A film night exploring food and media from the native America's. Fundraiser for both Transition Brighton and Hove and the Cowley Club. 4.30pm–10.30pm.
----- Screenings -----
Animation - 4.30pm ~>
\\\ Lumaaq: An Eskimo Legend (1975) - Co Hoedeman
\\\ Koyaanisqatsi: Life out of Balance (1982) Godfrey Reggio, Ron Fricke, Philip Glass
Documentary - 6.30pm ~>
\\\ 500 Nations Part 3 & 4 - Jack Leustig and Kevin Costner (Part 3)
\\\ One Najavo Spring -
Cinema - 8 pm~>
\\\ Smoke Signals : Chris Eyre
More info and full details of the films: http://www.3phase.org.uk
TBH fundraiser film night – Sun 30 March
Workshop: Intro to Transition Design Tools – Sat 29 March
FLIPCHART PRODUCTIONS PRESENT: INTRO TO TRANSITION DESIGN TOOLS – A TBH WORKSHOP
10am-12.30pm on Sat 29th March at neral meeting is at 7.30pm on Thu 28 February at The Werks, 45 Church Street, Hove (map)
Using Transition Design Principles. Visioning & Backcasting and Open Space
Come explore how to make Brighton & Hove the Sustainable and Resilient City of your Dreams !!
contact Charley for more details: charleyx*at*homecall.co.uk
Last chance to comment on Brighton and Hove City Council's new constitution
New constitution - changing the system for Council decisions
See Proposals for a leader and Cabinet system (7 pages PDF)
Residents of Brighton and Hove can comment both as individuals & / or as members of Groups. Comments should be sent to
constitution@brighton-hove.gov.uk by 31 March 2008
Your comment could help to strengthen the function of sustainability within the Council and secure representation for TB&H within the proposed new Sustainability Partnership.
The Council's introduction to the consultation is posted at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1182574
The Council's new proposals
Councillors have approved outline proposals to replace the current committee system with a cabinet and a leader elected by the whole council.
The leader will appoint up to nine cabinet members who will have responsibility for different areas of the council’s work, like finance, housing, schools and the environment.
There will be a number of ‘overview and scrutiny’ committees made up of councillors from all political parties which will provide checks and balances to decisions made by the cabinet members.
Areas of concern
Two areas of concern have been highlighted by TB&H's Liaison With Local Government Group and have been presented in a letter sent via The Hub.
1. We are concerned that it is proposed that the responsibility for scrutinising sustainability should lie with the Environment Scrutiny Committee. We feel very strongly that, because of the overarching focus of sustainable development and the impact all aspects of the Council’s work have on sustainability, this function would be better placed with the general overview and scrutiny commission.
2. We are also concerned to note that within the proposals for the structure of the new Sustainability Partnership which is to replace the Sustainability Commission there is very little specific community involvement. We would therefore wish to make the case for the Transition City movement to be represented within the new Sustainability Partnership, alongside such Groups as the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and the Wildlife Advisory Group.
Talk: 'What Will We Eat as the Oil Runs Out?' by Richard Heinberg – Tue 25 March
7.30pm at All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes (map). £5
For more information: http://transitiontowns.org/Lewes/Events or tel Transition Town Lewes 01273 479779
Health group: first meeting – Thu 20 March
The first meeting of the Health group is at 6pm on Thu 20 March in Hove. All welcome – please email health*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk for the address (it's at someone's house).
[read full text]
Notes from hub meeting – Tue 18 March
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 on Liaison with Local Government Group Meeting 17th March 2008
Those present: Jacqui, Joyce, Maureen and Ted.
Our discussion focused on issues relevant to Transition Brighton and Hove’s objectives arising out of the meeting of Brighton and Hove Council’s Sustainability Commission on Wednesday 12th March.
The priority given to sustainability within the Council will be affected by its place in the New Governance Arrangements which come into operation in May 2008, when the Council replaces its committee system of decision-making with a Leader and Cabinet System.
All of us in the TB&H Liaison Group were concerned about the current proposal that "responsibility for scrutinising sustainability should lie within the Environment Scrutiny Committee". Our main ACTION POINT for this meeting was therefore to draft a letter to all the leaders of political parties within the Council, emphasizing the overarching focus of sustainable development and the impact all aspects of the Council’s work have on sustainability. In this context, we urge that the function of sustainability should be placed with the General Overview and Scrutiny Commission, to prevent it from becoming sidelined.
