October 2014
Event: Monthly Meeting
Date, time: 28/10/2014, 5:30-7pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Pam Swaby, Edith Miller, Leonie Ramondt, Stuart Connor, Simon Mouncey, Laura
Apologies: Peter Foreman, Charlotte Welch, Rob Worley, Barrie Allsop
Minutes: Stuart Connor
1. High Chelmer Tree Preservation
A photographer (Tim) came to take pictures of the tree/protest but no one there. Pam had a feeling it was too late and the fate of the tree already sealed. It was agreed we should continue to pursue our interest/information gathering as will be useful for similar cases in the future. Laura indicated that the tree appears in photographic records in the Shire Hall.
Actions
· All to investigate policies in regard to trees at local, national and supranational level (EU).
· Leonie to raise issue at the 'Creating a Happy City' event - 30/10/14
· Simon to contact photographer to arrange for another time for photographs to be taken
2. Purely Essex Food Market
Pam indicated that there had been 100% positive feedback. There was a general consensus among the stallholders that they would like the market to run more regularly.
Discussion on the possible negatives of the market only appealing to a relatively narrow affluent demographic.
Pam reiterated her desire to take a step back in the role of organising the market. Suggestions as to groups who may want to take a role in organisation included the Women's Institute
Actions
· All to consider if there exist individuals/groups who could take on roles in developing the market to be more regular.
3. Urban Farming
There was a general and wide ranging discussion on the prospects for urban farming initiatives in Chelmsford. Education on home cooking/better diet seen as key alongside any growing initiative. This was linked to the feedback from previous vegetable stallholders at the local market who found little appetite for their product. It was noted that it may be possible to co-ordinate with Linda Mascot (Freefood Chelmsford) on any initiatives.
Actions.
· Stuart to further investigate urban agriculture (a small introduction/taster is part of his course)
4. Allotment
A considerable harvest of potatoes and squash are available. Unfortunately we lost majority of the large leek crop due to infestation with a pest that caused distortion of the stems. We are in the process of winding down the plot for the year with few horticultural jobs to do i.e. sow last of the overwintering onions, garlic and broad beans. Apart from that we are just cleaning up the site and looking forward to the next growing season.
5. Energy
Edith noted that the Cathedral School Eco-Club was looking for new ideas having implemented there original programme. The idea was raised that they might be interested in some working on energy initiatives.
6. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 27/11/14, 7:30-9:00pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
Date, time: 28/10/2014, 5:30-7pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Pam Swaby, Edith Miller, Leonie Ramondt, Stuart Connor, Simon Mouncey, Laura
Apologies: Peter Foreman, Charlotte Welch, Rob Worley, Barrie Allsop
Minutes: Stuart Connor
1. High Chelmer Tree Preservation
A photographer (Tim) came to take pictures of the tree/protest but no one there. Pam had a feeling it was too late and the fate of the tree already sealed. It was agreed we should continue to pursue our interest/information gathering as will be useful for similar cases in the future. Laura indicated that the tree appears in photographic records in the Shire Hall.
Actions
· All to investigate policies in regard to trees at local, national and supranational level (EU).
· Leonie to raise issue at the 'Creating a Happy City' event - 30/10/14
· Simon to contact photographer to arrange for another time for photographs to be taken
2. Purely Essex Food Market
Pam indicated that there had been 100% positive feedback. There was a general consensus among the stallholders that they would like the market to run more regularly.
Discussion on the possible negatives of the market only appealing to a relatively narrow affluent demographic.
Pam reiterated her desire to take a step back in the role of organising the market. Suggestions as to groups who may want to take a role in organisation included the Women's Institute
Actions
· All to consider if there exist individuals/groups who could take on roles in developing the market to be more regular.
3. Urban Farming
There was a general and wide ranging discussion on the prospects for urban farming initiatives in Chelmsford. Education on home cooking/better diet seen as key alongside any growing initiative. This was linked to the feedback from previous vegetable stallholders at the local market who found little appetite for their product. It was noted that it may be possible to co-ordinate with Linda Mascot (Freefood Chelmsford) on any initiatives.
Actions.
· Stuart to further investigate urban agriculture (a small introduction/taster is part of his course)
4. Allotment
A considerable harvest of potatoes and squash are available. Unfortunately we lost majority of the large leek crop due to infestation with a pest that caused distortion of the stems. We are in the process of winding down the plot for the year with few horticultural jobs to do i.e. sow last of the overwintering onions, garlic and broad beans. Apart from that we are just cleaning up the site and looking forward to the next growing season.
5. Energy
Edith noted that the Cathedral School Eco-Club was looking for new ideas having implemented there original programme. The idea was raised that they might be interested in some working on energy initiatives.
6. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 27/11/14, 7:30-9:00pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
September 2014
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 25/09/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Pam Swaby, Sarah Brice, George Merritt, Edith Miller, Leonie Ramondt, Stuart Connor, Peter Foreman, Charlotte Welch, Steve Betteridge, Rob Worley
Apologies: Simon Mouncey, Barrie Allsop, Peter Castle, James Price
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Welcome and Introductions
We were joined this evening by members of Chelmsford and Maldon Friends of the Earth to explore common interests. Hence we commenced with quick introductions around the table to understand each-other’s background and interests.
2. High Chelmer Tree Preservation
Simon reported by email that he had no positive news from contacts at Chelmsford City Council and would like to explore campaigning options with FOE, with the aim of developing a tree preservation policy for the city. Steve Betteridge said he would be interested to discuss plans with Simon.
Pam stated that Chelmsford Civic Society are also discussing tree preservation policy.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
The food market will on Sunday 26th October as part of the 2014 Ideas Festival. This was our last full meeting before the event so it was important to discuss staffing requirements and material for the TTC stall.
Sarah, Edith and Rob agreed to assist Pam with marshalling vendors from 7:30 am on market day.
Rob agreed to staff the TTC stall. Stuart and Peter will confirm availability.
Pam and Stuart mentioned that Simon had already produced excellent TTC literature for last year’s market and that we should re-use it if possible. Leonie suggested that we use the opportunity to promote the community energy project with an additional leaflet.
George volunteered to wear a costume on the day.
4. Allotment
Stuart’s latest update:
Shed: The shed is proving very useful. A workbench has been installed and we are using it to store the potato harvest as well as tools etc.. We need to source some further guttering in order to get the water butts up and running at the back of the shed.
Greenhouse: It has proved to difficult to dig out the stump so I sawed it off below soil level. However the stump is still sprouting so I will need to consider how we can kill it before we consider constructing the greenhouse.
Compost: The compost bins have been finished (thanks Peter!). We have three bays with the idea of having one rotting down, one being added to, and the other with useable compost. This will obviously require a lot of material so compostable donations welcome!
Produce:
Current:- Potatoes, runner beans , chard, courgettes, leeks, beetroots, courgettes, tomatillos.
Future:- Several types of squash, celeriac, jerusalem artichoke, (oca maybe) and purple sprouting broccoli in early spring.
Upcoming Tasks:
Plant the over-wintering onions
Harvest remaining potato crop. So far only a handful of tubers have been infected with blight so we may have got away with that. However there has been considerable slug damage.
Sow some broad beans
Move comfrey plants from the forest beds to the back of the plot.
Plant apple trees in forest beds.
Stuart, Charlie and Edith discussed plans to arrange a seed swap between allotments.
George expressed an interest in helping out at the TTC and Waterhouse Lane allotments.
5. Community Energy Scheme
Barrie and Rob attended the first in a series of three workshops in Southend run by from Pure Leapfrog and CREST who have offered to mentor us over the next six months. The aim is to get to the stage where the scheme would be fit for funding either directly from Pure Leapfrog or from the Urban Community Energy Fund which they will co-administer.
We are inclined to start with a 30kW PV install at a local academy school. Assuming we are able to succeed with this relatively simple setup then we would look to use the experience and publicity to take on something more ambitious.
We have had some positive response to our call for founders but would still like to hear from people with relevant expertise (legal, commercial PV planning etc) who would be willing to help out.
6. Ideas Festival
The festival runs from Monday 20th October to Sunday 2nd November. Details of the events can be found online.
Edith and Rob both agreed to help Pam at the launch of the River Celebration duck race, to take place on Saturday 25th October at midday. Edith mentioned that she might be able to arrange a duck costume for the event.
Chelmsford City Council are organising a river litter clean-up ahead of the celebration. This will take place on Saturday 11th October from 9am to 1pm. Volunteers are required.
7. Local Food Map
Rob met with a representative of Chelmsford City Council to get an understanding of progress and see how TTC can help. It’s difficult for the council to dedicate time to this project because it’s not a statutory obligation, but some work has been done in identifying restaurants around the Chelmsford area that use local produce. The council may be able to share this data with us but will need to seek permission.
It’s probably going to be easier for TTC to publish and maintain the data than it would be for the council. We’ll be able to start with the vendors from this year’s Purely Essex Food Market.
8. IT Assistance
Rob and Leonie discussed the need for IT assistance across various community projects, particularly with respect to hosting and advanced Wordpress topics.
9. Promotional Community Films
A conversation on popular FOE film screenings lead to the idea that we should record community events and post to YouTube for promotional purposes. George has produced videos in the past and said he would be happy to help out using equipment at the Ideas Hub.
10. Group Dinner Social
Chelmsford College will be running a local food event at their restaurant week commencing 20th October.
11. Next Monthly Meeting
Tuesday 28/10/14, 5:30-6:45pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square. Just prior to the Ideas Festival event: Community Land Trusts - Getting the “Right Kind” of Development.
Date, time: 25/09/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Pam Swaby, Sarah Brice, George Merritt, Edith Miller, Leonie Ramondt, Stuart Connor, Peter Foreman, Charlotte Welch, Steve Betteridge, Rob Worley
Apologies: Simon Mouncey, Barrie Allsop, Peter Castle, James Price
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Welcome and Introductions
We were joined this evening by members of Chelmsford and Maldon Friends of the Earth to explore common interests. Hence we commenced with quick introductions around the table to understand each-other’s background and interests.
2. High Chelmer Tree Preservation
Simon reported by email that he had no positive news from contacts at Chelmsford City Council and would like to explore campaigning options with FOE, with the aim of developing a tree preservation policy for the city. Steve Betteridge said he would be interested to discuss plans with Simon.
Pam stated that Chelmsford Civic Society are also discussing tree preservation policy.
- Action: Rob to put Simon and Steve in touch.
- Action: FOE to discuss at their next meeting.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
The food market will on Sunday 26th October as part of the 2014 Ideas Festival. This was our last full meeting before the event so it was important to discuss staffing requirements and material for the TTC stall.
Sarah, Edith and Rob agreed to assist Pam with marshalling vendors from 7:30 am on market day.
Rob agreed to staff the TTC stall. Stuart and Peter will confirm availability.
Pam and Stuart mentioned that Simon had already produced excellent TTC literature for last year’s market and that we should re-use it if possible. Leonie suggested that we use the opportunity to promote the community energy project with an additional leaflet.
George volunteered to wear a costume on the day.
- Action: Rob and Simon to discuss printing of leaflets for the Transition Chelmsford stall.
- Action: Barrie and/or Rob to produce community energy leaflet. Barrie has already made a start on copy.
- Action: Stuart and Peter to confirm availability for staffing the TTC stall.
4. Allotment
Stuart’s latest update:
Shed: The shed is proving very useful. A workbench has been installed and we are using it to store the potato harvest as well as tools etc.. We need to source some further guttering in order to get the water butts up and running at the back of the shed.
