Transition Town Louth, Lincolnshire.

Meeting Minutes for 2010

Meeting Minutes for 2008 and 2009

Meeting of Transition Town Louth Tuesday 21st September 2010

Rose and Bob’s House Eastfield Rd Louth, 7pm start

Facilitator: Noel Minutes :James

Attendance: Biff, Stefan, Jackie, James, Jude, Noel, Vicky, Sue, Sergio.

• It was decided to have a TTL stall at the Victorian Fayre on 31st October, James suggested that if there were no concessions for charities then TTL could use part of his stall. Biff suggested a guess the weight of the courgette competition as he is cultivating the world’s largest courgette in his garden. James agreed to confirm with the organisers on the cost of charity stalls.
• Biff reported that he had just had a solar PV panels installed by a local company and suggested that we promote the company on the TTL website. The owner had mentioned that he would donate £150 to TTL for any business that came from the advert. It was agreed to create a green energy directory for all similar businesses to maintain the impartiality of TTL.
• Biff asked if there were any suggestions from the group that he could raise at the Town Partnership meetings. Solar panels on the town hall was one, segregated recycling litter bins was another.
• Yvonne asked if another film showing was planned and suggested the “Power of Community” . The response to the last film showing was poor, with only a handful of people attending. No decision was made to hold another film show although it was agreed that the Autumn would be a better time to screen it.
• Vicky outlined her new role with Groundworks. The organisation has been in existence for the past 30 years and is committed to helping develop community projects through practical and financial assistance. It was suggested that Gemma Levi might be a useful contact as there were a number of projects locally that may well benefit from Groundworks support.
• Noel reported on decisions made with regard to the Community gardens project. There would no longer be a fixed day for attendance , anyone wishing to meet someone at the gardens and help out ,should co-ordinate times with Maggie or James. There will also be a souper day! on Louth Market on the 8th October, the team will be raising awareness of the garden and offering cups of freshly made garden produce soup.
• Noel suggested that obsolete incandescent light bulbs could be used by schools to make Xmas tree decorations, after a brief discussion on the health and safety aspects of such a scheme the meeting decided not to pursue the idea.
• James raised the issue of Transition Together and what progress was being made. It was agreed to concentrate on one aspect of the workbooks, that being the energy section as it was felt that this one would have the most impact with the general public. Biff agreed to talk to Maggie with regard to work completed so far on the energy section. Biff also agreed to try and obtain some OWL smart energy meters that could be loaned out as part of the initiative.
• James reported on the “Bicycling Basics” event to be held on Sunday 10th October as part of the 10:10 campaign on 10/10/10 a global day of doing. Jude agreed to produce a poster with less words on it.
• Time bank was discussed and Vicky thought it might be useful in her current role, James agreed to drop off Time bank DVD’s for Vicky to learn more.
• Jackie mentioned that she was hoping to convince the Co-op to deal with the excess packing that comes with many products at the point of purchase, i.e. in the supermarket. Stefan gave the group a short description of how a similar scheme called green point works in Germany.
• Biff announced that Jean had suggested a Halloween social/business meeting for TTL on Friday 29th October, all agreed that this was an excellent idea..apple bobbing volunteers required!

TTL meeting Boar’s Head 19th May 2020 7pm

Present : Biff, Jean, Noel, Janet, Alison , Jackie, James, and Bob.

Apology: Maggie,

Noel facilitated, Janet took minutes.