We should like members of Transition Brighton and Hove’s Hub to sign this draft letter. In the same letter, we also make the case for the Transition City Movement to be represented (as is the case for The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and Wildlife Advisory Group) within the new Sustainability Partnership, which is to replace The Sustainability Commission.
Our second ACTION POINT resulted from mention at The Sustainability Commission’s March 12th meeting of the proposed panel of experts to support the new cabinets. We understand there will be around 20 experts on the panel drawn from Brighton and Hove residents who have national or indeed international expertise to offer.
Transition Brighton and Hove has some highly talented and knowledgeable people amongst its membership. It occurred to us that there may well be TB&H members who may want to offer their expertise &/or who Brighton and Hove City Council may want to approach.
The ACTION POINT was therefore to draft a request, which could be sent to Thurston Crockett, Head of Sustainability at Brighton and Hove City Council, asking for information on how far the plans to create the panels have progressed and advice on the criteria for selecting local experts. This letter could also inform Thurston that Transition Brighton and Hove has been following the proposals for revised decision making structures within the council and that we are keen to work with his Team to ensure integration of sustainability within the new arrangements.
Another item on the Agenda of the Sustainability Commission's of Wednesday 12th March, was a presentation given by Graham Osborne on Home Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty. Part of Graham's talk focused on the availability of grants for solar heating, and mentioned that extending solar is a stated priority within the Home Energy Efficiency scheme.
We noted at our own meeting that there has been tension here between policies, which have rightly been put in place to preserve the character and appearance of Conservation Areas and the contribution that solar panels could make to greater Home Energy Efficiency, the environment and householders’ bills.
Our ACTION will be to collate instances (through looking on the Council’s online planning register and consulting representatives especially from the city’s Conservation Areas) where planning applications for solar panels have been refused.
We wish to avoid pitting two Council Teams (1. Sustainability and 2. Conservation & Design) against one another. Instead, we seek better understanding and clearer guidance, so that Council policies can look “joined up” rather than “acting against one another” and householders who wish to install solar heating will find the process less “hit and miss”. Our Liaison Group would like to hear of instances where Brighton and Hove residents have had applications for solar refused, and of the reasons given. We will then have a body of evidence to present to the Council’s Chair of Planning.
Linked in with our discussion on Home Energy Efficiency is our continued interest in GREEN HOMES RENOVATION SCHEMES (see also: item 47 on Eco Open Houses on the agenda of the Sustainability Commission’s last meeting). Francesca Illiffe (Sustainability Officer) is organising an Eco Open Houses event, scheduled for the last week in June and the first week in July 2008. A website promoting this event is at www.ecoopenhouses.com, which will become active in April 2008.
The Eco Open Houses event will showcase several houses in Brighton and Hove, including the solid-walled Victorian house in Southdown Avenue (Preston Park Ward) where green renovation has reduced fuel bills by two thirds, cutting CO2 emissions by 72%. This home is also in a conservation area, and planning permission for solar was refused on successive occasions (perhaps for good reasons?) before it was finally granted.
Our Liaison Group welcomes this event. We also believe that there are more ideas, which could be borrowed from the Green Homes Scheme (promoted in London by Ken Livingstone), which offers a Concierge system, allowing the home-owner to receive comprehensive assistance and advice. We feel too that a transportable green exhibition house (as used to promote the London scheme) could increase public awareness if used in key areas (e.g. The Old Steine) of Brighton and Hove. Our current ACTION is seeking the contribution of an appropriate speaker to Transition Brighton and Hove’s Programme of Talks and to put members of Brighton and Hove Council’s Sustainability Team in touch with their London counterparts by forging such links.
A final ACTION POINT related to the importance of chalk grassland and preventing the deterioration of this important resource. We will seek more info on this and how this aspect of conservation relates to the main focus of Transition Brighton and Hove. We hope, too, that there is an Interest Group within Transition Brighton and Hove, which will include this among their concerns.
Our Liaison with Local Government Group supplements these NOTES (see below) with an extract of the AGENDA of the Sustainability Commission’s recent meeting, including links to background documents (Microsoft Word Format).
