects of the event. Please contact tbhfestival*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.ukTransition Interest Groups news and requests for help
The various Transition Interest Groups all hold meetings to which anyone is welcome – a link to contact details for all groups can be found at the bottom of this newsletter. The Transition Interest Groups are organising a programme of day schools for adults: Transition Free Schools. Each will include a variety of different activities such as participatory workshops, films, practical demonstrations, talks and discussions. Based on popular education principles which aim to increase participation and break down the hierarchy between educator and learner, involving participants as much as possible and allowing them to reach their own conclusions. All these events will be free (donations very welcome). Keep an eye on the website for dates of both meetings and free schools.
• Food group: The Food Group is planning its first free school event - a day focused on raising awareness about food issues and learning practical skills such as seed planting. There will be talks, a film screening, seed planting demonstrations, info about local produce, activities for kids and hopefully a break for a local communal lunch. We would very much welcome help planning and publicizing this event, which is taking place on Saturday the 12th of April. Please come along to our next meeting on Tue 11 March at 7:30pm upstairs at the Earth and Stars pub. Please contact Ann on 07729 126772 or food*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk for more info or if you'd like to be added to the Food Group mailing list.
• Business & Economics group: the group is making good progress, with diverse and imaginative participants helping to shape its course. We've been educating ourselves, having a good debate, sharing dreams, hatching plans and having a laugh or two. We have been sketching out some kind of mission statement, describing our principles, purpose and aims and thinking about the best ways to use our time and skills. Anyone can join in, whatever your experience, by coming along to our meetings, adding your thoughts on our group's forum page - or by talking to Martin at business*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk / 07891 571739. Contact him to join the group email list. Next meeting is on Monday 3 March 7-9pm, at Brighton Media Centre, Suite 4, 68 MIddle St, Brighton, followed by a drink at the Hop Poles pub, almost opposite. Forum page
• Buildings and Construction group: Nicola who was coordinating the Buildings group has had to step down from coordinating the group. If anyone is interested in taking up this role, whether from the existing Buildings group or otherwise, please contact hub*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk
• Waste & Recycling group: the next meeting will be at 6.30pm on Tue 4 March, upstairs at the King & Queen pub, Old Steine. All welcome. More info: waste*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk.
• Heart and Soul group: This is a new group that will soon be starting up. Many believe that transforming our world will mean a deep change of heart and mind, as the transition to sustainability goes far beyond the immediate practical tasks. Themes covered by the Heart and Soul group in Totnes include: understanding the psychology of the industrial growth society; reconnecting with nature; expressing how it feels to be alive and engaged at such an uncertain and critical time; creating community celebrations, and many many more. To get involved with this group and an invitation to the first meeting please contact heartandsoul*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.ukNeighbourhood groups
TBH Neighbourhood groups are gradually forming, often as part of existing community groups. If you are interested in starting a Transition neighbourhood group in your area, or you are already part of a community group and would like a member of TBH to come talk to your group about transition towns, please contact hub*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk
• Roundhill and Triangle group: this neighborhood group encompasses the Roundhill and Triangle areas with a view to also including The Level. The group will be working independently but with strong links to the residents' associations in those areas. The first meeting will be at 7pm on Thu 13th March in The Roundhill pub on Ditchling Road. All welcome. For further details please contact roundhill_triangle*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.ukUpcoming events
For Upcoming Events see the main page of the website.General information
Joining Transition Interest Groups (Food, Transport, Energy, etc): either sign up in the Usergroups on the forum – how to do this here – or contact the group coordinators directly, see here.
Forum: please remember to add your news, opinions and suggestions to the discussions on the forum – this is the place where ideas for projects and collaborations can begin.
Brighton & Hove Green organisations index: the TBH website has a updated directory of green Brighton organisations, including campaign groups, awareness-raising literature and training, local produce suppliers, transport alternatives and lots more.
Contact details: contact emails for all hub members and group coordinators are available here.
Liaison with Local Government Group meeting 19/02/08
We focused on the following six topics:
1) the Refreshed Preferred Options Document to be published in Spring 2008.
2) the Refreshed Sustainability Strategy to be performed later this year.
3) the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 - we await details of the Guidance on this.
4) Open Houses / Sustainable Homes, expected to feature in the Brighton Festival.
5) The Council's/PMP's report RE Open Spaces Policy - possible need to amend to reference (a) Climate Change (b) Peak oil (c) Need for land to grow food locally.
6) Need to study the process by which info is disseminated from the LA to neighbourhoods and to improve networks.
More detail on each of these points
1) the forthcoming consultation on the Refreshed Preferred Options Document is to be published in Spring 2008. I have created a web page to update those interested on the background to The Council's Core Strategy and Preferred Options.