• The film show on Friday 21st May at 7.30pm at Louth Library Conoco Room “In Transition” was discussed. It was agreed that the helpers could arrive at the venue at 6.30pm to set everything up. It will be advertised in the Louth Leader and Target. Before we run the main film we will show a 10 minute film on “Timebanking” and ask the audience to consider the question “If you could ask someone to do a job for you, what would it be?” Biff will arrange for the printed paper post it notes to be available for the audience to write their replies. There will be a refreshment break which Maggie and Yvonne will organise. Biff said he had put an advert in the Louth Target for a co-ordinator for the Timebanking scheme, it will appear soon.
• Noel informed the group that there is a Wolds Walking Festival starting on 22nd May until 6th June, the leaflet was passed round. He also informed the group that Green Futures had lost its bid for planning permission to have retail units on the Vanson Centre at Bradley, but things are not finished yet, they plan to appeal, so the gardening there carries on for now. He and Janet have now received their CRB checks and are in the clear!
• Biff reminded all about “Party in the Pews” on Thursday 17th June in St James church. This event is free but you will need a ticket. These are available from the Deli. Perkin’s Pantry and Off the Beaten Tracks Music shop. There is free food, drink and entertainment for adults and children. TTL is to have a presence there and the church are hoping to have around 300 people turn up.
• Biff informed all that there was to be a Beach Hut Party at 47 South Prom on Sunday 22nd August at 1pm. David Fleming would be attending. Please bring food and drinks to share, and your own seats, cushions and towels.
• Biff also reminded the group about the forthcoming Harmony Workshop to be held by Gill Coombs on the 3rd August at the Trinity Centre. Free entry, bring food to share. He is going to put a flyer on the website and make tickets so they have an idea of numbers attending.
• Transition Together James said booklets on this would be ready for Friday night ‘s film show. He also said we need a generic 3rd Party Public Liability Insurance for any public stalls, activities, films and garden events. He will look into it.
• Lincolnshire Show mid week on 24th June for 2 days. Kate Bell of Lincoln is organising a TT stall and is asking for input from Louth and Horncastle TT’s.
• Transport Competition Biff has entered a National Competition run by the Low Carbon Trust for original ideas to reduce carbon impact on transport. Closing date is 4th June, Results announced in July. There is a prize of £5,000.
• A Food Fest on 1st Tuesday in July at the Louth Community Garden has been organised by Maggie and Sarah. Their talk about the garden at the school this week was well received. This project has been well supported by the school and money may well become available for the rabbit fencing. The water issue is being addressed by the school, and the groundsman has promised continued compost.
• Nick Vowles did a talk at Spendluffe School on Permaculture, for which he received £30.00, and Biff did a talk for the International Women’s Group and received £20.00. Both these sums of money have been donated to the TTL Funds. It was decided to buy the Book Energy Descent Action Plan with some of this money.
• Bob told us he is working at the moment with a team of fund raisers and described various funding opportunities, including free training and competitions aimed at improving local awareness of lifestyle, use of energy and food growing with young people in mind.
• The Abundance Sheffield website was recommended to the group to have a look at. It promotes healthy lifestyles, fruit growing and distribution.
• Next Meeting Monday 14th June 2010 7pm at the Louth Community Garden, weather permitting. Please bring food and drink to share.

Meeting closed at 9 pm.

TTL meeting Boar’s Head 20th April 2020 7pm

Attended by : Biff, Jean, Maggie, Jen, Jennifer,Valerie, Ros, Noel, Janet, Alison , Jackie, James,Yvonne

Jackie facilitated, James took minutes.

• Biff announced “Party in the pews” on Thursday 17th June in St James church. More details to follow of this Town partnership social event which will bring together all those involved in Louth community organisations. Biff agreed to invite Geoff Stratford to bring along his Climate change display stands.
• The meeting agreed to man a transition stall at the Autumn festival in early September.
• Biff mentioned that closing the town centre to regular traffic was back on the agenda for general discussion within the community. The topic was briefly discussed within the meeting but no conclusion reached.
• Referring to an email that Biff had received with regard to the forthcoming sale of the disused swimming pool on Riverhead, the group was asked on their thoughts for the best option on the release of sale proceeds to the community. The general agreement was that the funds should be held in Trust and annual grants be released from the interest raised.
• James introduced the St James Summer Fair that is to be held on the 25th July 2010, and asked the group for ideas on attractions that could be added to the existing market proposal. Suggestions were , Cider festival, Plant sale, School involvement, Cooking demos, Breadmaking demo, Circus performances, Belly dancers, Silver band, Morris Dancers. James thanked everyone and agreed to follow up the ideas.
• The forthcoming film show was next discussed. It was agreed that before we run the film we ask the audience to talk to someone next to them about their knowledge of transition and the issues concerned. After the short one to one sessions we will show the “In transition” film, followed by a short refreshment break and then a short film about Time bank. Maggie suggested that we give everyone that attends a slip of paper on which to write one thing they would like someone to do for them. At the end of the film we would demonstrate how the time bank might work by asking the audience for skills they might have and try to match them up with requests. This was agreed as an excellent idea to promote the time bank operation.
• Maggie spoke about the community garden and the first social event planned for Tuesday 6th July where we hoped to have some acoustic music and a salad feast using some produce from the garden. Later in the year a “souper event” could be held as part of the Autumn festival.
• Ros and Noel volunteered to form part of a working party to help get part of an allotment on Trinity rd up to speed for a small group of hard pressed volunteers that Maggie and James met at the recent health and well being event at the Meridian leisure centre. They will use the allotment for people with learning difficulties.
• Maggie referred to more plots of land that were available for TTL to expand into more community gardens. Specifically one at Bradley Close on Weavers Tryst estate. It was agreed that this would only work with considerable support from the residents on the estate. The next step would be to leaflet drop the homes on the estate and see if there was any support for such an initiative.
• Guerilla gardening was discussed. Unfortunately subsequent comments and decisions are subject to the Official Secrets Act and therefore cannot be disclosed.
• Maggie explained that Gemma Levi was hoping to convert the central courtyard at Tedder Hall into a food garden and thriving eco system .
• Yvonne mentioned that World fair-trade day was on May 8th, this was briefly discussed and in view of the short notice it was proposed that we ask Oxfam in Louth for permission to put on a display in the shop on that day.
• There is a Sustainable schools event to be held at Nicol Hill Methodist Chapel on the 1st July at 7pm. Main Speaker is Rob Bowden of Life worlds. Yvonne suggested that TTL could attend with a small stall, this will be discussed nearer to the event .
• There are a number of events being held at the British Legion this summer. Yvonne mentioned the Blitz night on the 10th July. Recommended for anyone interested in digging for victory!
• Biff reminded the group about the forthcoming healing workshop to be held by Gill Coombs on the 3rd August at the Trinity Centre. More details to follow!