Many of the items discussed at Sustainability Commission Meeetings are extremely relevant to planning a low energy sustainable future i.e. the central objectives of Transition Brighton and Hove.
We therefore emphasize the value and importance of the Transition City movement being represented within the Council’s new Sustainability Partnership. This is something we have to ask for, and members of TB&H's Liaison Group feel that the right time to ask is NOW, while the new arrangements are being formalized. We will have a formal consultation period too, though staking our claim now will prepare the mindset of our friends working within the Council.
Ted Power on behalf of TB&H's Transition with Local Government Group
Email contact: localgovliaison AT transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk
________________________________________________________________
40 Procedural Business including:
Item 33A: promoting and adopting the ’food for life’ partnership standards
Item 35: options for reducing carbon emissions from The Council’s Civic Buildings e.g. proposed wind turbines at Kings House
Item 36: street lighting energy contract
Item 37: developing a One Planet Living ® Plan for Brighton and Hove
44 Home Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty in Brighton and Hove
- presentation by Graham Osborne, the Housing Sustainability Project Manager
45 Wildlife Advisory Group - report of the Director of Environment
Purpose of the report: to inform the Commission of the main recommendations of the Wildlife Advisory
Group (WAG) meeting of 30th October 2007 - in particular:
46 Eliminating Plastic Bags and Excessive Packaging - report of the Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy
Purpose of report: to outline the strategies by which the council “seeks to support and encourage retailers, businesses and commercial manufacturers to eliminate excessive packaging, in particular the widespread use of plastic bags”.
47 Eco Open Houses
- presentation by Francesca Illiffe, Sustainability Officer
48 Call for Restraint on the Issuing and Mass Release of Balloons - report of Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy
Purpose of report: to illustrate why the council should call for restraint on the issuing and mass release of balloons across Brighton & Hove due to the adverse effects on marine life.
49 The Sustainability Commission and New Governance Arrangements - report of the Head of Sustainability & Environmental Policy
Purpose report: to inform Commission members about the impact of the council’s new governance arrangements on the Commission and plans to replace it with a city partnership.
Notes from Transport meeting – Tue 17 March
Minutes of Transition Towns Transport group meeting, held on March 17th at the Bedford Tavern. Notes by Celia Davies
Present: Graham, Michael, Bruce (Living Streets), Doly, Celia and John
Apologies: Stephen and Juliet
1. Notes from the last meeting were agreed
2. Matters arising:
- Celia and Juliet have been in contact with Bricycles. They have agreed to work in partnership and keep in contact with Transition towns, although they have not been involved with Car Free Day previously and recommended approaching the Council.
- Celia has drafted a letter to the Council regarding Car Free day. Dolly and Graham suggested finding the right contact person to send letter to by calling Rob Dickin. Graham also suggested being more direct in highlighting advantages of proposal (Kings way busy/tourist attraction; site of pedestrian/car conflicts)
- Dolly was interviewed on Radio reverb, and made a call out for families to partake in a scheme to go without a car for a week. There has been no response as yet, need to discuss further as a group.
- Graham volunteered to pick up a batch of cycling maps for the group
- North Street proposals. Went through the questionnaire as a group and all will complete and return to Council. Celia will fill in questionnaire on behalf of the group with a covering letter outlining the group’s concerns/preferences, which were discussed at the meeting.
3. Correspondence:
- Stephen had sent through some interesting information, of particular interest were points raised about Freiburg’s transport infrastructure and the possibility of using it as a model for Brighton. Graham will ask Stephen if he could do a presentation on Freiburg for our next meeting.
- Dolly mentioned that other cities could also provide models, including Curitiba in Brazil. There has been a DVD made on it and Dolly suggested we could watch it at Charlie’s for the next meeting.
4. Michael’s presentation on public transport:
- Michael gave a very informative talk about public transport solutions, focussing on the new model of tram by Parry People Movers, the PPM170, and the potential role it could play in resolving fossil fuel dependence in Brighton and Hove transport networks. Previous models have been declined by B&H Council for issues that have now been resolved: low passenger capacity and low speed. The PPM170 has other major benefits such as diverse fuel capacity (lpg, hydrogen fuel, green diesel all back-ups from electricity), and light rails meaning cheaper and easier to lay down the relevant infrastructure. Michael produced a proposed route map, and thought the PPM would be capable of talking the Station-Seven Dials incline. New tram system would require pressure for new operators to integrate prices with B&H buses.