Greenhouse: It has proved to difficult to dig out the stump so I sawed it off below soil level. However the stump is still sprouting so I will need to consider how we can kill it before we consider constructing the greenhouse.
Compost: The compost bins have been finished (thanks Peter!). We have three bays with the idea of having one rotting down, one being added to, and the other with useable compost. This will obviously require a lot of material so compostable donations welcome!
Produce:
Current:- Potatoes, runner beans , chard, courgettes, leeks, beetroots, courgettes, tomatillos.
Future:- Several types of squash, celeriac, jerusalem artichoke, (oca maybe) and purple sprouting broccoli in early spring.
Upcoming Tasks:
Plant the over-wintering onions
Harvest remaining potato crop. So far only a handful of tubers have been infected with blight so we may have got away with that. However there has been considerable slug damage.
Sow some broad beans
Move comfrey plants from the forest beds to the back of the plot.
Plant apple trees in forest beds.
Stuart, Charlie and Edith discussed plans to arrange a seed swap between allotments.
George expressed an interest in helping out at the TTC and Waterhouse Lane allotments.
5. Community Energy Scheme
Barrie and Rob attended the first in a series of three workshops in Southend run by from Pure Leapfrog and CREST who have offered to mentor us over the next six months. The aim is to get to the stage where the scheme would be fit for funding either directly from Pure Leapfrog or from the Urban Community Energy Fund which they will co-administer.
We are inclined to start with a 30kW PV install at a local academy school. Assuming we are able to succeed with this relatively simple setup then we would look to use the experience and publicity to take on something more ambitious.
We have had some positive response to our call for founders but would still like to hear from people with relevant expertise (legal, commercial PV planning etc) who would be willing to help out.
- Action: Barrie and Rob to continue work on formation and vision with local energy engineers and mentor organisations.
- Action: Rob to publish an update to the TTC mailing list.
- Action: Peter to put us in contact with a lawyer who may be able to help.
- Action: Leonie to share info on integral law resources.
6. Ideas Festival
The festival runs from Monday 20th October to Sunday 2nd November. Details of the events can be found online.
Edith and Rob both agreed to help Pam at the launch of the River Celebration duck race, to take place on Saturday 25th October at midday. Edith mentioned that she might be able to arrange a duck costume for the event.
Chelmsford City Council are organising a river litter clean-up ahead of the celebration. This will take place on Saturday 11th October from 9am to 1pm. Volunteers are required.
- Action: Edith to explore assembling a duck costume.
7. Local Food Map
Rob met with a representative of Chelmsford City Council to get an understanding of progress and see how TTC can help. It’s difficult for the council to dedicate time to this project because it’s not a statutory obligation, but some work has been done in identifying restaurants around the Chelmsford area that use local produce. The council may be able to share this data with us but will need to seek permission.
It’s probably going to be easier for TTC to publish and maintain the data than it would be for the council. We’ll be able to start with the vendors from this year’s Purely Essex Food Market.
- Action: Rob to identify an inexpensive, easily maintained solution for the local food map.
8. IT Assistance
Rob and Leonie discussed the need for IT assistance across various community projects, particularly with respect to hosting and advanced Wordpress topics.
- Action: Rob to explore establishing relationships with local web development firms.
9. Promotional Community Films
A conversation on popular FOE film screenings lead to the idea that we should record community events and post to YouTube for promotional purposes. George has produced videos in the past and said he would be happy to help out using equipment at the Ideas Hub.
10. Group Dinner Social
Chelmsford College will be running a local food event at their restaurant week commencing 20th October.
- Action: Pam to look into arrangements.
11. Next Monthly Meeting
Tuesday 28/10/14, 5:30-6:45pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square. Just prior to the Ideas Festival event: Community Land Trusts - Getting the “Right Kind” of Development.
August 2014
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 28/08/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Pam Swaby, Barrie Allsop, Stuart Connor, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Rob Worley, Leonie Ramondt, Stuart Little
Apologies: Charlotte Welch
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Cider Production
Charlie and Rob visited the orchard at Chelmer Park and found that most of the apples appeared to be diseased. Since this was to be a major source of apples for this year’s batch it seems unlikely that the community cider project will go ahead this year, at least in the its intended form. There is the possibility of using unwanted fruit donated from gardens, but doing so would require transport and storage facilities that we don’t currently have access to.
On a positive note, Charlie made contact with Claire Irons of Chelmsford and Mid-Essex CAMRA’s cider committee. Claire originally intended to document and help out with this project and is now helping to arrange a cider stall for the food market.
➡ Action for all: please report back to the group ASAP if you hear of an alternative source of apples, ideally from a small orchard rather than a garden.
2. High Chelmer Tree Preservation
As reported in previous minutes, the tree outside High Chelmer between the Co-op and YMCA is under threat of removal as part of plans to develop the area into a restaurant quarter.
In light of opposition from the public, planning officers have sought to persuade the developer to retain the tree but the developer still wishes to remove the tree.
It is our understanding that the land is owned by Chelmsford City Council and that the final decision rests with the council.
➡ Action: Simon to contact the councillor responsible and update group with his response.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
The food market will on Sunday 26th October as part of the 2014 Ideas Festival.
We’ve had an excellent response from vendors. Stalls will offer local beers, fresh oysters, biodynamic beef and lamb, wine, chocolates, fruit and vegetables and baked goods. There are still one or two spaces in the expanded market. Forms must be returned by 1st September.
It seems unlikely we’ll be able to offer samples of our planned community cider at the TTC stall. Claire Irons of Chelmsford and Mid-Essex CAMRA has suggested that either they or The Essex Cider Shop may be able to run a cider stall selling wares from four Essex-based producers.
Entertainment to be provided by the Essex Chordsmen, a Chelmsford-based barbershop chorus.
Chelmsford College will be running a local food event at their restaurant week commencing 20th October. We may look to host our October meeting at their restaurant.
➡ Action: Pam to contact The Essex Cider Shop about running a cider stall.
4. Ideas Festival
Leonie brought along an early preview of the programme, which is now almost finalised. Details of the events can be found online. The festival runs from Monday 20th October to Sunday 2nd November.
Pam is organising a River Celebration to take place on Saturday 25th October, the day before the food market. Plans are still being finalised but are likely to include boat rides and an art installation using materials gathered from the river during a litter pick on Saturday 11th October. There will also be a charity duck race featuring 1,000 rubber ducks!
5. Community Energy Scheme
Barrie and Rob are still working to establish a founding board, looking outside of the group for additional members with appropriate expertise. We’re waiting to hear back from a few key people who are out of contact until September.
There was a consensus that it would be beneficial to produce standardised copy to be used when communicating goals and plans for the scheme. Barrie volunteered to take this on.
Community Energy Fortnight runs from 13th to 28th September. Essex County Council and Southend Borough Council are looking at setting up events but their programmes are not yet finalised. Highwood Village Hall will be open to the public on Sunday 14th September. Please register via EventBrite if you are interested in attending.
➡ Action: Rob to alert the group to further local events organised for Community Energy Fortnight.
➡ Action: Rob to write-up an article for the website and promote on twitter (carried over).
➡ Action: Barrie to draft copy for a flyer on the scheme.
6. Allotment
• The shed roof has been recovered with felt so is now water-tight in time for the winter.
• The Hügelkultur bed has now been covered with soil and comfrey, awaiting planting next year.
• Compost beds have been planned and second-hand pallets acquired for construction, which forms the next project.
• Stuart was kind enough to bring along a selection of produce for the enjoyment of all.
➡ Action: Pam or Leonie to set event promotion banners aside at Stuart’s request for weed suppression.
8. Communications
Leonie pointed out we should make more effective use of the mailing list and work to attract more casual/occasional attendees back to the meetings.
➡ Action: Rob to ensure more widespread notification of upcoming meetings and minutes via TTC mailing list.
➡ Action: Stuart to help Peter with mailings to distribution lists.
9. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 25/09/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
Date, time: 28/08/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Pam Swaby, Barrie Allsop, Stuart Connor, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Rob Worley, Leonie Ramondt, Stuart Little
Apologies: Charlotte Welch
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Cider Production
Charlie and Rob visited the orchard at Chelmer Park and found that most of the apples appeared to be diseased. Since this was to be a major source of apples for this year’s batch it seems unlikely that the community cider project will go ahead this year, at least in the its intended form. There is the possibility of using unwanted fruit donated from gardens, but doing so would require transport and storage facilities that we don’t currently have access to.
On a positive note, Charlie made contact with Claire Irons of Chelmsford and Mid-Essex CAMRA’s cider committee. Claire originally intended to document and help out with this project and is now helping to arrange a cider stall for the food market.
➡ Action for all: please report back to the group ASAP if you hear of an alternative source of apples, ideally from a small orchard rather than a garden.
2. High Chelmer Tree Preservation
As reported in previous minutes, the tree outside High Chelmer between the Co-op and YMCA is under threat of removal as part of plans to develop the area into a restaurant quarter.
In light of opposition from the public, planning officers have sought to persuade the developer to retain the tree but the developer still wishes to remove the tree.
It is our understanding that the land is owned by Chelmsford City Council and that the final decision rests with the council.
➡ Action: Simon to contact the councillor responsible and update group with his response.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
The food market will on Sunday 26th October as part of the 2014 Ideas Festival.
We’ve had an excellent response from vendors. Stalls will offer local beers, fresh oysters, biodynamic beef and lamb, wine, chocolates, fruit and vegetables and baked goods. There are still one or two spaces in the expanded market. Forms must be returned by 1st September.
It seems unlikely we’ll be able to offer samples of our planned community cider at the TTC stall. Claire Irons of Chelmsford and Mid-Essex CAMRA has suggested that either they or The Essex Cider Shop may be able to run a cider stall selling wares from four Essex-based producers.
Entertainment to be provided by the Essex Chordsmen, a Chelmsford-based barbershop chorus.
Chelmsford College will be running a local food event at their restaurant week commencing 20th October. We may look to host our October meeting at their restaurant.
➡ Action: Pam to contact The Essex Cider Shop about running a cider stall.
4. Ideas Festival
Leonie brought along an early preview of the programme, which is now almost finalised. Details of the events can be found online. The festival runs from Monday 20th October to Sunday 2nd November.
Pam is organising a River Celebration to take place on Saturday 25th October, the day before the food market. Plans are still being finalised but are likely to include boat rides and an art installation using materials gathered from the river during a litter pick on Saturday 11th October. There will also be a charity duck race featuring 1,000 rubber ducks!
5. Community Energy Scheme
Barrie and Rob are still working to establish a founding board, looking outside of the group for additional members with appropriate expertise. We’re waiting to hear back from a few key people who are out of contact until September.
There was a consensus that it would be beneficial to produce standardised copy to be used when communicating goals and plans for the scheme. Barrie volunteered to take this on.
Community Energy Fortnight runs from 13th to 28th September. Essex County Council and Southend Borough Council are looking at setting up events but their programmes are not yet finalised. Highwood Village Hall will be open to the public on Sunday 14th September. Please register via EventBrite if you are interested in attending.
➡ Action: Rob to alert the group to further local events organised for Community Energy Fortnight.
➡ Action: Rob to write-up an article for the website and promote on twitter (carried over).
➡ Action: Barrie to draft copy for a flyer on the scheme.
6. Allotment
• The shed roof has been recovered with felt so is now water-tight in time for the winter.
• The Hügelkultur bed has now been covered with soil and comfrey, awaiting planting next year.
• Compost beds have been planned and second-hand pallets acquired for construction, which forms the next project.
• Stuart was kind enough to bring along a selection of produce for the enjoyment of all.