2) refreshing the Council's Sustainability Strategy. It seems pretty certain that One Planet Living will get the go ahead for this, and that public consultation on this topic will follow later in 2008. It remains to be seen if the Council's Sustainability Strategy, currently 12 priority areas, is merged with the 2020 (Local Strategic) Partnership's 8 key areas. It is possible that One Planet Living's "10 checks for sustainability" could assist as the organising principles for this merger.
3) Sustainable Communities Act 2007 - we agreed that we cannot take action on this until we have the Guidance on how the Local Authority is to implement the Act. We are relying on Mita to make this available to us once it has been received.
4) Open Houses / Sustainable Homes - reference to Eco-houses in the Open Houses in Brighton Festival, May 2008 is made in the TB&H Buildings & Construction Group's notes of their meeting on 17th December 2007. We agreed to give this initiative our support. Our Liaison Group was also keen on pursuing the idea of a transportable Exhibition House for Energy Saving (something with a visible presence) in prominent locations in Brighton and Hove.
5) Open Spaces - The Open Spaces Questionnaires/ Household Surveys undertaken by the Council/PMP have elicited comments on parks and recreation grounds pooled between several neighbourhoods. See The Council's 2005 questionnaire and PMP's 2007 Household Survey. This "top-down" approach where the questions are framed to limit comment mainly to publicly accessible open spaces fails to meet the Government's Planning Policy Guidance PPG17 which states that Open Space Needs should be locally-derived and that assessment should be neighbourhood-specific. The Council has been using the adjective "city-wide" to suggest a thorough approach, where in reality neighbourhoods which are deficient in publicly-accessible open space risk losing their open spaces to developers. My critiques of the 2005 and 2007 surveys, were attempts to prevent the loss of green space to development in Round Hill, where all our open spaces (including a wildlife garden which has won national awards) are on privately-owned and relatively inaccessible plots. The Government's guidance says that: "the value of open spaces, irrespective of who owns them, depends on two things:
i) The extent to which they meet clearly identifiable local needs
ii) The wider benefits they generate for people, wildlife, biodiversity and the wider environment.
PMP's report on the progress of its Open Space Study is expected this year. If necessary, we should be ready to suggest amendments to their proposals, which reference TB&H's concerns about (a) Climate Change (b) Peak oil (c) Need to grow more food locally.
We might enlist the support of both The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and TB&H's Food Group in arguing for the protection of Open Spaces in our city for growing food. Reference can be made here to Moulsecoomb/Whitehawk/Stanmer initiatives. I have noted that Ann Baldridge of TB&H's Food Group has been seeking info on how the Council plans to use all the land it owns and leases out that could be used for food growing (question raised at 30 Jan General meeting) and respond to this in my web page on the Council's Core Strategy and Preferred Options where I have also posted Graham Ennis's calculation & observations RE food self-sufficiency. It should be noted that PPG17 gives the community influence over the retention and use of open spaces whether they are publicly or privately owned, so our interest in protecting open spaces need not be limited to plots which are owned by the Council.
6) We also discussed how information is disseminated i.e. from The Council to neighbourhoods, how certain people are key to successful networks and how the latter might be strengthened. We wondered whether additional log-ins could be permitted for active group members other than co-ordinators who could post directly to the relevant section of the main TB&H website. Some Groups may wish to make the role of co-ordinator into a "job-share" with more than one group member posting to the site. Alternatively, content for posting could be emailed from other group members and then posted by the co-ordinator. I am flexible about either of these options within the Liaison with Local Government Group.
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 19 February
Notes by Stephen Watson
Present
Jo, Doly, Stephen, Ann, David, Simon
Apologies
John, Maureen
Feedback from 30th meeting
Jo and Simon to have a look and extract useful components.
Try and get a facilitator who is not from the hub
Flyers
Too much text on front and should be ‘stand-alone’ i.e. it won’t follow onto the inside.
Reduce the list of towns
Indicate in leaflet that it’s a global movement
New member contact person
hub@trans.... to be pointed away from Chris to Jo until 30/03
Hub accessability
Hello to Simon
Goodbye to Chris ... for now
Mention at the next general meeting that people can join hub and ask Chris to add such information to the hub page on the web site.
Ask Chris to email Maureen, David and John to ask for mug shots for hub page.
Booking general meetings
TBC - toward the end of March.
Next hub meeting: 7:30pm on 5th March at Cowley
Kit to take round meetings
“Transition In A Box” - ready for 2nd March. David has carrying case that may be appropriate
Maureen has mentioned a portable library for samples of (promotional?) books for people to leaf through.
Possibly have a “TB&H Section” in an existing library.
Multimedia Pack - Stephen is planning this. Doly has stuff that could be used.
Timeline and general aims
Stephen suggested a self-reflection exercise to see if hub and TB&H are “on track”. Also, to check the level of knowledge of PO & CC of perhaps co-ordinators of TIGs.