Next meeting Wed 19th May 2010 7pm confirmed at the Boar’s Head.

Meeting closed at 9.15pm

Meeting 18/03/10 – Boar’s Head, Louth 7pm

Attended by : Alison Jackson,Biff,Bob,Jackie,James,Janet,Jean,Jenny,Jen,Maggie,Martin,Noel & Sue.

Biff : Facilitator James: Minute taker

• • James reported that after attending the “In transition” screening at Horncastle he thought it would be an excellent next film for the TTL to screen at the Conoco Room. The meeting agreed and proposed that we aim for a date at the end of April. James to check availability of Conoco room, check licence details and report back via email to group. It was suggested that we encourage more discussion between members of the audience on the night.
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• Biff recommended a viewing of the film about Detroit recently shown on BBC, which although a fairly grim portrayal of a city that has lost the will to live did show encouraging signs of how urban life can be reclaimed in a sustainable way.
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• Noel queried how effective the 10:10 campaign was proving to be , it seems to have lost some of the initial impetus. Jean suggested that we should publicise it at the forthcoming Earth Hour event.
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• Jean raised the issue of TTL’s running of the time bank, we needed to make a decision on whether or not to renew the subscription in April. Currently the bank is dormant and waiting for someone to step forward to be the time broker and to promote and co-ordinate the concept. Sue suggested that everyone in TTL complete the data form and get the scheme working within the group. Maggie mentioned that Home Start may be interested in using the facility and may be able to help administer it. It was mentioned that we might be able to use the Town Manager’s office as a base. There were a number of TTL projects that are in progress which would encourage the use of the time bank and so it was decided to renew the subscription of £100 for a further year and make greater efforts to get the scheme working effectively. Everyone agreed that the time bank would be an important facility in the future. It was proposed that we show a short film on time bank at the film show.
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• Jean mentioned that she was disappointed with the lack of consideration of the Transition ideals by Mark Barnes the town centre manager, particularly in the organising of Continental markets. Biff felt that the town manager was always supportive of the Transition group in every meeting that he had been to, but that the main aim of the Food group is to encourage tourism and promote Louth as a Food town for commercial gain. Biff reported that at recent Partnership meetings, Stephen Holdaway , the chairman, has made it clearly understood that the Partnership should be prepared to look in the long term and form a sustainable future for the Town as a priority. The energy descent plan which is the ultimate aim for TTL would have a key role to play in this. James thought that Mark was compelled to get early results which may not, on the face of it, be encouraging transition, for he had a brief to ensure the commercial prosperity of the town centre in the short term.
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• Jean also brought to the attention of the meeting the Easter Fare being held at Badger Farm and requested that if anyone could help with the Multiarts project on the day to get in touch with Kat.
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• Maggie opened the discussion on the Community Food Garden at Foundation House, all is set for a site meeting this coming Sunday 21st to begin forming the beds and establishing whereabouts of composters/leaf mulch/water. Nick and Sarah have donated fruit trees and rhubarb for planting. Maggie gave a brief rundown of the current grant applications and mentioned the possibility of further support through the lottery fund which could potential provide £10,000 of support. James told the group that TTL was now registered with VAEL who could provide CRB checks at a cost of £5 to any volunteers who would like access to the gardens during school hours. Maggie requested that we get a letter from Mark Barnes stating a need for the garden to satisfy one of the grant requirements, Biff agreed to talk to Mark about it.
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• With regard to the Transition together project, Jackie asked how the search for an adobe acrobat editor was progressing, Biff explained that the cost of the full programme to edit the workgroups would be prohibitively expensive and so described how we could convert the documents to different format and edit them to our own needs. It was agreed to pursue this further at the next meeting of the TTog sub group.
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• Biff reminded the group about the Earth Hour gig this Saturday 27th, Valduna were performing supported by Lucy Coggle, a great night would be guaranteed.
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• Sue mentioned that Transition Lincoln were holding a Cycle magic event on the 24/04/10, they are hoping to convert donated bikes for disabled person use and offer general advice and encouragement for potential cyclists in the city. More details from the Transition Town Lincoln site or via Sandie Stratford who is involved in the event.
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• Next meeting set for the Wed.21st April 7pm at the Boar’s Head
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• Next TTog meeting at Maggie’s Mon. 29th March 7pm