➡ Action: Pam or Leonie to set event promotion banners aside at Stuart’s request for weed suppression.
8. Communications
Leonie pointed out we should make more effective use of the mailing list and work to attract more casual/occasional attendees back to the meetings.
➡ Action: Rob to ensure more widespread notification of upcoming meetings and minutes via TTC mailing list.
➡ Action: Stuart to help Peter with mailings to distribution lists.
9. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 25/09/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
July 2014
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 31/07/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Barrie Allsop, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Jenny Swaby, Pam Swaby, Charlotte Welch, Rob Worley
Apologies: Stuart Connor, Karen Fulcher, Julie Oliver, Leonie Ramondt Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Community Energy Scheme
Barrie and Rob have been working to find contacts within and outside of TTC to form a group of founders for a Balcombe-like scheme. We discussed the pros and cons of this approach vs a series of smaller scale domestic installations.
Charlie suggested that we visit the Wilderness Foundation site at Chatham Green where sun- tracking solar panels have been installed with space for grazing beneath.
➡ Action: Peter to send Rob’s recruitment email to a larger list of contacts.
➡ Action: Peter to ask at Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society about interest in the scheme and potential sites for installation.
➡ Action: Rob to write-up an article for the website and promote on twitter.
➡ Action: Charlie to pass-on details of a useful contact at CHP.
➡ Action: Barrie to contact school governors at KEGS and CCHS.
2. Cider Production
Charlie confirmed that early apples will be ready for harvesting from the community orchard towards the end of August. We’ll need to determine if we can gather enough apples to qualify for free pressing.
➡ Action: Charlie to draft email calling for volunteers and forward to Peter for distribution to the TTC mailing list.
➡ Action: Charlie to contact Hill Holme Juice on 01621 891304 / [email protected] to discuss pressing.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
• Pam stated that completed booking forms are now flowing in from vendors.
• We agreed that TTC will take a stall at the market and may give away cider samples.
• Pam had hoped to enlist a morris dancing group to provide entertainment but the price appears prohibitive.
➡ Action: Rob to contact a local barbershop chorus who may be able to provide entertainment.
4. Allotment
Stuart supplied an update by email:
Shed
Windows have been fixed (thanks Dad!) and we have a piece of felt which will cover about half the roof. We need to try and get a donation (freecycle) for the rest before attempting to fix prior to the winter weather. Shed is now being used to store a few tools and other horticultural bits as well as waste cardboard for deployment as mulch next year.
Greenhouse
I have taken down the large shrub/small tree that was on the edge of the proposed area for raising the greenhouse. I am know in the arduous process of trying to grub up the stump (the shreddings have been saved to create a path leading to the shed). Next task will be to do a partial assembly of the bits to make sure we understand how it goes back up.
Produce
• Current: Lots of potatoes, beans (french/runner), chard, rhubarb, courgettes, chillies.
• Nearly finished: Beetroots and onions.
• No starter: Most of the brassicas (combination of slugs, pigeons, caterpillars and flea beetle!)
• Long gone: Broad beans, cauliflowers, peas.
• The future: Main crop potatoes, tomatillos, leeks, 3 different types of squash, (also celeriac/okra/ aubergines maybe depending on progress)
Other
The Hügelkultur bed has been dug and filled with the mix of rotting/new wood we collected. We will re-cover with the soil sometime in the autumn and let it settle, with a target of first plantings in the spring.
I have saved seed from the 2 varieties of broad beans and the peas as well as some herbs. Would like to try saving tomatoes too and might try the leeks as we have lots of them. Long term the idea would be to save as many types as possible and set up a seed-saving circle.
Peter and myself scavenged some more pallets and worked out how we are going to build the compost bins. A task for late summer/autumn.
Charlie mentioned that seed circles do operate within individual allotment sites and that it should be possible to expand them across sites.
5. City Centre Parks Volunteering Day
Charlie stated that a volunteering day is being organised for 12th September. Volunteers will work across Central Park, Tower Gardens and Admirals Park.
6. Ideas Festival
Pam is organising a River Celebration to take place on Saturday 25th October, the day before the food market. Plans are still being finalised but are likely to include boat rides and an art installation using materials gathered from the river.
The Ideas Festival web page now contains an extensive calendar of events.
7. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 28/08/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
Date, time: 31/07/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Barrie Allsop, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Jenny Swaby, Pam Swaby, Charlotte Welch, Rob Worley
Apologies: Stuart Connor, Karen Fulcher, Julie Oliver, Leonie Ramondt Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Community Energy Scheme
Barrie and Rob have been working to find contacts within and outside of TTC to form a group of founders for a Balcombe-like scheme. We discussed the pros and cons of this approach vs a series of smaller scale domestic installations.
Charlie suggested that we visit the Wilderness Foundation site at Chatham Green where sun- tracking solar panels have been installed with space for grazing beneath.
➡ Action: Peter to send Rob’s recruitment email to a larger list of contacts.
➡ Action: Peter to ask at Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society about interest in the scheme and potential sites for installation.
➡ Action: Rob to write-up an article for the website and promote on twitter.
➡ Action: Charlie to pass-on details of a useful contact at CHP.
➡ Action: Barrie to contact school governors at KEGS and CCHS.
2. Cider Production
Charlie confirmed that early apples will be ready for harvesting from the community orchard towards the end of August. We’ll need to determine if we can gather enough apples to qualify for free pressing.
➡ Action: Charlie to draft email calling for volunteers and forward to Peter for distribution to the TTC mailing list.
➡ Action: Charlie to contact Hill Holme Juice on 01621 891304 / [email protected] to discuss pressing.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
• Pam stated that completed booking forms are now flowing in from vendors.
• We agreed that TTC will take a stall at the market and may give away cider samples.
• Pam had hoped to enlist a morris dancing group to provide entertainment but the price appears prohibitive.
➡ Action: Rob to contact a local barbershop chorus who may be able to provide entertainment.
4. Allotment
Stuart supplied an update by email:
Shed
Windows have been fixed (thanks Dad!) and we have a piece of felt which will cover about half the roof. We need to try and get a donation (freecycle) for the rest before attempting to fix prior to the winter weather. Shed is now being used to store a few tools and other horticultural bits as well as waste cardboard for deployment as mulch next year.
Greenhouse
I have taken down the large shrub/small tree that was on the edge of the proposed area for raising the greenhouse. I am know in the arduous process of trying to grub up the stump (the shreddings have been saved to create a path leading to the shed). Next task will be to do a partial assembly of the bits to make sure we understand how it goes back up.
Produce
• Current: Lots of potatoes, beans (french/runner), chard, rhubarb, courgettes, chillies.
• Nearly finished: Beetroots and onions.
• No starter: Most of the brassicas (combination of slugs, pigeons, caterpillars and flea beetle!)
• Long gone: Broad beans, cauliflowers, peas.
• The future: Main crop potatoes, tomatillos, leeks, 3 different types of squash, (also celeriac/okra/ aubergines maybe depending on progress)
Other
The Hügelkultur bed has been dug and filled with the mix of rotting/new wood we collected. We will re-cover with the soil sometime in the autumn and let it settle, with a target of first plantings in the spring.
I have saved seed from the 2 varieties of broad beans and the peas as well as some herbs. Would like to try saving tomatoes too and might try the leeks as we have lots of them. Long term the idea would be to save as many types as possible and set up a seed-saving circle.
Peter and myself scavenged some more pallets and worked out how we are going to build the compost bins. A task for late summer/autumn.
Charlie mentioned that seed circles do operate within individual allotment sites and that it should be possible to expand them across sites.
5. City Centre Parks Volunteering Day
Charlie stated that a volunteering day is being organised for 12th September. Volunteers will work across Central Park, Tower Gardens and Admirals Park.
6. Ideas Festival
Pam is organising a River Celebration to take place on Saturday 25th October, the day before the food market. Plans are still being finalised but are likely to include boat rides and an art installation using materials gathered from the river.
The Ideas Festival web page now contains an extensive calendar of events.
7. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 28/08/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
June 2014
Transition Chelmsford - Meeting Minutes
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 26/06/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Barrie Allsop, Leonie Ramondt, Karen Fulcher, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor, Rob Worley
Apologies: Pam Swaby, Peter Foreman, Julie Oliver, Charlotte Welch
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Cider Harvest Festival.
Simon confirmed that we will be able to promote the project from a table at The Woolpack’s beer festival. The festival will run from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th September 2014.
Pam established contact and met with a representative from the local brewery.
2. Ideas Festival
The 2014 Ideas Festival will run from the 20th October to 2nd November.
Stuart and Leonie have conducted conversations with contacts at Writtle College regarding vertical gardens.
➡ Action: Leonie to investigate setting up a vertical garden demonstration concurrent with the Purely Essex Food Market.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
The local food market will return as part of the Ideas Festival on Sunday 26th October.
We discussed the possibility of providing hot food prepared using allotment-grown produce in order to promote allotments and cooking from scratch. A squash soup would be simple to prepare from seasonal produce and can be kept warm without spoiling.
➡ Action: Rob still to contact a few local producers regarding stalls at the market.
4. Allotment
Stuart supplied an update:
• There is now plenty of produce available for harvesting.
• Beetroot and beans are coming along well.
• Kale and beans are under attack from slugs.
• Some of the protective netting is no longer in place and crops have been eaten by pigeons.
• Potatoes to be harvested soon.!!
We have received a donation of two apple trees, an apricot tree, gooseberry bushes and chives via Freecycle. These will be maintained in pots until winter when they will be transplanted into the ground.
The greenhouse raising should take place prior to the spring so that we can take full advantage at the start of the next growing season. It’s likely that we’ll prepare the ground and raise the greenhouse across two successive weekends.
We discussed various ideas for increasing utilisation of allotments throughout the city, including mentoring, volunteer labour, the requirement for education on cooking food from scratch, and possible tie-ins with local NHS or council schemes.
➡ Action: Karen to investigate local partnerships between statutory and non-statutory agencies.
5. Community Energy Scheme
Rob has been reading through PlanLoCal resources designed to provide guidance for establishing community-led renewable energy projects.
Barrie has been researching the REPOWERBalcombe in detail and pointed out the need to establish a board to kick-off a local scheme.
Simon mentioned that the centre of Chelmsford features a large number of flat-roofed buildings that may be suitable for PV arrays. The High Chelmer shopping centre could make a good starting point.
➡ Action: Rob to attend Chelmsford Green Drinks to solicit interest in joining the board from attendees.
➡ Action: Simon to introduce Mick McDonagh of High Chelmer and Barrie to discuss the possibility of a community-owned PV installation.
➡ Action: Barrie to contact REPOWERBalcombe with a view to arranging a visit.
6. Community Asset Register
Simon continues to work on registering the silk factory/original Marconi factory as a community asset.
7. Publicity
Peter noted by email that Karen’s press release led to an article in the Chelmsford Weekly News.
➡ Action: Karen to locate the article and circulate to the group.
8. High Chelmer Tree Removal
Rob wrote to Matthew Perry, Planning Officer at Chelmsford City Council on behalf of the group. Our comments have been attached to the planning application for the restaurant quarter.
Leonie noted that the tree has recently been pollarded.
9. Ideas Hub
Leonie reported that a strong working party will meet in the coming week to produce a sustainable business plan for a social enterprise or charity. Subscriptions from the co-working space are expected to form a principal source of funds.
10. Synergies and Cooperation
Leonie pointed out that Friends of the Earth, RSA and Transition all met separately in Chelmsford this week. These groups share many goals but currently do little to cooperate. Perhaps we can solicit and reciprocate support for specific projects?
11. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 31/07/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 26/06/2014, 7-9pm
Location: Ideas Hub, 1-4 Market Square, CM1 1XF
Attendees: Barrie Allsop, Leonie Ramondt, Karen Fulcher, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor, Rob Worley
Apologies: Pam Swaby, Peter Foreman, Julie Oliver, Charlotte Welch
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Cider Harvest Festival.
Simon confirmed that we will be able to promote the project from a table at The Woolpack’s beer festival. The festival will run from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th September 2014.
Pam established contact and met with a representative from the local brewery.
2. Ideas Festival
The 2014 Ideas Festival will run from the 20th October to 2nd November.
Stuart and Leonie have conducted conversations with contacts at Writtle College regarding vertical gardens.
➡ Action: Leonie to investigate setting up a vertical garden demonstration concurrent with the Purely Essex Food Market.
3. Purely Essex Food Market
The local food market will return as part of the Ideas Festival on Sunday 26th October.
We discussed the possibility of providing hot food prepared using allotment-grown produce in order to promote allotments and cooking from scratch. A squash soup would be simple to prepare from seasonal produce and can be kept warm without spoiling.
➡ Action: Rob still to contact a few local producers regarding stalls at the market.
4. Allotment
Stuart supplied an update:
• There is now plenty of produce available for harvesting.
• Beetroot and beans are coming along well.
• Kale and beans are under attack from slugs.
• Some of the protective netting is no longer in place and crops have been eaten by pigeons.
• Potatoes to be harvested soon.!!
We have received a donation of two apple trees, an apricot tree, gooseberry bushes and chives via Freecycle. These will be maintained in pots until winter when they will be transplanted into the ground.
The greenhouse raising should take place prior to the spring so that we can take full advantage at the start of the next growing season. It’s likely that we’ll prepare the ground and raise the greenhouse across two successive weekends.
We discussed various ideas for increasing utilisation of allotments throughout the city, including mentoring, volunteer labour, the requirement for education on cooking food from scratch, and possible tie-ins with local NHS or council schemes.
➡ Action: Karen to investigate local partnerships between statutory and non-statutory agencies.
5. Community Energy Scheme
Rob has been reading through PlanLoCal resources designed to provide guidance for establishing community-led renewable energy projects.
Barrie has been researching the REPOWERBalcombe in detail and pointed out the need to establish a board to kick-off a local scheme.
Simon mentioned that the centre of Chelmsford features a large number of flat-roofed buildings that may be suitable for PV arrays. The High Chelmer shopping centre could make a good starting point.
➡ Action: Rob to attend Chelmsford Green Drinks to solicit interest in joining the board from attendees.
➡ Action: Simon to introduce Mick McDonagh of High Chelmer and Barrie to discuss the possibility of a community-owned PV installation.
➡ Action: Barrie to contact REPOWERBalcombe with a view to arranging a visit.
6. Community Asset Register
Simon continues to work on registering the silk factory/original Marconi factory as a community asset.
7. Publicity
Peter noted by email that Karen’s press release led to an article in the Chelmsford Weekly News.
➡ Action: Karen to locate the article and circulate to the group.
8. High Chelmer Tree Removal
Rob wrote to Matthew Perry, Planning Officer at Chelmsford City Council on behalf of the group. Our comments have been attached to the planning application for the restaurant quarter.
Leonie noted that the tree has recently been pollarded.
9. Ideas Hub
Leonie reported that a strong working party will meet in the coming week to produce a sustainable business plan for a social enterprise or charity. Subscriptions from the co-working space are expected to form a principal source of funds.
10. Synergies and Cooperation
Leonie pointed out that Friends of the Earth, RSA and Transition all met separately in Chelmsford this week. These groups share many goals but currently do little to cooperate. Perhaps we can solicit and reciprocate support for specific projects?
11. Next Monthly Meeting
Thursday 31/07/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
May 2014
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 29/05/14, 7-9pm
Location: The Woolpack, Mildmay Rd, CM2 0DN
Attendees: Barrie Allsop, Charlotte Welch, Pam Swaby, Leonie Ramondt, Jenny Swaby, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor, Steven Funnell, Rob Worley
Apologies: Karen Fulcher, Peter Foreman, Julie Oliver
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Big Lunch Extras Camp at Eden Project
Simon attended this three-day residential camp to learn about funding opportunities available for community projects. Since attending, he has received a conditional offer of funding for a cycling event and is currently constructing a bid to purchase a building for use by the community.
Leonie is planning to attend the July camp. Entry is free of charge, with transport, food and accommodation provided.
Anyone can apply to attend at http://www.biglunchextras.com/events/july-2014-camp-0.
Big Lunch Extras are also able to assist in writing bids, identifying potential sources of funding and applying for grants.
2. Cider Harvest Festival
Peter spoke with his contact following our last meeting. They recommended using Hill Holme Juice to press the apples that we plan to gather from the local area.
Rob pointed out that their website states we may be able to obtain a free pressing if we can collect more than 250kg of apples, in exchange for giving up a percentage of the yield. 250kg equates to about 1,250 apples. Charlotte and Stuart suggested that this should be a realistic target.
Charlotte reminded the group that there is a plan to use crowd-funding to cover production expenses, with any profit being allocated to community projects. She pointed out that it would be prudent to conduct an experimental press using early-season apples to demonstrate that we can gather sufficient fruit and produce a high quality cider.
Simon has discussed the possibility of partnering with a local brewery. Further discussion will be required to cement their involvement.
Leonie pointed out that there is considerable cider brewing expertise within TTC and that members should be consulted for advice.
⇒ Action: Charlotte and Pam to establish next steps and continue to move this project forwards, collaborating with Linda Mascot if possible.
⇒ Action: Discuss the possibility of setting up an information stall at the Woolpack autumn cider festival.
⇒ Action: Pam to contact local brewery regarding brewing and storage.
⇒ Action: Leonie to provide contact information for TTC cider experts.
3. Engineering Competition
Between meetings, Peter mentioned that the annual Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society Schools’ Engineering Competition is to be judged on Friday 20th June.
⇒ Action: Rob to discuss with Peter the possibility of encouraging a focus on renewable energy projects for next year.
4. Ideas Festival
The 2014 Ideas Festival will run from the 20th October to 2nd November.
Leonie is planning to organise a contest to produce the best self-watering vertical garden, the idea being that such installations may provide privacy (and food) for residents of urban housing developments. The exposure could lead to entrepreneurial opportunities for competition entrants. Attempts to engage Writtle College in sponsoring the competition have so far been unsuccessful.
⇒ Action: Leonie to introduce Stuart to the on-going conversation.
⇒ Action: Stuart to follow-up using his contacts at the college if possible.
5. Local Food Market
The local food market will return as part of the Ideas Festival on Sunday 26th October.
Pam is organising. Key points:
• All of last year’s vendors have expressed a desire to return.
• This year’s market will be expanded and should see ten additional stalls and a wider variety of vendors.
• TTC members will help in the run-up and on the day as requested by Pam.
• It would be useful to have an apprentice or assistant to help deal with the workload, particularly if the event is to run more frequently in the future.
⇒ Action: Pam to let the group know what further support she might want, either for market day or in the run-up.
⇒ Action: Pam to send final booking form and list of last year’s exhibitors to Rob.
⇒ Action: Rob to contact a number of local producers who were not present in 2013.
6. Allotment
• The allotment is thriving despite the best efforts of the resident slugs.
• We have organised a shed raising and potluck lunch to take place on Sunday 1st June. All are welcome from 10:30am.
• We now have seven regular volunteers.
• Simon is looking into the possibility of renting an additional plot.
7. Urban Farming
Nine respondents expressed an interest in this topic in a survey conducted by the Ideas Hub. Neither wants to lead the project so it is now dormant.
8. Community Energy Scheme
Rob and Barrie attended a community energy workshop run by Daniel Kenning and Rupert Blackstone in Great Yeldham, where the presenters outlined a framework for obtaining support and funding for medium-to-large scale community projects.
Rob has been researching successful community energy co-ops and is planning to present a proposal to TTC and ultimately to the local community.
Steven Funnel has recommended some local PV installers who should be able to help construct a business case.
Pam knows of a PV scheme near Colchester with installations on school roofs that pays a substantial dividend to local shareholders. She suggested that Essex County Council might be able to help with formation and legal advice.
⇒ Action: Pam to send details of contacts to Rob.
⇒ Action: Rob to establish contact and try to arrange a visit to learn more.
9. Community Asset Register
Simon explained the concept of Community Right to Bid. When he last checked the only building held on Chelmsford City Council’s list was Danbury Parish Council’s meeting place.
10. Publicity
We have resumed regular updates of our twitter feed and website.
Rob suggested that larger projects such as cider production and an energy co-op may benefit from the appointment of a Publicity Officer to ensure they receive proper exposure in the printed press and on local radio.
Leonie advised that this person should have an apprentice or assistant to share the workload and ensure continuity.
⇒ Action: Simon to contact the Principal of Chelmsford College to discuss the potential creation of work experience placements for PR, local food market and further projects.
11. Sudbury Transition Meeting
Transition members from across East Anglia are meeting in Sudbury this Saturday to share ideas and participate in group workshops. Pam and Leonie plan to attend.
12. Tree Removal
A mature tree at the northern entrance to the High Chelmer shopping centre is under threat of removal. TTC will make representation to Chelmsford City Council objecting to the removal of this and other mature trees within the city centre.
⇒ Action: Simon to provide background to Rob.
⇒ Action: Rob to make representation on behalf of TTC.
13. Ideas Hub
Leonie mentioned that the unit currently occupied by the Ideas Hub in Market Square is now the subject of bids from a number of retailers. It seems likely that the hub could move to another vacant unit in the town centre, but more volunteers are required to make this happen and ensure it operates smoothly into the future. The hub may close altogether unless sufficient volunteers are found.
Jenny volunteered to help one day per week.
14. Next Monthly Meeting: Thursday 26/06/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
Date, time: 29/05/14, 7-9pm
Location: The Woolpack, Mildmay Rd, CM2 0DN
Attendees: Barrie Allsop, Charlotte Welch, Pam Swaby, Leonie Ramondt, Jenny Swaby, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor, Steven Funnell, Rob Worley
Apologies: Karen Fulcher, Peter Foreman, Julie Oliver
Minutes: Rob Worley
1. Big Lunch Extras Camp at Eden Project
Simon attended this three-day residential camp to learn about funding opportunities available for community projects. Since attending, he has received a conditional offer of funding for a cycling event and is currently constructing a bid to purchase a building for use by the community.
Leonie is planning to attend the July camp. Entry is free of charge, with transport, food and accommodation provided.
Anyone can apply to attend at http://www.biglunchextras.com/events/july-2014-camp-0.
Big Lunch Extras are also able to assist in writing bids, identifying potential sources of funding and applying for grants.
2. Cider Harvest Festival
Peter spoke with his contact following our last meeting. They recommended using Hill Holme Juice to press the apples that we plan to gather from the local area.
Rob pointed out that their website states we may be able to obtain a free pressing if we can collect more than 250kg of apples, in exchange for giving up a percentage of the yield. 250kg equates to about 1,250 apples. Charlotte and Stuart suggested that this should be a realistic target.
Charlotte reminded the group that there is a plan to use crowd-funding to cover production expenses, with any profit being allocated to community projects. She pointed out that it would be prudent to conduct an experimental press using early-season apples to demonstrate that we can gather sufficient fruit and produce a high quality cider.
Simon has discussed the possibility of partnering with a local brewery. Further discussion will be required to cement their involvement.