Simon felt that perhaps because we have “jumped over” Step 2 and formed TIGs already, people are involved in them that don’t have an understanding of PO & CC fundamentals.
We wondered what, for example the Council Liason group is doing as it’s rather independent. How do we create a process to determine if groups are operating in line with the aims of TB&H?
A decision was made to scale down the “Transition Gathering” in June and see if each person involved can get one extra person each.
David will print newsletters, Doly to create.
Transition requires radical change, but some people who are attracted don’t seem ready to comprehend of appreciate the scale of the approach.
How do we enthuse, inspire and engage people in TB&H?
Training on the 15th
What is Nathaniel facilitating on the 15th of March? 1. Inner World 2. Group process 3. Transition Process
Do we need a split day? Step 1 & Step 2
For Heart & Soul hub people could mentor other people.
Next hub meeting to discuss this.
We should ask for more feedback at general meetings.
Simon suggested asking at general meetings: What has been good and bad for you about TB&H and what could change to make you more involved?
Green Champions and Community Champions
GC is a Community Base initiative. Jo is the Roundhill’s GC
GC does not seem appropriate to TB&H
CC may be worth considering as an influence on Community Sector Forum. Jo is going on this course.
Green Streets?
Not sure - power monitoring? Speak to John.
TIG progress update
Probably covered in general meeting and on the 15th
Press and media
Simon is doing a column in Healthy & Organic Living.
Doly to follow up on Ecologist columnist thing. Needs to speak to Ben of Transition Network before going further on this.
Sarah Lewis press workshop - Jo to contact
Jo has done something for the Roundhill Reporter
Blogs?
Few volunteers for blogging on the Rocks web site - we have 3 so far. Mention in General Meeting.
EDAP Project team
David, Doly (maybe Michael Petek)
Several Transition Areas have asked the network to provide some guidelines and templates for EDAP comparison.
Decision making and Group Agreements/Ground Rules
Look at on the 15th
Criteria for linking to other groups
Refuse every request for links until policy has been discussed. `We need to maintain our integrity - what groups/businesses/applicants are really appreciating PO & CC.
Funding
Maureen wants to put a funding bid to the Council:
£1000 for 2008 for public talks
£500 for four talks in edges of towns
£500 towards publicity
£500 for general resources (DVDs, books etc)
The focus of the bid is awareness raising.
Constitution
Ben Brangwyn is happy with it.
Liaison With Local Government Group meeting on Tuesday 19th February 2008 at 7pm at The George
The next meeting of The Liaison With Local Government Group will be on Tuesday 19th February 2008 at 7pm at The George in Trafalgar Rd near St Peter's Church. New members are welcome to attend.
Notes from Liaison Group's Meeting on 22 January 2008
1. Matters Arising
2. Knowledge – areas where we need to gain more knowledge to carry out our role. Input from Sustainability Team/officers.
(i) The Sustainable Communities Act
(ii) Case Officer’s presentation on how policies on Sustainability (e.g. Chapter 2 of Local Plan, relevant SPDs, sustainability appraisals) are applied when recommending to grant or refuse planning applications – for example, two case studies.
3. Briefing others in Transition Brighton & Hove about the Council
4. The functioning of the Sustainability Commission
5. Feedback on The New Economics Foundation workshop
Those present were Joyce, Maureen, Ted and Vicky. Apologies from Jacqui & Mita.
1. Matters arising from last meeting of 7th January - Mission Statement
The need to formalize our working protocol.
ACTION POINT 1: Ted agreed to tidy up and circulate the draft recorded in the notes of our last meeting. After feedback from Group members, the mission statement will be finalized.
2. Knowledge -input
Familiarity with the Sustainability Communities Act will help us to understand how International/National Policy links with community action/empowerment.
ACTION POINT 2: We all agreed to Google the Sustainability Communities Act.
Joyce suggested that in doing this preliminary research we could bullet a number of points relevant to our purpose to put to a member of The Council’s Sustainability Team (e.g. Mita Patel). Broadly, we will want to know how Brighton and Hove City Council enforces the Sustainability Communities Act.
Local Authorities will be required to establish a panel of representatives from the community. This could be a separate panel from the members of the Sustainability Commission or a replacement for it. The action for all Liaison Group Members is to identify issues to take further.
The Council’s Sustainability Team does not report on individual planning applications. Although the Case Officer will collect departmental reports from The Traffic Manager (i.e. Transport Planning), Conservation and Design, The Council Ecologist, Environmental Health, each planning application carries its own Sustainability Statement using The Council’s Sustainability Checklist (under The Local Plan) or having its own Sustainability Assessment (under the Local Development Framework which will soon take the place of The Local Plan). It is the Case Officer’s job (though she has access to experts if he/she needs to consult them) to assess whether a planning application’s Sustainability Statement is an honest one and meets the Council’s planning policies. It was suggested that we could invite a Case Officer to present a couple of case studies (i.e. real planning applications – perhaps some which offer “greenwash” without really meeting the Council’s sustainability requirements) to demonstrate how the policies are applied in practice.