Meeting closed at 9.15pm

Minutes of meeting held at Boar’s Head 9th February 2010 7pm

Present: Biff, Bob (arrived 8.30), Jackie, James, Janet, Jenny, Jen, Kat, Maggie, Noel & Sue
Apologies: Jean, Martin, Terri & Len, Yvonne
Facilitator: Noel

1 Jackie relayed Martin’s suggestion that the group put some time into promoting the activities of the group in the Local media. It was agreed that we could do more to use the local press to raise awareness of TTL and a number of possibilities were discussed. Kat mentioned that she had a contact at the Leader that would showcase the group and its aims with photograph if we put something together. Using the what’s on page more frequently and constructing more regular press releases were discussed. It was suggested that we share the workload in making this happen, but initially perhaps Martin could contact Bob and work out some kind of schedule/rota to get things moving.

2 James reported on the progress with the Transition Together project, the workbooks were currently being reviewed by the sub group of Biff, Bob, Maggie & James to tailor the books to our locality. The intention is for volunteers from within TTL to carry out a pilot group study and see how the concept works before we launch to the community. Biff mentioned that the Totnes group that founded the project had obtained a grant of £625,000 to offer financial support to household’s willing to upgrade their homes with sustainable energy saving installations, e.g. insulation, solar panels etc. It may be that TTL may have the option to pursue a similar support package for Transition Together groups in Louth.

3 James suggested that the group put on another film show soon, following the Age of Stupid showing. The new “In transition” in film is being shown in Horncastle on the 26th February which would be a possible choice for our next film , so recommended viewing for all members (this film can also be viewed on the internet).

4 Biff announced that there would be a Fairtrade coffee morning at Nichol Hill Methodist Chapel on Saturday February 27th 10-12am. It was decided to have a TTL stall promoting the Community food garden and the Multiarts project, volunteers please to help man stall and tea/coffee duty.

5 Biff described a sleepless night when the concept of a Louth Art exhibition formed in his imagination. The suggestion being that we organise an Art exhibition using local artists displaying exhibits with a transition theme, possibly in Spout yard? All those who wish to make Biff’s dream come true please come to our next meeting and discuss further.

6 Biff described his position on the interim Town partnership representing Transition town Louth. A subgroup of the partnership is the Food group which intends to promote Louth as a food town of excellence both regionally and nationally. There are to be two food themed events in the town this year.

7 Biff mentioned that Freegle was close to one million members nationwide and encouraged all those that had yet to get involved to give the site a try for miscellaneous wants and disposals.

8 The Feast project suggested by Jackie Vitale by email had inspired everyone that had read it, it was hoped that we could put the idea into action later in the year , around harvest time, Biff agreed to reply in the positive to Jackie.

9 Kat spoke about the Multiarts project and a conversation she had with Mark Barnes with regard to temporary art displays within vacant and empty shops in the town centre. There was a meeting set for the 2nd of March to discuss the possibilities further. James agreed to get the price of roll up display signs for Transition town principles which could be used in promotional events. Kat also announced that the Multiarts project would be at the ecofest and small world festival and anyone with ideas for activities to please get in touch.

10 Maggie proposed that we submit a small grant claim to ELDC for £250 to purchase resources needed for the initial set up of the Foundation House garden. All agreed to proceed.

11 Maggie has drafted a letter, targeting Louth businesses for donations of required equipment, etc. It was also suggested that we produce a flyer that we could letterbox drop at homes within the neighbourhood of the garden, asking for help, interest, support, old tools! Also list wants on Freegle.