- To take this forward initial costings estimate might be interesting to investigate, and also need to reignite debate about PPM’s within local authority, in light of newly improved vehicles. Approach developers of King Alfred site, as part of development was proposed rapid transport between K.A. and Marina.
5. AOB:
- There was discussion about the group’s long term strategy, and whether we might revisit the framework later on to review our main objectives. Also to think about contribution to Energy Descent Plan which will involve all interest groups.
6. Next meeting:
- Either 14th, 16th or 18th of April, depending on availability of Charlie’s living room.
- Next general meeting April 9th, 7.30pm at the Salvation Army building.
Actions:
- Celia to find relevant contact in Council and send edited Car Free Day letter
- All: need to plan around idea of getting families to give up cars for a week
- All: fill in and return North Street questionnaires by 25th March
- Celia to fill in questionnaire on behalf of group including covering letter
- Graham to ask Stephen if he would like to do a presentation on Freiburg for the next meeting
- Dolly will ask Charlie if we can watch a DVD at hers
- Graham/Dolly to liaise over next meeting date and let others know
Fri 14 Mar - Free Greening Your Business Event
Not a Transition event, but details were forwarded to us and I thought it might be of interest.
Fri 14 March, Eastbourne, run by Ecosys in partnership with others. Details here:
http://forum.transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=231
Martin G
Notes from first meeting of Roundhill / Triangle neighbourhood group – Thu 13 March
Notes by Jo Nean
We met for our first neighborhood group meeting on Thursday 13th March at 7pm in The Roundhill pub on Ditchling Road.
There were 7 people present (5 from Roundhill, 2 from The Triangle):
Jo, Terry, Jess, Ted, Maureen, Richard and Jenny.
After introductions and a brief summary of Transition Brighton and Hove, and Transition Towns in general, we got to talking about visions, plans and aspirations for our area.
We came up with five main ideas to take to the next meeting to be developed and debated:
1. Making our neighborhood a visually green and beautiful area, 'the hanging baskets of Babylon', encouraging people to grow food, plants and flowers in their front gardens and hanging baskets. It was pointed out that living in a green and beautiful area can have positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, which in turn leads to a happier, more vibrant community. The Triangle have already begun thinking along these lines with their 'Greening the Triangle' project.
2. Rebuilding community through local events and strengthening residents associations. Although environmental concerns are the main factors behind the Transition Towns movement, community is seen as a primary positive solution and this is what people locally may find it easier to relate to. There were concerns about the need for money and funding. The Triangle have already begun fundraising for initiatives in their area so we have some knowledge of the process within our group.
3. Car sharing. Hanover have their own car share scheme and there are others popping up around the city. It was pointed out that such a scheme would be a good way to cut down on car use and the amount of cars within our area.
4. Community composting scheme. This is something that comes up fairly often and it was generally felt that this is something we should look into setting up.
5. Solar panels and other forms of energy generation. It has been brought to our attention that people are having applications for solar panels turned down in Roundhill on the grounds that it is a conservation area. We wondered at how we will be expected to power our homes in the future. It was also mentioned that cars are not particularly Victorian looking, yet they are allowed!
Other topics talked about included;
* How to get more people involved, perhaps making posters and other publicity for future meetings.
* Permaculture and food growing Vs local planning issues.
* The lack of open spaces.
* Lack of council involvement in the community
* Our experience of community - what is it, where is it and who is it? The idea that there are multiple, overlapping communities in existence that are no longer based on geographical areas but on cultures and subcultures. How do we as residents define our community?
* Strengthening connections between the Roundhill Society and Triangle Group.
* "Living Streets" (www.livingstreets.org.uk)
* IDEA: A festival held in local pubs on one evening with lots of different events happening in one night. A sort of Roundhill and Triangle Festival. It was felt that this sort of event would be too ambitious for us to take on at this time but that we should put it to one side to think about in the future when there are more people involved in the group.
A date was set for our next meeting: Tuesday 8th April, 7:30pm in The Park Crescent. Jo to talk to Kat, who runs the pub, in advance.