Leonie pointed out that there is considerable cider brewing expertise within TTC and that members should be consulted for advice.
⇒ Action: Charlotte and Pam to establish next steps and continue to move this project forwards, collaborating with Linda Mascot if possible.
⇒ Action: Discuss the possibility of setting up an information stall at the Woolpack autumn cider festival.
⇒ Action: Pam to contact local brewery regarding brewing and storage.
⇒ Action: Leonie to provide contact information for TTC cider experts.
3. Engineering Competition
Between meetings, Peter mentioned that the annual Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society Schools’ Engineering Competition is to be judged on Friday 20th June.
⇒ Action: Rob to discuss with Peter the possibility of encouraging a focus on renewable energy projects for next year.
4. Ideas Festival
The 2014 Ideas Festival will run from the 20th October to 2nd November.
Leonie is planning to organise a contest to produce the best self-watering vertical garden, the idea being that such installations may provide privacy (and food) for residents of urban housing developments. The exposure could lead to entrepreneurial opportunities for competition entrants. Attempts to engage Writtle College in sponsoring the competition have so far been unsuccessful.
⇒ Action: Leonie to introduce Stuart to the on-going conversation.
⇒ Action: Stuart to follow-up using his contacts at the college if possible.
5. Local Food Market
The local food market will return as part of the Ideas Festival on Sunday 26th October.
Pam is organising. Key points:
• All of last year’s vendors have expressed a desire to return.
• This year’s market will be expanded and should see ten additional stalls and a wider variety of vendors.
• TTC members will help in the run-up and on the day as requested by Pam.
• It would be useful to have an apprentice or assistant to help deal with the workload, particularly if the event is to run more frequently in the future.
⇒ Action: Pam to let the group know what further support she might want, either for market day or in the run-up.
⇒ Action: Pam to send final booking form and list of last year’s exhibitors to Rob.
⇒ Action: Rob to contact a number of local producers who were not present in 2013.
6. Allotment
• The allotment is thriving despite the best efforts of the resident slugs.
• We have organised a shed raising and potluck lunch to take place on Sunday 1st June. All are welcome from 10:30am.
• We now have seven regular volunteers.
• Simon is looking into the possibility of renting an additional plot.
7. Urban Farming
Nine respondents expressed an interest in this topic in a survey conducted by the Ideas Hub. Neither wants to lead the project so it is now dormant.
8. Community Energy Scheme
Rob and Barrie attended a community energy workshop run by Daniel Kenning and Rupert Blackstone in Great Yeldham, where the presenters outlined a framework for obtaining support and funding for medium-to-large scale community projects.
Rob has been researching successful community energy co-ops and is planning to present a proposal to TTC and ultimately to the local community.
Steven Funnel has recommended some local PV installers who should be able to help construct a business case.
Pam knows of a PV scheme near Colchester with installations on school roofs that pays a substantial dividend to local shareholders. She suggested that Essex County Council might be able to help with formation and legal advice.
⇒ Action: Pam to send details of contacts to Rob.
⇒ Action: Rob to establish contact and try to arrange a visit to learn more.
9. Community Asset Register
Simon explained the concept of Community Right to Bid. When he last checked the only building held on Chelmsford City Council’s list was Danbury Parish Council’s meeting place.
10. Publicity
We have resumed regular updates of our twitter feed and website.
Rob suggested that larger projects such as cider production and an energy co-op may benefit from the appointment of a Publicity Officer to ensure they receive proper exposure in the printed press and on local radio.
Leonie advised that this person should have an apprentice or assistant to share the workload and ensure continuity.
⇒ Action: Simon to contact the Principal of Chelmsford College to discuss the potential creation of work experience placements for PR, local food market and further projects.
11. Sudbury Transition Meeting
Transition members from across East Anglia are meeting in Sudbury this Saturday to share ideas and participate in group workshops. Pam and Leonie plan to attend.
12. Tree Removal
A mature tree at the northern entrance to the High Chelmer shopping centre is under threat of removal. TTC will make representation to Chelmsford City Council objecting to the removal of this and other mature trees within the city centre.
⇒ Action: Simon to provide background to Rob.
⇒ Action: Rob to make representation on behalf of TTC.
13. Ideas Hub
Leonie mentioned that the unit currently occupied by the Ideas Hub in Market Square is now the subject of bids from a number of retailers. It seems likely that the hub could move to another vacant unit in the town centre, but more volunteers are required to make this happen and ensure it operates smoothly into the future. The hub may close altogether unless sufficient volunteers are found.
Jenny volunteered to help one day per week.
14. Next Monthly Meeting: Thursday 26/06/14, 7-9pm, Ideas Hub, Market Square
April 2014
Transition Chelmsford - Meeting Minutes
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 23/04/14, 7-9pm
Location: The Woolpack, Mildmay Rd, CM2 0DN
Attendees: Charlotte Welch, Karen Fulcher, Peter Foreman, Rob Worley, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor
Apologies: Pam Swaby
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: Copy of group role descriptions, originally distributed June 2013 (pp. 4-5 of Minutes)
1. TC Group Roles
TC group roles and responsibilities requiring volunteers were agreed as follows:
2. TC future projects
Energy-related projects suggested:
Rob and Simon brought up an awareness-raising discussion around Community Assets and its Register. This scheme allows local communities to bid on buildings, businesses and land which come up for sale but which local residents deem as "assets of community value," and which have already been nominated and added to the Community Assets Register. It can include local parks, post offices, pubs, etc.
Simon initiated a discussion around urban farming which was shown to be an area of interest in a survey he previously carried out at the Ideas Festival in 2013. Unfortunately, no one was able to volunteer to lead in this area.
Simon informed the group that he would be attending an event at the Eden Project which aims to bring local groups together. The event will include information on what makes for a successful funding bid, which may be useful for future TC projects.
5. Cider Harvest Festival
Charlotte informed the group that she had met with people from CAMRA and discussed using apples from community orchards and excess apples donated from community members who have apple trees to make cider to sell at a CAMRA festival. All agreed that TC would like to be involved in this. CAMRA will inspect and assess the apple processing once this has been set up.
There was a discussion around ensuring that TC begins and maintains promotion of the organisation and work it is involved in. Maintaining current information on the TC website and regular Twitter and Facebook updates were highlighted as important. In addition to this, noteworthy projects and events should be highlighted in the media.
Stuart and Simon agreed to ensure the website, Facebook and Twitter were maintained, and Karen and Simon both agreed to ensure press and media involvement for future relevant projects.
7. Grant applications
It was noted that TC projects might be eligible for grants. Community power through rooftop solar farms was an example cited during the meeting of a grant-eligible project TC might get involved in. A tactic for successful application for grant funding was to research successful applications made for similar projects.
Attachment:
Copy of group role descriptions, originally distributed June 2013:
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 23/04/14, 7-9pm
Location: The Woolpack, Mildmay Rd, CM2 0DN
Attendees: Charlotte Welch, Karen Fulcher, Peter Foreman, Rob Worley, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor
Apologies: Pam Swaby
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: Copy of group role descriptions, originally distributed June 2013 (pp. 4-5 of Minutes)
1. TC Group Roles
TC group roles and responsibilities requiring volunteers were agreed as follows:
- Convener/Chairperson: Rob Worley
- TC Facebook page oversight: Simon Mouncey
2. TC future projects
Energy-related projects suggested:
- Rob suggested building a mini-turbine from scrap as a way to promote more environmentally friendly energy and a way TC could showcase their involvement in this area.
- Simon suggested this project be a part of the upcoming Ideas Festival, as the theme this year is "Create." This event might be carried out as a contest for engineering clubs or university students interested in energy.
- Submission of proposal for the Ideas Festival is due by 1 June.
- Action: Rob to contact Daniel to look into other energy-related projects TC might get involved in.
- Action: Peter to try and secure involvement of local engineering clubs.
- Simon is involved in the organisation of a local cycling day event on the 6 July. He is working to get involvement of local cycling businesses.
- Action: Rob to look into mobile cycling repair businesses and get them in touch with Simon for this event.
- Stuart expressed an interest in expanding the allotment to include at least one neighbouring plot and would like to get TC involved in helping others to start their own allotments.
- Charlie suggests working to get more involvement from the local community in the TC allotment
- The allotment shed is ready to be built
- Action: Stuart to send out suggested dates for shed raising and ALL to reply with availability.
Rob and Simon brought up an awareness-raising discussion around Community Assets and its Register. This scheme allows local communities to bid on buildings, businesses and land which come up for sale but which local residents deem as "assets of community value," and which have already been nominated and added to the Community Assets Register. It can include local parks, post offices, pubs, etc.
- Action: Rob to send Simon the relevant links to nominate/apply for community assets.
Simon initiated a discussion around urban farming which was shown to be an area of interest in a survey he previously carried out at the Ideas Festival in 2013. Unfortunately, no one was able to volunteer to lead in this area.
- Action: Simon will follow up with those who expressed an interest in Urban Farming and advise on any progress made.
Simon informed the group that he would be attending an event at the Eden Project which aims to bring local groups together. The event will include information on what makes for a successful funding bid, which may be useful for future TC projects.
- Action: Simon to feed back to the group after attending.
5. Cider Harvest Festival
Charlotte informed the group that she had met with people from CAMRA and discussed using apples from community orchards and excess apples donated from community members who have apple trees to make cider to sell at a CAMRA festival. All agreed that TC would like to be involved in this. CAMRA will inspect and assess the apple processing once this has been set up.
- Action: Charlotte will look into how much cider TC would need to make to sell.
- Action: Peter to contact a local business around the possibility of using their press.
There was a discussion around ensuring that TC begins and maintains promotion of the organisation and work it is involved in. Maintaining current information on the TC website and regular Twitter and Facebook updates were highlighted as important. In addition to this, noteworthy projects and events should be highlighted in the media.
Stuart and Simon agreed to ensure the website, Facebook and Twitter were maintained, and Karen and Simon both agreed to ensure press and media involvement for future relevant projects.
7. Grant applications
It was noted that TC projects might be eligible for grants. Community power through rooftop solar farms was an example cited during the meeting of a grant-eligible project TC might get involved in. A tactic for successful application for grant funding was to research successful applications made for similar projects.
- Action: Rob to discuss this idea with Daniel.
Attachment:
Copy of group role descriptions, originally distributed June 2013:
September 2013
Transition Chelmsford - Meeting Minutes
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 17/09/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Christine Barrett, Josh Miller, Kayode Olafimihan, Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Pam Swaby, Peter Foreman, Stuart Connor
Apologies:
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: None
1. Action updates from meeting held 17/09/13:
Ideas Festival
Food map and local food day
Community radio station
All other actions completed.
1. Treasury report
Peter Foreman, Treasurer, informed the group that the current TC fund total is £101.80.
2. Ideas Festival
Leonie gave update on Ideas Festival:
2. Food map and local food day
Pam gave an update about the Local Food Day:
3. Apples, etc.
Stuart gave background around current development of a project to limit apple waste and scope for future inclusion of other fruits. Stuart and Peter gave an update:
4. Allotment
Stuart gave brief background of allotment and outlined future plans, and gave current update (currently harvesting).
Kayode and Josh talked about their Permablitz projects.
Dues collection:
Enterprise:
A. Community Mural: Leonie advised that there is a mural planned for High Chelmer which would identify local community groups. They require photos.
B. There is a suggestion / possibility of a local Question Time being organised.
8. Next monthly meeting: 27/10/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Local Food Day event meeting to be held 15/10/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer, CM1 1XB
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 17/09/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Christine Barrett, Josh Miller, Kayode Olafimihan, Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Pam Swaby, Peter Foreman, Stuart Connor
Apologies:
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: None
1. Action updates from meeting held 17/09/13:
Ideas Festival
- Action: Pam will give brochures to the Cathedral and ask if they'd promote it.