Concern was expressed over planning applications where it is not made clear by the Council that a proposed development site involves “greenfield development”. Since policy requirements (e.g. Sustainable Building Requirements) are tighter in the context of greenfield development, there could not be a fair planning process if the latter is concealed both by the applicant and the Council.
The group recognised that the Council is under conflicting pressures (e.g. meeting housing targets, maintaining employment). One commonly debated issue is whether to concentrate development in the city (limited in space since it is wedged between The South Downs and the sea) or to allow development to spill out onto The Downs. Reference was made, however, to the need for access to open spaces within the immediate urban environment (e.g. for people who do not have cars and cannot get to the Downs except by Sunday bus services), and the need to protect greenfield sites e.g. for permaculture / local food production in the future.
For organisations such as The Campaign To Protect Rural England, protection of The South Downs would be the political priority. However, the Government’s Planning Policy Guidance PPG17 Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation emphasizes the amenity-value of open spaces to the health and well-being of urban communities. Their PPG 17 Companion Guide - Assessing Needs and Opportunities to assist Local Authorities with community planning, insists that open space needs are locally-derived and that open space assessments should be NEIGHBOURHOOD-SPECIFIC. Many elderly and disabled people, who rarely travel to the South Downs, depend for their amenity on open spaces in their neighbourhoods. The less mobile are not responsible for so many car journeys - a factor which needs to be considered in planning for sustainability.
In terms of what we should be doing as a TB&H LIAISON WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT GROUP, we agreed that we could inform (e.g. via web pages) Interest of Neighbourhood Groups on how to use the planning process e.g. the Council’s online register to monitor and comment on planning applications.
3. Briefing others in Transition Brighton & Hove about the Council
The main challenge we faced was the reticence among some of the participants in Transition Brighton & Hove to be involved with “things to do with government and local government”. Some participants prefer to focus on “things which groups and individuals can do on their own”. Others are more willing to involve themselves with the Council. It was observed that there was good knowledge of Council policies among TB&H’s Buildings & Construction Group – they have already been involved with consultation on the draft SPD for Sustainable Building Design.
Key questions for our Liaison with Local Government Group are:
What have we got to offer, and who are we offering it to?
We agreed that “in your face presentation” would be counterproductive. We have got to work with the TB&H Interest and Neighbourhood Groups.
Some presentation is needed to show what we’ve got to offer. We agreed that clearly laid out web pages where people could find the information they need to complement their Interest/Neighbourhood Group’s Agendas might prove productive. If our presentation is relevant to the Interest/Neighbourhood Groups’ objectives, and if we can show ourselves to be well informed, then we could achieve our role as facilitators. We would obviously be willing to give briefings if approached or to refer members of Interest/Neighbourhood Groups to contacts we have made within The Council, if they would appreciate our help.
ACTION POINT 3: Ongoing = production of coherent web pages linking to notes from our meetings where useful. Ted can upload. All can submit, monitor and suggest improvements.
4. The functioning of the Sustainability Commission
It was reported that in spite of the attempt to delay it by some Councillors at the meeting of The Sustainability Commission on 9th January, the Council’s Policy & Resources Committee had since met and decided that the proposal for the wind turbines near The Sea Front outside Kings House can be submitted as a planning application.
In reflecting on how the new political balance in the city was affecting the functioning of The Sustainability Commission, it was also recognised that there was going to be a massive reorganisation of The Council in May, when an executive will be put in place.
A leader will be chosen, who will in turn be able to choose their own cabinet. The cabinet members do not have to reflect the political balance of Councillors within the city. They can be Councillors whom the leader wants to work with. However, there will be a Scrutiny Committee, and the latter will reflect the political balance (i.e. there will be Labour, Green and Liberal as well as Conservative representation). It is said too the scrutiny will be made stronger. This is a Government-imposed system of running the Council. The May 2007 Local Election results have put the Conservatives in a dominant position, though they do not have an overall majority in terms of their electoral success.
ACTION POINT 4: Vicky to help. All to do.
Find out about the new Executive system of Local Government. Will there still be a Sustainability Commission or a Sustainability Team? How is power within the Council and its departments going to be affected? Pete West is apparently involved in a Green Party Campaign relating to these imminent changes.