All are most welcome
Brighton & Hove Council Sustainability Commission meeting – Wed 12 March 2008
Brighton & Hove Council's Sustainability Commission's next meeting is on Wednesday 12th March at 5pm at Brighton Town Hall, Bartholomew Square, Brighton.
The Agenda for this meeting (with relevant downloadable reports) is posted here. Topics for discussion include:
Home Energy Efficiency & Fuel Poverty (no report attached)
Wildlife Advisory Group
- chalk Grassland
- School Biodiversity project
- Network Rail/trees
Eliminating Plastic Bags & Excessive Packaging
- outline of strategy
Eco Open Houses (no report attached)
Call for restraint on mass release of balloons
Future arrangements of Sustainability Commission (post governance changes):
- policy formation & oversight will become part of the environmental scrutiny comittee.
- a cabinet member will be nominated 'Sustainability Champion'
- broaden sustainability partnership within city's partnership structures
Members of the public are very welcome to attend.
The sustainability commission is made up of cross-party elected members and aims to to help Brighton & Hove City Council develop and implement its sustainability policies as part of its activities, including partnership work with other agencies and bodies.
Meeting: Food group – Tue 11 March
At 7.30pm at the Earth and Stars pub, Church St (map). All welcome. For more information contact food*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk
[read full text]
Food Sovereignty workshop and live music – Sat 8 March
Movingsounds are hosting a Food Sovereignty workshop and live music event on Sat 8th March at Hanover Community Centre, Brighton (map). Click on the flyer for more details.
There will be a participatory workshop with info about what food sovereignty is and speakers about projects internationally and locally. This will be followed by food then live music.
There will be people wanting to learn as well as people already running related projects. We hope to give people an introduction to global and local food issues as well introduce existing projects.
Other groups speaking will be:
World Family (on international food issues)
Trapese: (on globalisation and food)
Movingsounds (getting everyone involved and inspired!)
Transition Town Lewes (Moving Sounds made the Transition Town Lewes introductory film)
For more info call Caspar on 07753 278492
Film + discussion: What a Way to Go at Duke of Yorks – Thu 6 March
What a Way to Go: A middle class white guy comes to grips with Peak Oil, Climate Change, Mass Extinction, Population Overshoot and the demise of the American Lifestyle. At 6pm on Thu 6 March (PLEASE NOTE AT 6PM NOT 6.30PM AS PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED HERE) at the Duke of York cinema, Preston Circus (map), followed by a discussion in Circus Circus.
For see a trailer and more on the movie see here.
Notes from hub meeting – Wed 5 March
Notes by David Greenop
Venue: Sanctuary Café 7.30pm to 10.00pm
Present: Joe, John, Doly, Stephen, Maureen, Simon & David
Apologies: Kat, Chris & Ann
1. The meeting noted that Kat was unaware of the meeting date, venue & time; ideally an email should have been sent to all Hub members informing them of the meeting and the meeting put on the website calendar.
2. Constitution: The constitution was approved by the last General Network Meeting on Thursday 28th February 2008; Transition B&H is now an unincorporated association. The Hub noted that there was still concern over the membership issue; whether or not to have a membership list. It was decided that this should investigated further and if necessary a Special General Meeting called within 3 months to amend the constitution; this meeting could run before or after a General Network Meeting.
3. Funding: Maureen will now prepare the application for a community grant from B&H Council. The maximum grant of £2,500 will be applied for and the breakdown of activities will be as agreed at the last Hub meeting. David will prepare a spreadsheet for the application and send to Maureen. The meeting discussed library resources and examined ideas of a portable library, using the Cowley Club library and / or using a charity shop.
4. The meeting discussed the issue of the Special Interest groups applying for grants. There was concern that at the last Energy Group meeting there was a proposal for an Energy Group Constitution, bank account and separate grant applications. The meeting agreed that to avoid duplication and confusion, SIG’s should use the existing constitution and bank account. SIG’s may apply for grants for their own projects and that the Hub would provide support if required. Any grants awarded would be held in the Transition B&H bank account and the treasurer will create a separate accounting line for the monies. David will draft an email to send to Chris for him to circulate to all SIG & neighbourhood coordinators.
