People from about ten local organisations and churches met on 14th November at the Friends Meeting House with an ambitious aim: to turn around the doom and gloom of climate change, energy shortages and economic instability. After a thought-provoking presentation by Diana Sandy, Phil Entwistle said “We can live well without ruining the Earth – if we do the right things. But we have to change direction within a very few years.”
The new network, calling itself “Transition Beverley”, will co-ordinate the efforts of local people to bring this about.
Shan Oakes said “It’s easy for individuals to feel isolated and discouraged in the face of these huge global problems. But it’s heartening that so much is already happening here in Beverley. By working together we can build the momentum to really make a difference”. Growing your own food, community car pools, renewable energy and a local Beverley exchange scheme were amongst the many ideas discussed.
The network is putting on a series of events to raise awareness, develop practical projects and hear what people in the town have to say – including those who hope to represent us following the local elections next May.
Transition Towns is an international grass-roots movement that began in Kinsale, Ireland and then Totnes, England in 2005. It is a community-led response to the pressures of climate change, fossil fuel depletion and economic contraction. The number of Transition groups in the UK and other countries is growing rapidly. Locally, there are groups in Scarborough, York, Hull and Kirkbymoorside.
More information from Shan Oakes on 862085 or Sue Dack on 864215 or visit the web site.