5. Feedback on The New Economics Foundation workshop
Four members of our Group attended this. We agreed that the input was rather disappointing, but we appreciated that The New Economics Foundation’s brief was to set the workshop within a NEIGHBOURHOOD context. This was not really pitched at economists. It was not the occasion for an update on the reactions to market-led economics by thinkers such as E.J. Mishan (The Costs of Economic Growth – Pelican 1969), E. F. Schumacher (Small is Beautiful – a study of economics as if people mattered – Blond & Briggs 1973) and J.K. Galbreith (Almost Everyone’s Guide To Economics – Andre Deutsch 1979).
It was felt that the task-based “post-it” sessions could have worked if the tasks had been more clearly defined and if all participants had taken them seriously. Some of the “post-its” were rather frivolous ideas. The organisers diplomatically played along with them, but some of the priorities we should have been considering lost out to unnecessary distractions.
Two useful specifications for organisers of future workshops were suggested:
1. Have a clear knowledge of who you are talking to
2. Know what is wanted.
A recognition that the participants at this workshop were submerged with existing pledges and commitments, may have warned the organisers that asking for more was not really going to go down well as the highlight of the workshop – not without more focus or clarity. This was a case where “think small” was needed rather than “go out and change the world”.
It was worth making contact with The New Economics Foundation. There are some very useful resources (downloadable in PDF form) on their web site at http://www.pluggingtheleaks.org/
These include two reports of circa 100 pages long:
1) Plugging the leaks
Plugging The Leaks
2) The Money Trail
The Money Trail
Given the limited space we have in Brighton and Hove, land-use is likely to play an important part in Transition Brighton and Hove's Energy Descent Plan. A golden read and another article which calls for "new economics" is Think about Land - a talk given by Dr. E. F. Schumacher, originally published by a Housing Aid charity.
Consultation on Draft SPD – 'Nature Conservation and Development'
Brighton & Hove City Council has produced a revised draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on Nature Conservation and Development'.
An SPD is one of the material considerations that can be taken into account when determining a planning application. It forms a part of the council's new Local Development Framework (LDF).
The document is out for public consultation from 12th February 2008 to 25th March 2008 and the council is keen to gather your views on its content.
The draft SPD and supporting documents are available to view and download from the council’s web site by clicking here
Printed copies are available in the Jubilee (Brighton), Hove and Portslade libraries as well as Citydirect offices in Hove Town Hall and Bartholomew Square (Brighton). Alternatively, should you want a paper version please contact us at the address below.
Comments should be submitted in writing to Matthew Thomas, Ecologist, Countryside Team, Brighton & Hove City Council, Room 323, Hove Town Hall, Hove, BN3 3BQ, or by sending an e-mail to:Matthew.Thomas@brighton-hove.gov.uk by no later than 5 pm on Tuesday 25th March 2008
Thank you. Local Development Framework Team, City Planning Brighton & Hove City Council. Tel: 01273 292505
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Meeting: Hanover/Queens Park neighbourhood group – Sun 17 February
The first meet up of Tranisition Towns - Hanover & Queens Park will be Sunday 17th February, 7.30pm at The Resevoir, Howard Road (Between Islingward & Elm Grove: map). All welcome.
For more information please contact Vic at victoria.imelda*at*btinternet.com
Interview with TBH on Radio Reverb – Thu 14 February
Chris and Stephen from TBH's hub were interviewed about TBH on the Vision Shack show on Brighton's community radio station, Radio Reverb (97.2 FM), on Thu 14 February. You can listen online here (the first part will play automatically, you'll need to find the link for the second).
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Business & Economics meeting Wed 13 Feb 7.15pm
@ Brighton Media Centre, 68 Middle St, Suite 4 (opposite The Hop Poles pub)
We have a short purpose statement as an outcome from the last meeting, that we agreed to road-test. We now want to sketch out our Principles, Scope, Method, Motivation and Projects. It is strongly recommended that we all have a look at the guiding statements of the Lewes Business Group as a starting point, in order to speed up our deliberations.
Links to Lewes, report from the last meeting and to the rest of our topics available on our group page by clicking here
Agenda is open - any suggestions or comments about any aspect, please add to our page on the forum or email martin*AT*greenspeak-brighton*DOT*org*DOT*uk / 07891 571739
All very welcome, at meetings and on the forum - contribute in any way you fancy...spread the word 
Food group meeting – Mon 11 February
Notes by Ann Baldridge
Present: Jo, Viv, Ann, Simon B, Simon P, and Andi
The meeting focused on our plans to hold our first event – a big day dedicated to raising awareness about food issues and sharing practical skills.
Venue: Given that we have no funding yet, we need to find a venue that is central but free of charge to hire, or who would agree to host the event for us. The Cowley Club was suggested. Other ideas were Friends Meeting House, though we understand their hire fee is above and beyond what we could afford. Ann will contact them to explore whether they might be willing to make an exception with their hire fee. The Brighton Peace and Environment Centre was also suggested but it was thought that this venue might be too small, but also may put some people off coming, especially those who don’t associate themselves with being an ‘environmentalist’. Cowley Club’s central location, good level of passing traffic and the fact that it doesn’t charge a hire fee put it at the top of the list. We will confirm the venue at the next meeting.
