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Campaigning together - have your say 
Climate crisis, again!
There’s still time to sign and share TTK’s open letter › to Cllr Hilary Gander and her fellow councillors supporting a Climate Emergency Declaration in Kingston. Signatures are creeping towards 200, so please help to reach that magic number or even more!
You could also email or write to your ward councillors to ask them to support a Climate Emergency Declaration in Kingston, and/or write to your MP asking them to support the Early Day Motion calling for the Government to declare a UK-wide Climate Emergency › Find their contact details at WriteToThem.com › Rather than repeating our advice on writing councillors every month, we have saved it here on the TTK website › We may be pushing at an open door: two thirds of Britons now think we are in a climate emergency › while 59 councils, and even the House of Commons, have already declared a climate emergency – see the list of councils here ›
Great news!! “The Guardian has stopped using the misleading phrase “climate change” and will as from now call it “climate crisis”. Who will be first to follow?” Greta Thunberg. Read more ›
This month the Government received historic advice from the Committee on Climate Change, that they must reduce harmful emissions to net zero within a generation, and they must start now. So The Time is Now to push a little harder. Our MP’s need to feel the force of 10,000 people outside Westminster calling for more action, so please join The Climate Coalition mass lobby on the 26th June at the Palace of Westminster, to tell our politicians #TheTimeIsNow. Find out more › and find e resources to help on TCC website › You can also sign TTC’s petition for net zero emissions by 2045 ›
Help is at hand with talking to children about climate change › Probably not for kids but fun: Bill Nye the Science Guy’s Profanity-Laced Global Warming Tirade ›
Traffic, air pollution and carbon emissions
On a related issue, how about making some noise about transport and air quality? Drivers are complaining on social media about raised parking charges and the expansion of cycle lanes (they always claim they are unused!) and the road works they entail - so how about writing to your ward councillors this month to support active travel - cycling and walking – because it’s good for public health and would reduce traffic noise, air pollution and carbon emissions if more people walked or cycled instead of driving.
More arguments supporting sustainable transport can be found here › and some useful FAQs on air pollution here ›
Have your say and shape the future of Kingston
What do you care most about in Kingston: Conserving green spaces and trees? Cleaning up our air? Energy efficient buildings? Encouraging active travel? Flood prevention? ... See also https://www.walk-with-jane.com › on the blight of the increasing urban gradient leading to irreversible wildlife loss.
RBK says "Residents and communities are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas on how we plan for the future of the borough, following the launch of the Local Plan consultation.The three-month consultation, which runs until 31 July, asks for views on a range of topics which shape how the borough grows and changes, including housing, transport, businesses and jobs, and on suggestions that have been submitted to the council for the future of 153 sites across the borough*.
Take part in the consultation here › or pick up a printed copy in any Kingston library or the Information and Advice Centre in Guildhall 2.
Please tell us about other local green campaigns we should highlight in this section over the next few months; air pollution; trees and local biodiversity; getting shops to close their doors in winter; supporting active travel, making cycling (and cycles) safer; divesting pensions etc from fossil fuels; recycling bins in public spaces; reducing waste plastic, other...? Please tell us what you’d like us to take up, and help others to join in by providing useful evidence and web-links.
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Summer is a-coming in -
and invitations for TTK to appear at various summer events keep coming in too. We'd love to be everywhere but could do with help to run our stalls. If you enjoy talking to people, would like to help spread ideas about living sustainably, and can spare an hour or two, please keep an eye on our our website › and Facebook page › where we will put out calls for helpers as dates are confirmed.
TTK 2018 -19 AGM and May Green Gathering
... was a relatively small gathering on Saturday 18th, but a positive one that generated some interesting ideas for future activities, as well as hearing about a busy past year and the state of TTK's accounts. For anyone, especially supporters and donors, who missed it, the Minutes and Statement of Accounts will appear on our website here › as soon as possible.
TTK at Surbiton Village Fete
We had a good afternoon at the fete, sold some edible plants, and talked to lots of people.
Film show: “The Sequel: What Will Follow Our Troubled Civilisation?”