Food map and local food day
- Action: All to contact Pam if able to volunteer to help out during the day (volunteers needed for the TC info tent, The Hub, and help at the market).
- Action: Stuart to look into getting apple tree cuttings for planting.
Community radio station
- Action: All to volunteer if they would like to be a part of the content of their radio programmes.
All other actions completed.
1. Treasury report
Peter Foreman, Treasurer, informed the group that the current TC fund total is £101.80.
2. Ideas Festival
Leonie gave update on Ideas Festival:
- Leonie distributed copies of the printed Ideas Festival brochure.
- There is a media partnership with The Chronicle and better media exposure of the Ideas Festival
- There will be an article in the Moulsham Times.
- The Chronicle is doing a feature to highlight 10 events, including the Local Food Day.
- Pam suggested a press release for the October issue of Essex Life, if possible, or a piece on the Local Food Day after it has been held, if the deadline has passed to get the event covered beforehand.
- Action: Pam will contact Essex Life about a press release or an article on the Local Food Day.
- Action: Leonie will send Pam her 800-word release so Pam can modify this.
2. Food map and local food day
Pam gave an update about the Local Food Day:
- The Local Food Map will be shown at Hub 1 on the day
- Pam showed the group the planned layout of the vendors' tents on the High Street.
- Pam and Leonie are working on A4 posters to advertise the event.
- The schedule of the Hub events still needs to be confirmed.
- The pumpkin whittler has cancelled and a replacement activity is needed.
- Action: All to contact Pam if able to volunteer to help out during the day (volunteers needed for the TC info tent, The Hub, and help at the market).
- Action: Manoah, Stuart and Simon to complete the banners to advertise the event.
- Action: Pam to send wording for banners to Manoah.
- Action: All to contact Pam if able to volunteer to hang posters at local businesses to advertise the event.
- Action: All to consider volunteering for the Hub events.
3. Apples, etc.
Stuart gave background around current development of a project to limit apple waste and scope for future inclusion of other fruits. Stuart and Peter gave an update:
- Peter completed the macerator.
- Stuart advised that a session has been scheduled at his house for Sunday, 22/9, to collect apples and process them for juice, cider, etc.
- Stuart suggests developing a map of sites where apple collection is available.
- Peter, Stuart and Manoah to work on solar dryer next Summer.
- Using apples (pressing, juicing, etc.) suggested as one of the Hub event for the Local Food Day.
4. Allotment
Stuart gave brief background of allotment and outlined future plans, and gave current update (currently harvesting).
Kayode and Josh talked about their Permablitz projects.
- Suggestion arose to possibly work on a Permablitz project to create another allotment near the TC site which could involve interested local community members.
Dues collection:
- All agreed collection of £2 each meeting, £1 for the use of The Hub and £1 to go toward TC funds.
Enterprise:
- Stuart suggests selling comfrey root cuttings in future
- Leonie suggests looking into enterprise that would involve group work, specifically including building vertical gardens for people who have balconies.
A. Community Mural: Leonie advised that there is a mural planned for High Chelmer which would identify local community groups. They require photos.
- Action: All to submit photos of TC work to Leonie.
B. There is a suggestion / possibility of a local Question Time being organised.
8. Next monthly meeting: 27/10/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Local Food Day event meeting to be held 15/10/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer, CM1 1XB
August 2013
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 13/08/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Christine Barrett, Gary Penman, Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Peter Foreman, Pam Swaby, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor
Apologies: None
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: None
1. Action updates from meeting held 16/07/13:
Hen Keeping
· Julie advised group that she has compiled a list of links for building a hen coop out of pallets and for some useful hen keeping and care advice sites to link into on the TC website.
Healthy Food Plan (and Chelmsford City Council)
Local Food Day (as part of the Ideas Festival)
All other actions completed.
1. Ideas Festival
Leonie gave update on Ideas Festival:
· Carol Hunt is hosting a wild foraging walk. Suggested as a possible TC Day.
· Local Food Day will include workshop and demos (apple identification, apple pressing, etc). Food Day will include the local producers market from 12-4, and a TC show-and-tell, potluck, transitioning movie and TC meeting in The Hub from 4-9.
· Leonie showed the group the Ideas Festival Programme which will go out for printing. There will also be a short piece about the Festival in the City Life newsletter and there are also other plans for general and targeted promotion.
2. Food map and local food day
Pam gave an update about the Local Food Map:
· Pam has been contacting producers using those listed in the Council's database to confirm whether they should be included in the Local Food Map, which is planned to be web-based and interactive.
Pam gave an update about the Local Food Day:
· Pam showed the group the producers' invitation.
· Pam confirmed the market will take place outside of The Quadrant and that there will be 12 tents with 24 spaces, charged at £20 per 8-ft space. There is scope to open the day out to additional producers with suitable tents.
· There are plans to have a small TC info tent/table, as well.
· Pam suggested the producers' display a sign to indicate where they are from.
· Leonie passed on a suggestion for the producers to have star ratings based on the amount of local ingredients they use, whether they are organic, the amount of processing that goes into their product, etc.
· If selling alcohol, a licensing form will need to be completed and sent in.
3. Allotment
Stuart gave update on the allotment which included
· what had been planted and harvested
4. Apples, etc.
Manoah and Peter gave update:
· Janee and Stuart have apple presses
· Manoah, Peter and Stuart designed a macerator, which Peter has made a sample for, has tested and is now building.
· Stuart suggested developing a project toward preventing food (apple) waste.
· Manoah suggested the macerator as a possible enterprise
5. Community radio station
Manoah stated that they have friends who are starting up a community radio station and will be broadcasting from Moulsham Mill and from The Hub during the Ideas Festival. They are currently looking for programme content.
7. Any other business
A. Leonie suggests the group consider ways TC can get involved in enterprise. Possible suggestions are creating edible garden spaces, setting up vertical gardening and kale chips.
B. Stuart gave update on his plans for the TC website, which included splitting each project (apple waste action, Local Food Day, allotment, etc.) into separate blogs which he can update based on information given for the various projects at the TC monthly meeting.
8. Next monthly meeting: 17/09/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Date, time: 13/08/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Christine Barrett, Gary Penman, Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Peter Foreman, Pam Swaby, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor
Apologies: None
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: None
1. Action updates from meeting held 16/07/13:
Hen Keeping
· Julie advised group that she has compiled a list of links for building a hen coop out of pallets and for some useful hen keeping and care advice sites to link into on the TC website.
- Action: Julie to write a small bit about hen keeping for the site and send to Stuart for upload
Healthy Food Plan (and Chelmsford City Council)
- Action: Simon still awaiting date of next allotment group meeting and will advise Stuart when he receives this so that Stuart can attend.
Local Food Day (as part of the Ideas Festival)
- Action: Pam to look to involve "Love food, hate waste."
- Action: Pam to send general information about the day to be used by those who volunteered to contact local producers at the meeting in July.
- Action: Simon will contact CAMRA about local brewers who may wish to be involved in the day once Pam sends this information.
All other actions completed.
1. Ideas Festival
Leonie gave update on Ideas Festival:
· Carol Hunt is hosting a wild foraging walk. Suggested as a possible TC Day.
· Local Food Day will include workshop and demos (apple identification, apple pressing, etc). Food Day will include the local producers market from 12-4, and a TC show-and-tell, potluck, transitioning movie and TC meeting in The Hub from 4-9.
· Leonie showed the group the Ideas Festival Programme which will go out for printing. There will also be a short piece about the Festival in the City Life newsletter and there are also other plans for general and targeted promotion.
- Action: Gary, Peter and Stuart volunteered to help carry boxes when ready.
- Action: Pam will give some to the Cathedral and ask if they'd promote it.
- Action: Gary will get the programme online.
2. Food map and local food day
Pam gave an update about the Local Food Map:
· Pam has been contacting producers using those listed in the Council's database to confirm whether they should be included in the Local Food Map, which is planned to be web-based and interactive.
- Action: Julie to continue to phone the remaining producers listed for confirmation.
Pam gave an update about the Local Food Day:
· Pam showed the group the producers' invitation.
· Pam confirmed the market will take place outside of The Quadrant and that there will be 12 tents with 24 spaces, charged at £20 per 8-ft space. There is scope to open the day out to additional producers with suitable tents.
· There are plans to have a small TC info tent/table, as well.
· Pam suggested the producers' display a sign to indicate where they are from.
· Leonie passed on a suggestion for the producers to have star ratings based on the amount of local ingredients they use, whether they are organic, the amount of processing that goes into their product, etc.
· If selling alcohol, a licensing form will need to be completed and sent in.
- Action: Simon, Stuart and Julie volunteered to assist Pam on the day
- Action: All to contact Pam if able to volunteer to help out during the day (volunteers needed for the TC info tent, The Hub, and help at the market).
- Action: Pam to request proof of PLI from stallholders.
- Action: Pam to look into the licensing completion, if vendors want to sell alcohol.
3. Allotment
Stuart gave update on the allotment which included
· what had been planted and harvested
- Action: Stuart to get pallets picked up from Christine.
4. Apples, etc.
Manoah and Peter gave update:
· Janee and Stuart have apple presses
· Manoah, Peter and Stuart designed a macerator, which Peter has made a sample for, has tested and is now building.
· Stuart suggested developing a project toward preventing food (apple) waste.
· Manoah suggested the macerator as a possible enterprise
- Action: Stuart to look into getting apple tree cuttings for planting.
5. Community radio station
Manoah stated that they have friends who are starting up a community radio station and will be broadcasting from Moulsham Mill and from The Hub during the Ideas Festival. They are currently looking for programme content.
- Action: All to volunteer if they would like to be a part of the content of their radio programmes.
7. Any other business
A. Leonie suggests the group consider ways TC can get involved in enterprise. Possible suggestions are creating edible garden spaces, setting up vertical gardening and kale chips.
B. Stuart gave update on his plans for the TC website, which included splitting each project (apple waste action, Local Food Day, allotment, etc.) into separate blogs which he can update based on information given for the various projects at the TC monthly meeting.
8. Next monthly meeting: 17/09/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
July 2013
Event: Monthly
meeting
Date, time: 16/07/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Gary Penman, Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Pam Swaby, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor
Apologies: None
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: None
1. Action updates from meeting held 18/06/13:
Local Food Mapping progress update (Pam, Leonie)
· Part of agenda and discussed during meeting (see below).
Local food event (Pam, Leonie)
· Part of agenda and discussed during meeting (see below).
Hen Keeping (Julie)
Allotment (Manoah)
Healthy Food Plan (and Chelmsford City Council)
Roles and responsibilities - Newsletter
All other actions completed.
1. Local food map
Pam is working on a Chelmsford local food producers' map for the Council, and is also doing a map relevant to Essex.
2. Local food day (as part of the Ideas Festival)
Pam and Leonie updated the group on progress so far:
· 24 stalls with electricity.
· £20 up-front fee for table and marquee, and those with smaller businesses could share a table with another smaller business.
· Members present agreed Transition Chelmsford would host and coordinate the local slow food day.
Various roles needed and Pam asked for volunteers:
· Pam will contact the initial 24 local food producers and then requires volunteers to contact local food producers if spaces not filled. Initial plan is to contact a certain number of producers each. Gary, Manoah, Peter and Simon volunteered.
· Banner painters (for railings) needed. Manoah, Simon and Stuart volunteered
· Some needed to circulate leaflets and posters for promotion. Julie volunteered.