5. Publicity, flyers & posters: A corrected version of the programme of events is now on the website; tickets are purchased at the Brighton Ticket Shop not the Dome Booking Office as originally shown. A poster for the next public speaker event has been prepared and is ready for distribution, this cost £75 for 150 copies; the artwork was done by Linda for free. Jo has updated list of places for posters and John will email a version of the poster to other organisations for distribution.
6. Feedback from the last 26th January Workshop: The following comments were made about the workshop:
- The group exercise were very good
- The sessions & activities were very helpful
- The sequence of activities was good
- The workshop was very participatory
- There was a comfortable atmosphere
- Charley’s graphics were excellent
7. Organisation of 15th March Workshop: The following agenda was agreed:
10.15 – 11.30 Nathan - Gaia Democracy & Consensus
11.30 – 11.45 Break
11.45 – 12.45 Jo – Inner World
12.45 – 13.30 Lunch
13.30 – 14.30 Doly quiz exercise
14.30 – 15.30 Jo PEDAP
15.30 – 16.00 Charley & AOB
The meeting agreed that Nathan may bring people from his eco village activity to the morning session.
8. Awareness Raising: Stephen described his conversations at Infinity Foods where he was surprised that there was little awareness of Transition B&H and its activities; we need to do much more to raise awareness.
Stephen suggested we should approach B&H library for a display in the library foyer
The meeting discussed how the experience of these workshops can be communicated to a wider audience and be used as part of awareness raising for certain groups.
Jo confirmed that Transition B&H may shortly have its own allotment.
John said there is the possibility of a farmers and townies event, where local farmers meet local residents meet together in an Open Space.
National Transition Conference in April: Currently nobody from the Hub is able to attend; John will see whether anybody from the local network is interested in going.
9. Next General Meeting: This will be held on Wed 9th April and will be facilitated by Beth & Stephen. Maureen will see whether the Salvation Hall is available. Ideas for this meeting include:
- Having news reports (plus & minus) from Interest groups rather than the lengthy going round everybody, this would include the Hub.
- Ask one of Interest group to do a presentation or activity as part of the meeting
- Do an activity on consensus (Nathan) or heart & Soul of Change (Jo).
10. Next Hub Meeting: this will be on Tuesday 18th March, venue & time to be agreed
Energy Group meeting – Tue 4 March
Notes by Stephen Watson
Minutes of TB&H Energy TIG on the 4th of March 2008 at BPEC
[Action points are contained with brackets]
Present
Martin Grimshaw, Doly Garcia, Stephen Watson and Jim Adams
Apologies
Matthew Bird, John Bristow
Possibility of funding
Considered a bank account & constitution.
The feeling from Stephen, Doly & Martin was that this wasn’t
appropriate now. May be later …
Venue
BPEC costing £20 tonight Need a new venue for free. Sanctuary was
suggested for the next meeting.
Next meeting
Clashes with other TIGs at present
[Doly to put date on the web site and email members with info about
next meeting. Preferred Tues 1st, 8th as fallback.]
Progress report
Check out LED traffic lights and what other Transition Initiatives are
doing in the energy arena
[Jim to do by first of April]
Speaker on Energy booked at advertised
[John Bristow has handled this]
Correspondence from Good Energy
[Doly to contact Chris to put discount offer on web site if appropriate]
[Martin to send Independent Energy review to Jim for consideration]
Project idea to see which businesses (North Laine) may be using
renewable energy in their business
[Doly to send PO business energy document she wrote to Jim.]
[Jim to draw up a document to expand on goals of energy consumption &
efficiency by local businesses and other schemes as a contribution for
the next meeting.]
We invite other members of the group to contribute their ideas to the
development of the group. Emails should be sent to energy*at*transitionbrightonandhove.org.uk
Each member of the group to send a brief overview of TB&H and the
Energy group to one or more friends to encourage more people to get
involved.
Notes from Waste & Recycling group meeting – Tue 4 March
Notes from WaRTIG meeting 4.3.08, taken by Jessica Gwynne
Jo/Alice/Mel and Jess were there.
1. Previous: Lack of momentum - meetings left a feeling that people really aren't interested in the subject: BUT NOT ANY MORE!!