Action: Ann to contact Friends Meeting HouseActivities
Seed planting sessions: the Whitehawk Community Food Project have agreed to run two sessions: one around seed planting and another on picking out and re-potting. They can supply seeds and compost. We will either ask people to bring their own pot (or even a yogurt tub) or see if any of the gardening centres can donate pots to us.
Action: Simon P to plan the seed sessions.
Lunch: Jo suggested we have a lunch break with home-cooked, local food. The Cowley Club has a kitchen we can use to prepare a lunch for participants on the day. We would charge about £2.50 to recoup the costs of food and to hopefully generate a small amount of funds for the group.
Action: Simon Powell to ask Simon Parker if he would be up for leading on the cooking.
Activities for kids: we discussed ideas for activities that kids can get involved in such as badge making, a fruit shy, drawing vegetables, a quiz, seed planting. No firm decisions were made.
Action: Viv to think about children’s activities and report back at the next meeting.
Talks: suggested topics for talks included climate change and food, permaculture, a presentation from the London-based food growing project Food Up Front, a talk from a biodynamic farmer or from Compassion in World Farming to highlight the impact the meat industry has on the environment and to offer suggestions of things people can do to reduce their impact (including eating less but high quality meat and veganism). Alice from Trapese Network has offered to do a talk / workshop on the food system from a global and local perspective. We decided, in the first instance, to pursue Alice’s offer, Food Up Front, and a permaculture talk (given that Transition is largely based around permaculture principles).
Action: Jo to speak to Alice and Food Up Front
Action: Ann to invite someone from Brighton Permaculture Trust to speak
Film screening: we discussed doing a showing of The Future of Food and we’ve found someone with a copy we can use. We might hold a discussion about the film after the screening. We will need to think about who we can ask to come and lead a discussion on GM.
Local food awareness-raising: we discussed having a stall to compare a local veg box to a box of the same veg bought from the supermarket. This would help to promote local veg box schemes and to show people how cost-effective it is to get a veg box, plus highlight the benefits of eating seasonally. We will also have a food miles quiz in which the person who comes closest to guessing the mileage on each box will win the box.
Action: Simon B to contact the local veg box schemes to see if any of the farms would be willing to donate a box of produce and to come along to promote their service (or to send information we can put on display).
Publicity: we had some initial thoughts about where, how and when to publicise the event. We agreed that 3 weeks before the event would be a good time to begin promoting it. We will ask Rocks and The Argus to advertise it, as well as the numerous ‘what’s on in Brighton’ websites, email networks, the Food Partnership and Transition B&H websites. Publicity will be discussed in greater detail at the next meeting.
This day will be about awareness-raising and practical skills that people can take away with them. We thought that ending the day with an open discussion or debate might help people to voice their views and to discuss the new things they’ve learned. We also discussed preparing a leaflet with 10 practical things people can do to reduce their impact on the environment via their food choices.
Next meeting: the next meeting will be on Tuesday the 11th of March at the Earth and Stars pub at 7:30pm. At this meeting we will feed back on our actions from this meeting, finalise the programme for the big food day, decide on a name for the day, and discuss our publicity strategy.
Waste & Recycling meeting – Mon 11 February
The next Waste & Recycling meeting is at 6pm on Mon 11 Feb in the Cowley Meeting House, 52 Providence Place (map).
For more information contact Jessica at jessica*at*jessican.co.uk
Notes from first public meeting of Transition Shoreham by Sea – Mon 11 Feb
Notes of First Public Meeting of Transition Shoreham by Sea held Monday 11th Feb 2008
Our first public meeting was held at the home of Chris and Geoff Howitt . 15 people attended and all contributed to the occasion.
Awareness raising
Leaflets.
Alan Mair, our local printer has reproduced TT initiative leaflets at rock bottom prices and we now have plenty for street stalls and so forth. We are very grateful to Alan.
E-mail.
Moyra agreed to circulate useful links via the e mail list which now has 42 members
Films and Events .
We will be showing “The Man who planted trees” at the Ropetackle on Sunday 24th February at 7pm. We plan to attend with fliers ready.
Lucy and Geoff offered to liaise with the Ropetackle centre to see how and when we can show more punchy films such as “The End of Suburbia”. We have purchased our first films, which are available for private viewing. Moyra has the copies
We considered whether a film showing could be our ‘Great Unleashing’
The idea of a Recycle Exchange day was also proposed.
Press Release.
We have booked a stall at the farmers market on Saturday 8th March 2008 and Chris will write a press release for this event
Sustainable Shopping Bags.
