Transition Stroud Newsletter
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Transition Stroud
Inspiring Action for a Sustainable Future
Newsletter

March - April 2017
 


Transition Stroud's 10th Birthday Party could be right up your street....

 

Transition Stroud is marking its 10th Birthday with a series of events throughout 2017.  Coming up: keep your eyes peeled for our 10th Birthday Film Night in April and the launch of a new recipe book in May.

 

June is the month of the national 'Big Lunch' - a day to party in your street with your neighbours.  And as part of OUR birthday celebrations, we'd like to support YOU to have your own street party.  It's surprisingly easy to organise and we can help you to make it a raging success.

 

Interested?  See the Big Lunch website for more details (below), let us know if you feel inspired to party in your street and contact Katherine if you'd like to sign up for some support to make it happen.  We look forward to hearing from you.


 


SkillsGain Workshops


 

Stroud Sharing Shop Workshop

Wednesday 17th May, 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm

This workshop will introduce the ideas, philosophies and practicalities of a town Share Shop. It will give an overview of research completed in 2016 by the Stroud Share Shop working group and practical advice and steps for setting up, opening and running a share space in the Stroud District. We hope the workshop will be inspiring and demonstrate how achievable this could be with the right time, energy and space.

The workshop will be run by Sarah Warden, Ella Hoskin and Vanessa Hedley who all attended a Frome Share Shop workshop in 2016 and were members of the now obsolete working committee.

 

To book:
email Erik Wilkinson or phone 07725 900666
 

Get your bike ready for summer

Wednesday 5th April, 7 - 9 pm

Tutors: Clare and Paul Sheridan

Cost: £0 to £5

Venue: Central Stroud

There are a lot of things you can do yourself to keep your bike running smoothly and safely.
 
You will learn what to check before riding, bike setup, puncture repair, checking and adjusting brakes and brake shoe replacement, setting up gears and what you need in a basic tool kit. Please bring your bike along together with any bike tools and questions you have about your bike.    
 
Clare and Paul Sheridan are experienced cyclists who maintain their own bikes and promote the benefits of cycling through such initiatives as “Back to Bike"
 

To book:
email Erik Wilkinson or phone 07725 900666

 

Repair Cafe

The next Nailsworth Repair Cafe is on Sunday 9th April from 10.30 am - 4.00 pm. If you have something you would like to get repaired, you need to book a slot - these can go fast so book early!
You can book a slot here
 


Action Group News - Edible Stroud

 
After months of negotiations Edible Stroud has the go ahead from GWR and Network Rail to create raised beds in the sidings next to platform 1. As with all Edible Stroud projects our aim is to grow plants that are edible for humans and wildlife whilst bringing more beauty and diversity to the space.
 
The first step is for Network Rail to clear the space and create a ramp so that the area is accessible. We are pushing for this to happen as soon as possible.
 
In order to fund the project we plan to get local businesses involved by giving them the opportunity to sponsor a plot, or to provide people or resources. Ultimately we'd like to get Ecotricity on board to create a solar powered Welcome to Stroud sign.
 

If you are a business or know of any who would be interested in supporting this project, or if you would like to join the Edible Stroud mailing list, please contact me on josiecowgill@gmail.com.

Seasons of Sustenance


Transition Stroud would like to thank Stroud District Council and particularly Norman Kay the SDC chairman for partially funding a new Transition Stroud initiative - the Seasons of Sustenance (SOS) Recipe Book.  Its purpose is to raise funds for the Stroud District Foodbank.  It is being produced as one of Transition Stroud’s tenth year anniversary initiatives – and as a contribution to developing a resilient caring Stroud community.

The recipe book is a 48 A5 page booklet of seasonal soups and basic healthy, easy to cook inexpensive main meal recipes – and puddings.   The profits from the sale of the recipe book will go to Stroud Food Bank (75%) and Transition Stroud (25%)
 
Who is the Seasons of Sustenance Recipe Book For?
The SOS recipe book has been written for sale to the Stroud community so they can help fund the Food Bank and eat healthily, get fit, and lose weight through eating these nutritious, good value, easy to make meals.  In addition they learn about the Foodbank and what food and goods they might donate – through “Foodbank facts” that are interspersed throughout the booklet 
 
Why did Transition Stroud produce the SOS recipe book?
  1. To provide income for Stroud Food Bank to better assist those in the Stroud community who need support.  No one in our community should go hungry.
  2. To promote the work of Stroud Food Bank within the community and inform on what food and resources they need from the community for their client group
  3. To  make a contribution to one of Transition Stroud’s key aims – to develop a resilient, supportive, sharing, Stroud community
  4. To develop a resource that other Transition Initiatives can use within their own community
The recipe book will be available in early summer – and will cost £5. If you would like to purchase a copy or like more information the please email erikjohnw@gmail.com
 

Tips of the Week


Transition Stroud has been running a series of tips of the week on our Facebook page

As not everyone uses Facebook we are providing them here so no-one misses out!

We'd love to here your stories of how you've used the tips. You can share them on our Facebook page or email them to admin@transitionstroud.org. 

Many thanks to Laura Siefert for coordinating the tips.
 


Not that we want to ruin Mother's day... but cut flowers are not always as green as they look! They are most of the time air-freighted into the UK and often grown with a lot of pesticides. If you want to keep it floral, choose a local and seasonal bunch. Or why not take her out for a coffee instead?
 



A bath uses around three times more water than a 5min shower. Keep it as a special treat, only a few times a year!


 


It saves up to 60% of the energy to put a lid when boiling a pan of water. Easy win!




 



The UN estimates that meat production accounts for nearly a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions... so a very easy and effective way is to eat less of it! Try the veggie option more often, yummy!

 


In the UK an estimated 800 plastic bottles a MINUTE are either ending up in landfill or as litter... while tap water is pretty much free! (money, and energy wise!)
More info here


 

Days are getting longer, temperatures are rising,... it's time to shake off that winter spleen and enjoy the outside! Walking is free, and the only energy it uses up is yours :) a good and smooth way to get fitter while helping the planet!

 

Turning off the lights for a few seconds when you leave a room means you will save more energy (and money!) than it takes for the light to start up again, regardless of the type of light.
Talking of it.. how many lights can you switch off just now?!
 

Studies estimate that just one tyre under inflated by 4 psi can cost you 2% more in fuel consumption. Under (or over) inflation will also result in reduced tyre life. Correct pressure is also critical to handling. Three good reasons to check the pressure, it's all good for the planet and your own safety!
 

Focus on....Electric Cars


Electric cars are becoming more widely available, and there are several reasons for considering buying one. You might feel it will save you money, you might be concerned for the environment, you might travel regularly in London and want to avoid the congestion charge, you might want exhilarating acceleration and performance, or you might be attracted by a quiet car that is easy to drive. But there are lots of conflicting views on the balance of costs and benefits they provide.

Last autumn Jon Barrance ran a Skillsgain Workshop on electric cars for Transition Stroud, which looked at their advantages and disadvantages. Jon has kindly written a report based on the workshop, that we are making available so that anyone interested in learning more or considering buying one can benefit from the outcomes of the workshop.
You can view or download the report here (pdf)
 
Copyright © 2017 Transition Stroud, All rights reserved.


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