2. Mel talked about 2 years spent doing research - trying to increase awareness of reducing/re - using in B&H - set about it looking at her own life and how she dealt with stuff she didn't need any more - each time there was something that there wasn't an established recycling facility for, she'd contact the Council and ask around - did a stall at Hove Station and the Farmers Market to talk to people about recycling and get discussion into the community - set up a website - http://www.thegreencentre.co.uk/ -idea being that every possible recycling scheme is on the website, updated weekly - soon getting a double decker bus to travel around and get the recycling message out to places where people congregate (eg Tesco's) - also doing workshops in schools and businesses
Mel handled half a ton of screw - on plastic milk bottle tops in the last 6 months - there's a company in Portsmouth that granulates them, then the stuff goes to another company in the Midlands which mnakes them into stuff like binbags and garden furniture
3. Alice asked about community composting - definitely an area that needs to be looked at in B&H
4. Jo - the Great re - Skilling - Cowley Club 10 May 10 till 4 - following on from vv successful Buy Nothing Day last November, the next -the Great Re - Skilling - will be on 10 May - during Brighton Festival: so far -
Beth has volunteered to do 3 workshops inc. papermaking and wormeries
Alice will be involved in a Fixing Things workshop; patching/darning/mending/sewing on buttons etc
NEED more people to do workshops
ALSO HELP wanted to set up and be there on the day
Suggestions
- get people to bring fresh herbs from their gardens for tea
5. Purpose for the group:
?Closing the loop; finding and recommending sustainable solutions for dealing with Recycling and "Waste" in Brighton and Hove?
6. Jess - idea of setting out a brief for an audit from a long term Sustainability point of view(defining sustainability along Gaian lines) of how Recycling and "Waste" is dealt with in B&H, from a list of ALL perceived 'waste streams' and recycling streams; a snapshot of the companies that currently deal with it and their processes, networks and geographical locations; concluding with what IS sustainable, and what isn't, with sustainable recommendations.
NEXT MEETING TBA (asap)
Business & Economics meeting Monday 3 March 7.00 - 9.00pm
@ Brighton Media Centre, 68 Middle St, Suite 4 (opposite The Hop Poles pub)
The last get together featured a lively debate and was quite productive. We spent time sketching out our mission statement a bit more. See forum for details and to suggest agenda items or generally throw ideas about - clickhere
All welcome, as are suggestions or comments - please add to our page on the forum or email business*AT*transitionbrightonandhove*DOT*org*DOT*uk / 07891 571739
Please bring a mug...
...spread the word 
Superhome Open Day – Sun 2 March
Sigrid Stagl & Peter Kaufmann are to open their house (6 Southdown Avenue, Brighton) to the public on Sunday 2nd March (2-5pm) as part of the Old Home Superhome Project. The project is a national venture to promote exemplar low energy, low carbon dioxide-emitting homes to other interested homeowners. Sigrid and Peter’s renovations have substantially reduced the amount of energy they use, renovations which have cut carbon dioxide emissions from their house by 72%. They have achieved this by installing insulation (roof, walls, and floors), wall pipe heating and a solar water heating system. Visitors to the house will be inspired to take energy-saving action in their own homes.
Do come along on this important family day and see for yourself what you can all do to reduce your energy bills and help combat climate change.
The Old Home Superhome project is run by two national charities; the Sustainable Energy Academy and the National Energy Foundation. For more information please contact David Hancock (David.Hancock*at*nef.org.uk) or Gabby Mallett (Gabby.Mallett*at*nef.org.uk) or call 01908 354536
Free Permaculture and Transition Town short film showings – Sun 2 March
From 10:30–2pm at Ralli Hall Farmers Market, Denmark Villas, Hove (just round the corner from from Hove station) – we will be inviting farmers market shoppers to grab a cup of tea, come and sit in the warm and learn about sustainable methods of growing food/the Transition concept.
For more information call 07958 964810
Brighton and Hove Farmers Market contact details: 01273 323200.
www.Brightonfarmersmarket.com
Future dates for the market (first Sunday of every month) 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.:
April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3, September 7
Green Architecture Day – Sat 1 March
Green Architecture Day explores issues around sustainable buildings through illustrated talks by designers and practitioners. Saturday, March 1 at 9:45am at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Kingwood Street, Brighton (map)
A day of ideas and information for anyone concerned with buildings - those who design them, build them, live in them or work in them. Some of the talks this year follow the theme of eco-renovation - from painting your bedroom to making the most of old housing stock. Other talks include exciting projects for one planet living, green roofs and a conference venue built from chalk.