Considerations raised during discussion:
· Ensure risk assessment is carried out and health and safety rules provided to local producers involved.
· Ensure local producers have adequate liability coverage.
· Ensure time for set-up is factored into the information given to local producers.
Actions arising from discussion:
3. Allotment
Stuart gave update on the allotment, which included:
· Things planted, harvested and the digging currently underway for the fruit beds
· A photographic timeline of the allotment he has added to the Transition Chelmsford website. (Available at: http://transitionchelmsford.weebly.com/allotment.html)
· Future plans, including fruit trees, building a shed and, as long as volunteering at the allotment is adequate, possibly expanding to an adjacent allotment.
4. Transition Chelmsford website
Stuart has re-organised the website and has added new content.
The local food day and other events will be added.
Actions arising from this discussion:
5. Apple day
The group discussed holding an apple day. Part of this would include collecting apples (e.g. from the Chelmsford community orchard) and pressing them for juice.
Peter, Stuart, Manoah, and Julie volunteered to collect apples.
Actions arising from the discussion:
6. Ideas Festival - TC involvement
TC food day part of wider Ideas Festival and other TC involvement in this discussed.
Manoah suggests meeting during the Ideas Festival to encourage new members, a film night and mini-talks by TC members.
Pam suggests a "slow food" film on the local food day.
7. Any other business
Pam advised the group of wild foraging events. The first is a walk by RCCE with Sophie Blythe on the 19th of October from 10:30-12:30 in Southend and the other is with Leon Lewis, costs £25 and includes a meal and wine. It was suggested that the latter may be a good outing for TC members.
Stuart is interested in learning about computer updating/re-using and recycling.
8. Next monthly meeting: 13/08/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Date, time: 16/07/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Gary Penman, Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Pam Swaby, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Stuart Connor
Apologies: None
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments: None
1. Action updates from meeting held 18/06/13:
Local Food Mapping progress update (Pam, Leonie)
· Part of agenda and discussed during meeting (see below).
Local food event (Pam, Leonie)
· Part of agenda and discussed during meeting (see below).
Hen Keeping (Julie)
- Action: Julie to update group of further progress at next meeting
Allotment (Manoah)
- Action: Manoah to find out if friend can pick up wood for shed
Healthy Food Plan (and Chelmsford City Council)
- Action: Simon to advise Stuart of the date for the next allotment group meeting so that he can attend.
Roles and responsibilities - Newsletter
- Action: All to advise Stuart of any content for the newsletter he is putting together.
All other actions completed.
1. Local food map
Pam is working on a Chelmsford local food producers' map for the Council, and is also doing a map relevant to Essex.
2. Local food day (as part of the Ideas Festival)
Pam and Leonie updated the group on progress so far:
· 24 stalls with electricity.
· £20 up-front fee for table and marquee, and those with smaller businesses could share a table with another smaller business.
· Members present agreed Transition Chelmsford would host and coordinate the local slow food day.
Various roles needed and Pam asked for volunteers:
· Pam will contact the initial 24 local food producers and then requires volunteers to contact local food producers if spaces not filled. Initial plan is to contact a certain number of producers each. Gary, Manoah, Peter and Simon volunteered.
· Banner painters (for railings) needed. Manoah, Simon and Stuart volunteered
· Some needed to circulate leaflets and posters for promotion. Julie volunteered.
Considerations raised during discussion:
· Ensure risk assessment is carried out and health and safety rules provided to local producers involved.
· Ensure local producers have adequate liability coverage.
· Ensure time for set-up is factored into the information given to local producers.
Actions arising from discussion:
- Action: Pam to look to involve "Love food, hate waste."
- Action: Simon to contact CAMRA about local brewers who might wish to be involved.
- Action: Pam to create booking form/flyer for local producers.
- Action: Pam to check with Mick to determine expected footfall for the event.
- Action: Peter stated he had come across another local food map already completed. He will forward the details for this to Pam.
- Action: Leonie to find out if pumpkin carver is available this day.
3. Allotment
Stuart gave update on the allotment, which included:
· Things planted, harvested and the digging currently underway for the fruit beds
· A photographic timeline of the allotment he has added to the Transition Chelmsford website. (Available at: http://transitionchelmsford.weebly.com/allotment.html)
· Future plans, including fruit trees, building a shed and, as long as volunteering at the allotment is adequate, possibly expanding to an adjacent allotment.
4. Transition Chelmsford website
Stuart has re-organised the website and has added new content.
The local food day and other events will be added.
Actions arising from this discussion:
- Action: Stuart to add Facebook and Twitter links/buttons.
- Action: All to send on content for the website to Stuart.
5. Apple day
The group discussed holding an apple day. Part of this would include collecting apples (e.g. from the Chelmsford community orchard) and pressing them for juice.
Peter, Stuart, Manoah, and Julie volunteered to collect apples.
Actions arising from the discussion:
- Action: Stuart Peter and Manoah will look into making an apple press and a macerator.
- Action: Manoah will email TC group about getting involved.
6. Ideas Festival - TC involvement
TC food day part of wider Ideas Festival and other TC involvement in this discussed.
Manoah suggests meeting during the Ideas Festival to encourage new members, a film night and mini-talks by TC members.
Pam suggests a "slow food" film on the local food day.
7. Any other business
Pam advised the group of wild foraging events. The first is a walk by RCCE with Sophie Blythe on the 19th of October from 10:30-12:30 in Southend and the other is with Leon Lewis, costs £25 and includes a meal and wine. It was suggested that the latter may be a good outing for TC members.
- Action: Pam will email details to the group.
Stuart is interested in learning about computer updating/re-using and recycling.
- Action: Manoah will put Stuart in touch with someone who might be able to help him with this.
8. Next monthly meeting: 13/08/13, 7-9pm, Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
June 2013
Event: Monthly meeting
Date, time: 18/06/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attendees: Leonie Ramondt, Manoah Smiley, Janee Colvin, Stuart Connor, Peter Foreman, Simon Mouncey, Bob Knowles
Apologies: Pam Swaby
Minutes: Julie Oliver
Attachments:
P5: Allotment map (distributed by Stuart Connor)
pp 6-7: Roles and responsibilities (distributed by Manoah Smiley)
1. Action updates from meeting held 28/05/13:
Local Food Mapping (Pam Swaby, update given by Leonie:)
· Map updated further with farms, orchards.
· Jane Smith from the Council interested in local food mapping but argues that rate payers will want the map to focus specifically on our Borough (5 mile border). She is interested in involving Pam Swaby or other Transitioner on a voluntary basis to research and help design the borough food map, with the Council supplying a phone to be used for the project. Council will print and upload final map to Council website and acknowledge Transition Chelmsford.
- Action: Leonie to update on progress.
· Leonie spoke with Chelmsford Council regarding defining "local" food. Agreed that definition should be restricted to products grown locally or locally prepared foods with ingredients primarily sourced locally.
Local food fair in Market Square - Oct/Nov (Leonie)
· Mike Wray agreed to supply tents for event for £50 delivery fee and £10 set up fee per tent. Mike will cover first £100 of fees.
· If weather poor, Library agreed to allow use of atrium, but no cooking allowed. Library interested in being site for event.
· Leonie sent list of suppliers to Meadows when approached, with request that they reciprocate in kind.
Allotment (Stuart):
· Photos, update for website in progress
- Action: Stuart to update group at next meeting.
Hen Keeping (Julie)
· British Hen Welfare Trust could not provide any local (Essex) classes.
· Contacted Janee Colvin. Possible to promote hen-keeping through TC website and flyers and link into other useful hen-keeping information
· Interest for hen-keeping at TC allotment.
- Action: Julie to update group of further progress at next meeting
Schools gardening
· Stuart working with Lawford Mead School to clean up their allotment and wildlife pond so that students can resume work / start gardening club.
· Leonie happy to introduce folks to Council food group, if useful
All other actions complete.
2. Allotment update
Stuart distributed and explained map of TC allotment (attached). Dotted lines indicate areas planned in future and solid lines indicate areas already established.
Good support for pond. Janee pointed out even a small pond could be good for wildlife.
Simon has plans on using used doors to build a shed. Janee has shed floors she can donate if someone able to collect them. Shed can be built in stages. Shed to be a Winter project.
- Action: All to advise on useable scavenged wood and doors for shed
- Action: Manoah to find out if friend with van can pick up wood from Janee.
Peter suggested a rhubarb plot for the allotment. Stuart will plan for one in Autumn.
Stuart suggested a meeting in Autumn on the allotment. Manoah suggested sometime in September. Date to be advised.
3. Healthy Food Plan (and Chelmsford City Council, CCC)
Leonie part of steering group in the Council working on the Healthy Food Plan, a National initiative which CCC is a part of. Melbourne and S. Woodham Ferrers have greater health problems, per government indicators.
Leonie wants to find out if there might be a way of involving the local community (via children and schools) in action research into barriers to healthy eating.
- Action: Leonie to approach the older people's research group to see if this is of interest.
CCC interested in getting community involved - wants Leonie via the Ideas Hub and TC to take the lead on community engagement.
Discussion / suggestions for involvement include:
1. Allotment gardening involvement
Stuart suggests using volunteers to revive disused plots and then promote their availability and use in communities with higher level of unhealthy indicators. Simon stated this is already part of plans from the Chelmsford allotment group to which he and Pam belong.
- Simon to advise Stuart of the date for the next meeting. Stuart to attend to discuss getting involved.
Possible scope for similar work to Stuart's with Lawford Mead school to be carried out by volunteers from TC.
Leonie raised issue of availability. Plots are available in Melbourne and Avon Road. Simon advised the reason behind the allotment waiting lists for other plots is the number of abandoned plots for which people are still paying yearly fees.
3. Guerrilla gardening / seed bombs
Leonie showed seed bomb she made with the King's Cross skip gardening group days before. She also stated that 3000 young kids at recent Writtle College event.
Simon advised that Pam was already involved in Guerrilla gardening and so should be able to provide more information on TC getting involved.
Simon also advised that the Council won't permit some land in Chelmsford to be used for edible plants, due to pollutants, so this will need to be taken into account when deciding how to move forward with this.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
Manoah distributed sheet of roles and responsibilities (attached) and asked for volunteers to undertake these.
Transition Chelmsford roles/responsibilities as follows:
Communication: Peter Foreman
- Action: Manoah to show Peter how to log onto and use TC email account
Website: Stuart Connor
- Stuart to look at past registrations of interest coming through TC website and follow up/reply.
Newsletter: Stuart Connor
- All to send content for inclusion
Facebook: Manoah Smiley
Network site: Manoah Smiley
Twitter account: Simon Mouncey
Convenor: Julie Oliver or round robin, if others interested
Minute taker: Julie Oliver or round robin, if others interested
5. Ideas Festival (including local food event)
Leonie gave rundown of some of the events already planned for the Ideas Festival. They include the local food fair, sustainable neighbourhoods session (to promote "green" initiatives), scrap heap challenge. Other events also mentioned are well-being events/day, Marconi photo exhibition, poetry session, Black history talk, "If I were mayor for a day, I would...", etc..
Suggestions for possible sessions: pumpkin carving, foraging and wild life walks and talks, cycling plan talk, TC film night
Deadline for ideas (theme: "Imagination") to be included in the promotional material is 14th of July due to design and printing-time constraints.
Actions:
- Leonie to see key local personality would consider being a patron and do a forward for the festival programme
- Manoah to look into organising a TC film night
- Simon to follow up Chelmsford Cycle City to promote at festival
- Leonie to liaise with TC-ers around scheduling wild life walks.