TTK is delighted to be working with Ham United Group to show “The Sequel: What  Will Follow Our Troubled Civilisation?” at Kingston Quaker Centre on the evening of Saturday 13th July. This is a new film about the vision, legacy and influence of the late Dr. David Fleming, author of “Lean Logic: A Dictionary for the Future and How to Survive It”, and grandfather of the global Transition Town movement. The film re-imagines a thriving, resilient civilization after the collapse of our current economies, drawing on David Fleming’s ideas and featuring contributions from several luminaries inspired by his work. TTK co-founder and executive producer of the film Shaun Chamberlin will be introducing the hour-long film and discussing it and his work afterwards.
There will be a break for refreshments and chat, and an opportunity to look around this beautiful sustainable building too. The event will be free but donations (£5 recommended) towards room hire and expenses will be welcome on the evening.
Reserve your place on Eventbrite ›
We hope to see you...
at one or other of our upcoming appearances and events - see Events column on the right and our website › and Facebook page › where you will also find updates on other ongoing TTK projects and opportunities to volunteer...
If you'd like to suggest a new project or event, or help plan and implement TTK activities over coming months please contact the TTK management team via the website or come along to one of our monthly management meetings on the last Tuesday of every month.
In between these newsletters, you can find current updates, interesting local events, new sources of funding, fascinating news snippets, encouraging ideas… on TTK’s Facebook page ›
Find out more about TTK ›
Find out more about the wider Transition Network ›
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KEC at the CornerHouse
Set at a festival, the CORNERhouse version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" runs for three evenings from Thursday 13th June 13 to Saturday, 15th, with a festival stall in the foyer promoting all the green organisations in the borough. Contact Jean at KEC › if your group would like to contribute to decorating or staffing the stall
Find out more about the performance and book ›
Regulars at KEC
Gardening Wednesdays - join our growing team of volunteers to help spruce up our yard and space in front of the centre. We have lots of plants to pot up, water and divide in our 'yarden'. Also in front of the centre we have some lovely containers that need maintaining and a beautiful area, planted with small fruit trees, an elder, hawthorn, bulbs, perennials and annuals, which has the potential to look even more lovely and attract insects and birds in the coming months (KEC gardeners Pat and Brian pictured above taking care of this area). Work has also begun on clearing the area behind KEC to transform a neglected patch into a usable space. Jean, Pat, Greg and Julia would like more experienced and novice gardeners to join in. Volunteers welcome from 11.00am onwards.
Kingston Extinction Rebellion meet every Thursday evening at Kingston Environment Centre and have a very active Facebook page ›
Stitch and Chat meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 7.00 to 9.00pm at Kingston Environment Centre. We are now in our 6th year, still knitting and crocheting for refugees and other good causes, our latest being "Craft a Neuron" › Beginner knitters and crocheters always welcome.
New Malden Garden Taskforce meets at KEC every Friday, 3.00pm - 4.00pm, to plan activities.
KUTLETS social and trading evenings take place at KEC. Exchange goods and services for the local currency Beaks. Find out more › or contact Simone ›
Volunteering drop-in sessions every Wednesday at Kingston Environment Centre, 10.00am to 2.00pm. Help with a variety of tasks, indoors and outdoors.
For other KEC events and meet-ups see the Events column on the right.
Follow KEC on Instagram here ›
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Nature and Conservation
Kingston Biodiversity Networking Meeting dates for the rest of 2019 are: July 17th, October 16th - get the dates into your diary.
The 17th KBN July meeting will feature Graham Scholey, from the Environment Agency giving a talk on otters and Elliot Newton talking about water voles and bringing them back to Kingston.
The meetings are always packed with great people doing fantastic stuff for Kingston, and are the perfect opportunity to network and join exciting new projects or promote your own project. If you would like to request a specific speaker, would like to volunteer to speak or would like a particular topic covered in future please let Marina know ›
KBN exists to highlight and promote local conservation work in Kingston. Check out our newsletter to find out about the projects in your neighbourhood, get involved or set up a project of your own. Find out more at our new website or on KBN Facebook Group › and Cemetery Nature Group › or sign up to our newsletter › See the latest KBN newsletter for news of more conservation activities around Kingston.