Programme and speakers
9.45 - 10.15
Registration
A chance to look at the stalls and exhibits. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sallis Benney Café.
10.30
Introduction
Bryn Thomas
10.45
Middlesbrough imageOne Planet Living and One Brighton
Daniel Viliesid, BioRegional Quintain Ltd
BioRegional Quintain is leading in the creation of sustainable communities throughout the UK by combining the comprehensive application of sustainability principles to a dynamic and innovative approach to property development. Construction has now started on one of its developments in Brighton (One Brighton). Daniel is Sustainability Integrator for BioRegional Quintain. His role is support BioRegional Quintain Ltd's Sustainability Director, Sustainability Project Managers, and construction partners; ensuring implementation of all sustainability measures, construction and non-construction related, to enable future residents to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
11.15
one brighton imageOne Brighton: One Planet, One Address
Amanda Whittington, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (Architects)
One Brighton, currently under construction in Brighton's New England Quarter, uses environmentally friendly construction techniques and has many features which will enable its residents to lead a lifestyle that is closer to being sustainable. Amanda joined Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in 2007 and is currently Project Architect for One Brighton.
11.45
Break
A chance to look at the stalls and exhibits. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sallis Benney Café.
12.15
bedroom with eco-paintsEco-renovation on a Budget
Maddy Harland, Permaculture Magazine
Dreaming of living in an eco house but don't know where to start? Here are some simple DIY and lower cost ideas for greening existing homes. Maddy Harland has renovated two properties in Hampshire and is the editor of Permaculture Magazine - Solutions For Sustainable Living.
12.45
Einsulatingco-Renovation to Minimise Energy and Water Consumption
Russell Smith, Parity Projects
Russell will talk about the work done on the award winning Carshalton Grove Eco-Renovation project in Surrey, and how the lessons learned can support widespread work in the UK. On paper the house will provide a 75% reduction of CO2 emissions and a 60% reduction in water use, corroborated by a whole-house monitoring system. It is the first of its kind in the country to use such a wide range of energy and water efficiency measures under one roof, all for the purpose of showing just what is possible and for testing the measures in one location, in-situ.
1.15
Lunch
Sallis Benney Café will be providing a range of food and some lunches will be available for under £5. It is recommended that you do not plan to leave the venue for lunch as at previous events people who have done this have missed part of the afternoon.
2.30
one brighton imageThe Pines Calyx - How it was built and its role as a 'Sustainability Hub'
Alistair Gould, Helionix Designs
Alistair is the Project Director for 'The Pines Calyx', a conference and events venue conceived of as a carbon neutral catalyst for rural and urban sustainable development and for grass roots responses to climate change. This award winning commercial building near Dover demonstrates a successful fusion of historic construction techniques - including rammed chalk walls - with 21st century technologies, design and analysis.
3.00
hamsey village hallRetread
Duncan Baker-Brown, BBM Sustainable Design
If everybody in the UK replaced one of their old light bulbs with a low energy model the energy saved would be equivalent to two nuclear power stations or the power required to light all our streets at night. With this in mind, together with the issue of whether or not we need to invest in new nuclear power stations to satisfy predicted energy demands, Duncan will be focusing this years talk on the potentials of reusing existing structures to ensure that they perform as low energy buildings for the 21st Century using case studies in SE England from the practice portfolio. BBM Sustainable Design pursues an ethos of environmentally benign design in housing, commercial, as well as community and school buildings.
3.30
Break
A chance to look at the stalls and exhibits. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sallis Benney Café.
4.00
green roofLivingroofs - How green is your roof?
Dusty Gedge, Livingroofs.org and The Green Roof Consultancy
Green roofs are and will become an important part of green architecture. This talk we cover perceived barriers, the benefits and will focus on the need for detailed design rather than off the shelf solutions to ensure that the full benefit of green roof systems can be achieved. Dusty Gedge has been involved with green roofs for over ten years, campaigning and designer roofs In London. He has spoken at conferences throughout the world from South Korea to Chicago via Deptford.
4.30
Plenary session
No Plastic Bag week – 1–8 March
In Brighton and Hove a "no plastic bag week" will be held between March 1 and 8, when councillors hope shoppers will use their own bags and not accept free plastic carriers at the tills.
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