12 Bob passed on contact names of Staff members at KEVIs who would be able to help with the project, these were Sarah Pillans, Laura Greenhough , and Rachel Mowbray (Purser)

13 Meeting set for Wed 17th to confirm initial requirements and project time line.

14 Bob returned from a meeting of the Town council and emphasised the need for the Transition group to produce practical actions for the community to ensure continuing support from the new town partnership.

15 Meeting closed at 9.20pm

16 Next meeting set for Thursday the 18th March 7pm at the Boar’s Head (venue to be confirmed) Transition together meeting set for Wednesday 17th February 7pm at Maggie’s house. Community food group to meet at the Indoor market cafe 11.00am Wednesday 17th February.

Minutes of AGM and meeting

12th January 2010 at 68 Eastfield Road, Louth

Present: Biff, Jean, Noel, James, Rob, Jackie, Maggie, Anisha, Rose, Bob.
Apologies: Yvonne, Judy, Nick, Sarah, Janet, Martin
Facilitator – Maggie. Minutes – Bob

1. Annual General Meeting Constitution re-read, discussed and agreed to remain unchanged.
Treasurers Report will be posted on website. £1,258.00 is in the bank including £1,000 Transition Together grant. Balance accepted and agreed.
Biff and Anisha elected as joint Secretaries.
James elected as Treasurer.

2. Consultation on the Local Development Framework Draft Core Strategy The TTL response to ELDC’s consultation document was submitted on December 18th 2009. A copy will be posted on the website.

3. Transition Together Now that we have been successful in our bid for the £1K funding, the priority is to print sufficient copies of the 7 workbooks and mobilise as many local groups as possible. Agreed to set up a pilot group from TTL members and to meet at Maggie’s house on Wednesday 20th January at 7.00pm. James will print six copies. Everyone to be familiar with the procedures before the meeting.

4. Film Night – The Age of Stupid Conoco Room booked for 29th January.
Need to have dry run of projection/sound equipment at Maggie’s house on 20th.
Biff – laptop; Bob - projector and press release; Martin – sound; Jackie – film
Agreed format of evening.
Bob to introduce TTL and film. Biff to lead discussion after film, Maggie to talk briefly on Community Garden; James to talk on Transition Together; Nick to talk on permaculture? Free raffle of leftover produce from Christmas market stall with donation box.

5. Community Garden Anisha, James and Maggie met to agree aims, objectives and options.
Successful meeting with James Lascelles, Headmaster at King Edwards’. He agreed to set aside a 25x15m plot behind Foundation House for nominal rent of £5 pa. Unrestricted community use available outside school hours – otherwise CRB checks necessary. JL offered to prepare the site and to incorporate it into the School’s Sustainable/Eco Schools programme. He’s happy to be kept informed via the School’s Community Cohesion sub committee (that happens to be chaired by Bob).
Need to check public liability.
Agreed to continue to seek other sites, especially those in prominent public locations. Anisha has written letter, which is to be sent out to organisations.
Next meeting of sub group at Maggie’s on 25th January – any further ideas for sites to Maggie, please.

6. Heart and Soul Noel suggested forming a Heart and Soul group within TTL that would run meditation/ health awareness sessions. Apart from the mind/health benefits it could widen TTL awareness. Agreed this to be good idea to be pursued at Trinity Community Centre (see Peta Hill) or Spout Yard (Robert Gwynne). Noel knows of several practitioners.

7. Oxfam Shop Display Biff reported that Oxfam are targeting Climate Change and Peak Oil. Jane Fletcher Tomlinson at the Louth Oxfam shop has set aside space for community group displays. We are booked in for Saturday 23rd January. Opportunity to publicise Age of Stupid, etc. Only space for a max of two people with the stall at any one time between 9.30 am and, say 3.00pm.

8. Town Partnership Biff will represent TTL at the first meeting of the Interim Town Partnership meeting, organised through the Town centre Manager, Mark Barnes. Looks like Biff will take up its environment and transport brief.

9. Food Town Jackie has a good leaflet on a Scottish Food Town and suggests some of its ideas could be used to promote Louth as a Food Town. The next meeting of the Louth Food Group is at Perkins pantry on Monday 18th January at 6.00pm.

10. Timebank Due to general lack of interest, we need to decide soon if we want to renew our membership. We need one or more significant projects to kick start the scheme –maybe the Community Garden could do this.

11. Freegle This is taking off better now with over 100 members and quite a bit of activity.

12. Next meeting Tuesday 9th February at 7.00pm It was felt that potential new members might be put off by meetings being held in a private house. Agreed to hold the next meeting at the Boar’s Head, Newmarket, if it is available. Venue will be confirmed on the website.

Summary of Accounts to December 2009

James Pocklington, Treasurer.

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