More information here about ET's Green Infrastructure Project › or contact Stephen James ›
WILD Kingston
Citizen Zoo is organising WILD Kingston on Sunday 9th June at Kingston’s biggest venue, the Rose Theatre Kingston, with the aim of raising awareness of our borough’s amazing wildlife and natural world. There will be a series of exciting and educational talks by national experts including BBC wildlife presenter and bug expert George McGavin, Urban Birder David Lindo and water vole expert Derek Gow, local conservationists and the premiere of a short film about our Hogsmill River.
The show will be family friendly, fun and inspiring! Tickets available from the Rose ›
As part of the event, Citizen Zoo offers a showcase to groups that look after our green spaces, improve habitats and conserve our precious wildlife. Your group could sponsor a community stall at WILD Kingston for just £30, and you will receive:
- One free adult ticket to the event
- Dedicated space for a stall for your community group
- A professional printed display with your logo & design* which you keep afterwards
- Mention in our community showcase piece in the event & display on our map
- Published in our event programme with a summary of your aims & activities
- Posted about in our social media marketing campaign for the event
Please email Eliot › or phone 07906 402431 if you have questions and book your place here ›
Berrylands Nature Reserve
Volunteer Wednesdays - we will be running conservation events on the last Wednesday of every month! So, for now that's Wed 29 May (half-te rm week) and Wed 26 Jun!
Read our blog › After every event or when there is some exciting news about our nature reserve or local green space, we try to write a quick blog post to let everyone know. We love feedback and ideas so please do keep in contact by emailing us › or via social media.
Join the Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve to show your support for all the amazing restoration working taking place and for future activities and events.
Find out more and join the Friends' group › and follow Friends of Berrylands Nature Reserve on Twitter ›
Green spaces
National Park City Festival: 20-28 July, Submit Your Activity
If you want to host an activity or event during the festival, you can submit it to be considered for the event listings and programme via this link › By adding your activity to the listings, you will be able reach the wide and divers audiences already engaged in the National Park City Festival, and be part of a fantastic movement to make the city greener, healthier and wilder. Find out more ›
The National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS) is the umbrella organisation promoting, supporting and representing the UK-wide movement of over 6,000 local greens pace Friends groups. Find out more about the NFPGS › and subscribe to the NFPGS newsletter ›
Does your green space have problems?
The London Friends of Green Spaces Network › is keen to find out about the Parks and Green Spaces issues in your area so they can share them on the LFGN web site and social media. Please email › with stories that you think other groups may benefit from hearing about. Remember a picture is worth a thousand words!
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Sowing and growing
Hogsmill Community Garden
Hogsmill gardeners thanks Moogsoft Kingston for their morning’s work renovating our garden furniture. On Saturday 8th June, 10.00am -1.00, we will be at the Mill Street sale with a wide selection of bee- and butterfly- friendly plants, and on Friday 21st June, 6.00pm - late, will host our Summer Solstice party. For more info see the Facebook page ›
Canbury Community Garden
now has a lovely new shed, so the smaller one has become the "chicken shack" and garden tools etc have been moved into the new bigger one, donated earlier this year. Thank you to Peter Mason and John Roscoe who did the heavy lifting and transformed the pile of bits on the left below to the shed on the right. Keeping our crops well watered will probably be the main task this summer - help welcome at one of our weekend sessions! Find out more on Facebook ›
 
Green therapy: how gardening is helping to fight depression
We knew this already, of course, but a growing movement is promoting the role gardening can play in patient recovery and rehabilitation. Read more ›
National Children’s Gardening Week, 25th May – 2nd June
Although the week is almost over, gardening and “helping children grow” not just for a week and there are some nice ideas at https://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk/ ›
Groundwork Community Awards
Groundwork London › helps communities across the capital become greener, stronger and healthier. Groundwork Community Awards 2019 is now open for applications. Community groups and individuals are invited to nominate the local community heroes that work tirelessly - and often with little recognition or support - to improve places and lives in towns and cities across the UK. Thirty finalists will be invited to attend an all-expenses paid award ceremony in London on Thursday 21 November. The deadline for nominations is Sunday 30 June
Find out more about the categories and the Awards on the Groundwork Community Awards website ›
See Regular Events in the column on the right for web-links and times of gardening sessions.