Lucy offered to look into the possibility of producing a Transition Shoreham by Sea (TSbS?) shopping bag
Finance
We now have a treasurer, Steve Barnes who is organising an account with the Co-op Bank.
Ashley stressed the need for a fund raising event. Any ideas?
The idea of a local currency scheme (LETS) was raised as a possibility in the future.
Dave Stringer will investigate the chances of a donation from Rotary Club and asked for a speaker.
Food
The aim of increasing the availability of local, organic, fairly traded and animal-friendly food was discussed.
Jane suggested that we could use the stall at Farmers market to bring together: a) people who have no gardens and who would like to grow food; and b) people who are happy to have their gardens used by others to grow food – perhaps in exchange for keeping the rest of the garden tidy and/or sharing the produce.
It was noted that the local amenity tip now sells locally produced compost.
Jane has also offered to collate local green trader information.
Transport
Transport was only discussed briefly as time was running out - mainly car sharing schemes.
Energy
Hamish proposed that we look into the possibility of a water turbine in the Adur River to harness the power of the tides.
Nigel offered to discuss this with MP Des Turner who has an interest in the issue.
Moyra offered to liaise with Community Action for Energy (CAfE) as they can offer all kinds of help for such a scheme
Transport group meeting – Mon 11 February
Next meeting at the Bedford Tavern which is on the corner of Western Street and Norfolk Street (opposite Embassy Court)
On Monday 11 February at 7.30
At our January meeting we agreed to meet again in February at the same
venue. Unfortunately in the interim the PV pub has closed down ! I have
identified and visited a new venue but it is untested.
I suggest the following agenda
1 notes
2 issues from the notes
3 presentation by Celia on urban walking an cycling routes
4 future projects/activities
First meeting of the Transition Energy Group – Sun 10 February
The Transition Energy Group will have its first meeting on Sunday 10th of February, 8pm, in the Sanctuary cafe. We will aim to be upstairs, but it will depend on availability of tables.
To identify the table, there will be a windmill model on it. Members of the Brighton Peak Oil Group may find it vaguely familiar.
Campaign Against Climate Change TU conference – Sat 9 February
ULU, Malet St London. 10am till 5pm, Sat 9th Feb. Entry 10GBP
The conference will bring together trade unionists and climate change campaigners. Trade Unions have been at the forefront of fighting for social change and if we are to deal effectively and sustainably with climate change, we must involve those who represent workers- viz those who make products, drive our transport, build our houses and so on.
There will be 2 plenaries and six workshops. Speakers as varied as John McDonnell MP, Frances O'Grady of the TUC and Mark Serwotka of PCS will address the plenaries alongside our very own Caroline Lucas and Derek Wall. The workshops will be repeated so that delegates can attend 2 of the 6 they are:
Carbon Trading and Market mechanisms,
Greening the Workplace,
Alternative Energy- Towards a Zero Carbon Economy,
Building Sustainable Cities,
Towards Sustainable Transport and
Global Treaties, Kyoto and Beyond
More info at www.campaigncc.org, 07801 263 265 and ccctu@hotmail.com
Training: Be a Community Champion! – Sat 9 & Sat 16 February
EAC is looking for over 1,000 'Community Champions' to lead change in their
neighbourhoods.
The following two-day Community Champions training course is now open for
booking:
Saturday 9 & Saturday 16 February 2008, 10am – 4pm each day
Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton BN1 1YD
It is recommend to book early as there are limited places
Sarah Jones
Carbon Management Programme & Team Administrator
Sustainability Team
Chief Executive's Policy Team
(01273) 293833
Notes from hub meeting - Thu 7 Feb
Notes by John Bristow
1. Aspirations for 08: John
Overwhelming as it is. JB to summarise and send to Chris for website – done.
2. Flyers and Leaflets: Kat
Need new flyer for Events – asap. Speaker programme starts 17 April
Chris Bullar willing to help (PR specialist)
3. Hub member contact list Chris, Steve and All
A list of who we are on the website Pictures on the site on hub people - give a face – all send photos
4. Next General Meeting: Jo and Simon
Thurs 28 Feb – JB to book Werkshop (tba 19th), and give DVDs and groundrules to Jo/Simon (19th)
Kit to take round meetings – Steve
Venues: The Werkshop or Salvation Army – alternate as possible
5. Training and Awareness Raising Programme
5.1 Publicity for Events programme: Chris
Let Chris know
5.2 Co-ordination of Introductory Talks and Materials for them (libarary): Maureen
And Education and Awareness Programme: Chris C
Includes enabling/training others to do talks (remember Richard Cassidi has offered training in public speaking
Slides and materials for different talks can be collated as versions of “core message”
5.3 DVD viewing and discussion: Chris, Kat, Simon
Creating a rolling plan of film showings with discussions to increase awareness across B&H.
Also talks - links with Greenspeak (Martin)
5.4 Speaker Programme:, John, Maureen, Beth, Mari
1st 2 evenings: 17th April and 19th June. Charges and Title agreed
Jeremy Leggett and Jim Watson (SEG) – then Peter Jones in June + Ceres?
Business speakers to have more than just a profit motive
Poster by Lynda – to be designed. Ticketing by Dome Box Office. Media. Other organisations to post publicity?
5.5 June 8 Green Fair: Mischa, Jo and Others
How it represents TB&H and is attractive to a broad range of people (inclusive)
5.6 Transition Training Sessions with Jo and Charley – where next within and outside our network?
Jo needs some feedback and support from Hub
Review of NEF workshop outputs – Follow up with NEF in 2 months
Design own workshop on energy and resource use?
5.7 Popular Education Programme: Jo
6. Learning about and Reviewing Transition Process
How can we keep people interested and involved? How to get more people involved?
Which initiatives or groups have not really got going and why?
How to implement Transition Technology - are we clear how wer'e doing it? Do we have some clear targets? Are we incorporating the experience of other TTs, learning from their mistakes and successes?
Action: Workshop for Hub on Sat 15th March 10-4. Nathaniel White agreed to facilitate and give input on kinds of organization relevant to us, particularly the difference between order and control - chaordic organisational design, governance by purpose and principles, sociocracy and aspects of Gaian democracy -- these all rely on agreements, shared values, and ways of cooperating that produce order but not control.
We could also use this to go over what Jo and Charley presented last time and look at key bits of the introd to Heart and Soul of Change.
We should invite other group leaders in the network and people with an interest in this.
7. Transition Interest Groups: Chris
Progress update.
Need for a meeting of Transition Interest Group coordinators?
8. Neighbourhood Groups: David
West Hove, Triangle and Round Hill
Follow up talks with Residents Associations – e.g. DVD
City-wide Transition Training to attract people and form home groups, including Heart & Soul, and then practical stuff on resources and energy use (our own workshop?)
9. EDAP Project Team: Dolly?
10. Website update: Chris
Agreed to pay what we need to for website
Criteria for linking to or advertising other sites / businesses / groups
Web site link criteria
11. Funding: Maureen
Maureen agreed to co-ordinate bids for, and use of, funding
12. Finance: Ann
Transition Training Costs: Doly, Maureen and Stephen owe JB £10
Bank account signatories agreed
13. Constitution Completion. Other Policy Requirements: David
Last stage of agreeing constitution
Sponsorship policy?
14. Press and Media: Doly, Simon, Jo
Update from Doly, Simon and Jo
15. Local Government Liaison Maureen
16. Community Initiatives to Partner with
Green Champions
BHFP on Lottery Bid
17. National and Regional links John
Liaising with Mike Grenville (Forest Row) and Adrienne Campbell (Lewes) on regional support for smaller Transition Towns
Transition Lewes and Shoreham by sea
18. Hub Ground Rules and Ways of Working
Can we have agenda items under these headings co-ordinated by the person responsible for that area?
19. Other
Playing Poker with the planet - Thur 7 Feb
'Playing Poker with the planet: from financial crisis to global warming'@ Sussex University
Authors of 'A House of Cards', Gerry Gold and Paul Feldman will be
coming to Sussex to discuss their new book and to debate viable and
sustainable alternatives to market capitalism. Come along, join the
discussion, and help build a better future.
6pm Thursday 7th February
Arts A103, Sussex University, Falmer.
Seedy Sunday – Sun 3 February
Community seed swap at 3pm in Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove (map). Plus talk about Seedy Sunday by Alice from Trapese.
Bigger venue, more seeds to swap, more stalls, and over 100 seed potato varieties to buy.
Also at Seedy Sunday: Alice from the Trapese Popular Education Collective will lead a discussion looking at ways that Seedy Sunday is connected to struggles around the world by people attempting to take back control of their food and their lives. She will also talk about the recently published Do It yourself, A Handbook for Changing Our World edited by Trapese and discounted copies will be available. See www.trapese.org / www.handbookforchange.org
Films + speakers: Hawai'i – Message in the Waves at Duke of Yorks – Sun 3 February
Plastic Bag Free Brighton are screening Hawai'i – Message in the Waves at 1.30pm on Sun 3 February at the Duke of York cinema, Preston Circus (map), the film made by Rebecca Hosking that kick started the successful Modbury plastic bag-free campaign (watch the trailer). Free entry/donations.
Following this are 2 award winning short films made by Balfour juniors school about plastic bags, plus a short talk by local artist Lou McCurdy, who spent a year collecting plastic from Brighton beach and made an installation from it.
Plus more speakers to be announced.