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Clare Balding and Feargal Sharkey ramble past the Hogsmill mosaic
Radio 4’s Ramblings last week took Clare Balding and singer Feargal Sharkey for a river walk along the Hogsmill. On the way they admired STWC’s more recent mosaic. Catch the programme here ›
Des and Tariq of STWC at the Seething Festival
Peace Picnic
Save the World Club, the Campaign Against Arms Trade and Kingston Peace Council invite you to a Peace Picnic on Thursday 6th June from 1.00 - 3.00pm in Blagdon Road Park, New Malden, If you are free, bring something to sit on, a picnic lunch, any musical instruments, shakers, rattles, tambourine, drums etc and friends, family and colleagues. Let's hope for good weather!
- 1.00pm - families and individuals find us and choose a spot to picnic on.
- Have your lunch. Share what we have, if you want. Try one of Tariq's free home made samosas.
- 1.30 to 2.30 pm - live community music hosted and led by Dr Tariq Shabbeer. Local, new, amateur and existing, musicians, poets, artists, dancers, story tellers and peace lovers are welcome to perform together.
- 2.30 pm to 3.00 pm - a few words from CAAT, Kingston Peace Council, Save the World Club, and any others who want to say something including political, union and community representatives.
- 3.00pm - official end of Peace Picnic shared lunch.
Please note that there will be no shelter, no water, no toilets, no electricity, no gas, no nothing at the picnic site, so come self contained and to clean up everything after you. No sales or waste please. Parents are responsible for their own children.
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Health and wellbeing
KVA’s Connected Kingston
is an online network focused on local health and well-being services. As many green activities such as community gardening and conservation work contribute to this, you may think your group should feature there too, Find out more in An overview of Connected Kingston and how to add services › and in Connectrd Kingston's Ts & Cs ›
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Waste matters
We're done with plastic. How about you?
Plastic Free EcoChallenge is a month-long effort to shift away from our single-use plastic dependency. Together, let’s realise our collective dream of a plastic-free world. This July thousands of people around the world will be breaking up with the stuff that doesn't break down. Join in for the first global Plastic Free EcoChallenge › For 31 days, we will collectively strive to live as #PlasticFree as possible.
Registration is now open! Choose your actions and invite everyone you know to join in, starting on July 1st - register today ›
No doubt the waste stream would be better without coffee capsules
... but those of you who enjoy a coffee might be interested in what happens to the coffee capsules that you recycle (for example via the Nespresso counter in John Lewis) - read about it here › and to compare the compostable capsules you can now buy see Which here ›
Plastic-packaging-free shopping
Re-use some of the containers that would otherwise be thrown away by taking them to refill at The Refill Larder › on Teddington High Street › which stocks a selection organic foods and bathroom and cleaning essentials. Born From Necessity Eco Refill Pantry › in West Molesey has a similar range of environmentally sound products.
...recently added these 2 local-ish retailers along with some other waste-saving enterprises and info – do have a look and let us know if we’ve missed anything. |
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More things we like this month
- Ecosia › a search engine that invests 40% of their profits on planting trees.
- Employee Volunteering › bringing employee volunteers and opportunities together
- Guardian Green Light › all the environmental news, good or bad, by email
- Rapid Transition Alliance › items on the rapid spread of fossil fuel divestment, the global youth movement to force government action on climate change
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» Visit our websites: Transition Town Kingston › and Kingston Environment Centre ›
» If you have local environmental news or an event to share, please email the next editor.
» Come to one of our events or join in an activity...
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Artists and activists expose the hidden world of extinction with never-before-seen images that will change the way we see the planet. From the Academy Award® Winning Filmmakers of “The Cove”.
Last Tuesday of every month (apart from public holidays) from 7.00pm to 9.00ish, Woody's riverside bar, Rams Passage, KT1 1HH