- Janee stated she might be available to get involved in wild life walks. Janee to advise.
6. Fundraising
Stuart asked for ideas about fundraising for the allotment, such as the plan to plant fruit trees over Winter.
Janee suggested asking for donations of plants and cuttings
Suggestion raised to ask for donations for produce from the allotment.
Leonie wondered if "green smoothie" project could be a fund raiser. Stuart suggested selling fresh apple juice from apples collected in Chelmsford. Manoah and Janee stated that obtaining a commercial juicer is a consideration, if planning apple juice. Peter suggested he might be able to make one if he had relevant info.
- Action: Manoah to find online resources about making a commercial juicer and forward to Peter.
7. Next monthly meeting:
Date, time: 16/07/13, 7-9pm
Location: Hub 1, Market Square, High Chelmer CM1 1XB
Attachments:
1. Allotment map (distributed by Stuart Connor)
2. Roles and Responsibilities (2 pages) (distributed by Manoah Smiley)
Local food and mini TC meet – 28th May 2013 7-9pm
Present: Julie and David O, Stuart C, Pam S, Manoah S, Peter F, Leonie R.
Apologies: Heather H, Simon M, Maike W
Discussion:
Pam’s food map. Pam has decided to make Essex the focus - Wilkinson’s helped her identify local suppliers. Definitions of local food are wooly: Is home made/home cooked? Are people repackaging vegetables? Able and Cole; source widely - what is Essex food?
Big Barn lists producers/stall holders for the whole of Anglia. Pam has reduced the list to focus on Essex.
Lathcoate's were on the Apprentice programme last week.
Cheese makers are rare, though the goat farm at Aberton hopes to be back in stock soon.
M+S are joining in the campaign. Pam asked them what do you stock from Essex, they assure her that head office will respond?
Has not yet had time to focus on Southend (Kamil P?) or Basildon. Honey is plentiful locally. 55 people listed so far, but the tip of the iceberg.
Suggestion – do we rate companies? E.g. 5 star just use local food, 2 produce locally, etc.
Resource: James Wong wrote the Home grown revolution, often visits Writtle.
Claudio at Writtle college is interested (specialist) in foraging.
Jenny S has also studied this area in depth. May be a possible candidate for foraging walks/talk?
Leonie to contact Mike W re: tents, explore options if the weather is bad.
Do people bring their own tables etc?
Also to contact Hannah M.
To touch base with Simon M re. Chelmsford college baking event.
The Meadows has recently restarted their farmers markets initiative.
They are holding a food fair between the 28th and 30th June – more info from
http://www.tastesofanglia.com/NewsEvents/Events/tabid/80/Default.aspx
Cressing temple food festival- july 21st http://ecfoodfestival2013.nmgl.co.uk/
Five lakes – October 6 and 7 http://www.theessexfoodshow.co.uk/
Is there a way to make local food cheaper?
Is there a local produce co-op? (young farmers?)
Allotment update Stu for TTC:
Told the back story and gave an update. They’ve been laying down cardboard, taking a low maintenance approach.
Mentioned Martin C - who runs the Agroforestry Research Trust. Would love to see forest gardening in one section of the allotment. Stu, Peter, Simon have been working there fortnightly, have potatoes growing. If you come and work on it you get some food. Stu would love to generate enough interest to develop all the adjoining vacant lots (six) and grow lots of food there and educate/inspire people to grow food. Participants currently meet every two weeks; 10-12 Saturday’s, Thursday’s 2-4pm. Can we generate funds through fund-raising to develop the allotment further? Ideas please!
Jackie L introduces school kids to planting veg in sacks.
Parks and garden’s team is very active in community.
Manoah to get Jackie’s and Charlie’s e-mail to Julie. Check the timing for the community orchard.
Was suggested he contact Monica and Guy. Also to pass Janie’s contact details to Julie.
Update from Julie on 'incredible edible' Todmorden
Their Ideas: go to schools and get the kids to do gardening, they have their own plots on campus, contests for prizes (Stu wonders if this might work for Avon road school). When they do their food day, participants can promote their community initiative with a banner. Food contest – best tasting recipe, e.g. honey icecream. Great to have something established “come and get involved”.
Two Todmorden women started planting food – guerilla gardening – now it’s catching on, e.g. incredible edible Lambeth. Food at all the bus stops.
“Planting your own food is as good as printing your own money. “
Guerilla planting - should it all be edible? The carbon footprint issues might help distinguish local food.
Also great support for keeping hens.
Council update- Leonie
Talking to good food/community champions in ECC and CCC, as well as meeting with Ellen van G from Essex Community services about possible Health and Wellbeing initiatives. Leonie has been invited to be on the CCC Food Plan steering core group. Manoah asks if any of the council folks might come to a TC meeting to explore options?
Actions:
We agreed to hold next TTC meetings at Hub 1:
7-9pm on the 18th of June
7-9pm on the 16th of July
Stu to update the TC website with allotment news and upload photos.
Stu to pursue/write a report on Daniel’s workshop - see the Events page
Manoah to contact Gary re mail list.
Julie will investigate the British Hen Welfare Trust about classes/workshops.
Will also investigate the possibilities for involving Schools in (our) allotments/local food.
Leonie to write and pass on brief news items to Stu (Gary?) for mailing to the TC list.
Pam to explore options for getting the food map put up at the hub for further community input.
Meeting closed 9.15pm.
Present: Julie and David O, Stuart C, Pam S, Manoah S, Peter F, Leonie R.
Apologies: Heather H, Simon M, Maike W
Discussion:
Pam’s food map. Pam has decided to make Essex the focus - Wilkinson’s helped her identify local suppliers. Definitions of local food are wooly: Is home made/home cooked? Are people repackaging vegetables? Able and Cole; source widely - what is Essex food?
Big Barn lists producers/stall holders for the whole of Anglia. Pam has reduced the list to focus on Essex.
Lathcoate's were on the Apprentice programme last week.
Cheese makers are rare, though the goat farm at Aberton hopes to be back in stock soon.
M+S are joining in the campaign. Pam asked them what do you stock from Essex, they assure her that head office will respond?
Has not yet had time to focus on Southend (Kamil P?) or Basildon. Honey is plentiful locally. 55 people listed so far, but the tip of the iceberg.
Suggestion – do we rate companies? E.g. 5 star just use local food, 2 produce locally, etc.
Resource: James Wong wrote the Home grown revolution, often visits Writtle.
Claudio at Writtle college is interested (specialist) in foraging.
Jenny S has also studied this area in depth. May be a possible candidate for foraging walks/talk?
Leonie to contact Mike W re: tents, explore options if the weather is bad.
Do people bring their own tables etc?
Also to contact Hannah M.
To touch base with Simon M re. Chelmsford college baking event.
The Meadows has recently restarted their farmers markets initiative.
They are holding a food fair between the 28th and 30th June – more info from
http://www.tastesofanglia.com/NewsEvents/Events/tabid/80/Default.aspx
Cressing temple food festival- july 21st http://ecfoodfestival2013.nmgl.co.uk/
Five lakes – October 6 and 7 http://www.theessexfoodshow.co.uk/
Is there a way to make local food cheaper?
Is there a local produce co-op? (young farmers?)
Allotment update Stu for TTC:
Told the back story and gave an update. They’ve been laying down cardboard, taking a low maintenance approach.
Mentioned Martin C - who runs the Agroforestry Research Trust. Would love to see forest gardening in one section of the allotment. Stu, Peter, Simon have been working there fortnightly, have potatoes growing. If you come and work on it you get some food. Stu would love to generate enough interest to develop all the adjoining vacant lots (six) and grow lots of food there and educate/inspire people to grow food. Participants currently meet every two weeks; 10-12 Saturday’s, Thursday’s 2-4pm. Can we generate funds through fund-raising to develop the allotment further? Ideas please!
Jackie L introduces school kids to planting veg in sacks.
Parks and garden’s team is very active in community.
Manoah to get Jackie’s and Charlie’s e-mail to Julie. Check the timing for the community orchard.
Was suggested he contact Monica and Guy. Also to pass Janie’s contact details to Julie.
Update from Julie on 'incredible edible' Todmorden
Their Ideas: go to schools and get the kids to do gardening, they have their own plots on campus, contests for prizes (Stu wonders if this might work for Avon road school). When they do their food day, participants can promote their community initiative with a banner. Food contest – best tasting recipe, e.g. honey icecream. Great to have something established “come and get involved”.
Two Todmorden women started planting food – guerilla gardening – now it’s catching on, e.g. incredible edible Lambeth. Food at all the bus stops.
“Planting your own food is as good as printing your own money. “
Guerilla planting - should it all be edible? The carbon footprint issues might help distinguish local food.
Also great support for keeping hens.
Council update- Leonie
Talking to good food/community champions in ECC and CCC, as well as meeting with Ellen van G from Essex Community services about possible Health and Wellbeing initiatives. Leonie has been invited to be on the CCC Food Plan steering core group. Manoah asks if any of the council folks might come to a TC meeting to explore options?
Actions:
We agreed to hold next TTC meetings at Hub 1:
7-9pm on the 18th of June
7-9pm on the 16th of July
Stu to update the TC website with allotment news and upload photos.
Stu to pursue/write a report on Daniel’s workshop - see the Events page
Manoah to contact Gary re mail list.
Julie will investigate the British Hen Welfare Trust about classes/workshops.
Will also investigate the possibilities for involving Schools in (our) allotments/local food.
Leonie to write and pass on brief news items to Stu (Gary?) for mailing to the TC list.
Pam to explore options for getting the food map put up at the hub for further community input.
Meeting closed 9.15pm.
Minutes from Transition Chelmsford Meeting, 28 Jan 2013
Present:
Stuart, Peter, Eric, Janee, Daniel, Christine, Steven, Gary.
Chair: Christine Minutes: Gary
Introductions:
Steven, a lecturer at Writtle College, joined us for the meeting.
Minutes:
The minutes from the last meeting, held 11 Oct 2012, were signed off.
The use of 'City' in our name was queried briefly, consent was as minuted in
July 2012 - we will be known as Transition Chelmsford. The name Transition Town
Chelmsford is used for accounts & banking, this will remain unchanged.
Cheque signatories; two of the authorised signatories, Ben Wright & Manoah, are
currently out of the country. While Manoa will soon be returning, it is not known
when Ben will return. It was therefore decide to add Christine Barrett as a
signatory in place of Ben.
Allotment update; Christine has e-mailed Monika regarding pallets for compost
bins and manure pick up & delivery, but has not yet had a response.
Stuart told us that 4 beds have been laid out, but we still need cardboard to
lay down. Work will continue along current lines. We need a regular presence on
the allotment, and the consensus was for Sunday. Stuart (who lives in close
proximity to allotment) can be contacted on 01245 346 327 to arrange times &
access.
Toolshed - Stuart has kindly offered a shed, which it may be possible to lift
over his fence and straight onto our allotment.
Photo/film record - it was agreed to take a photo record or short film clips
over the coming year.
Planting - various planting options were discussed, which included; potatoes
(for breaking-down soil), Jeruselem artichokes (wind break), fruit bushes & canes
(i.e. raspberry), and people germinating plants at home for later sowing.
Timebank; no news or update.
Food mapping; Peter showed us an article in the CPRE Winter 2012 newsletter
reporting on a 'food mapping toolkit' that was developed by Transition
Chichester. Information and links are available here:
http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/farming-and-food/local-foods
Please have a look, we may be able to use this to promote local food producers in
our community.
Chelmsford Star Co-op & RSA event; Christine informed us of a Networking event
taking place on Monday 4th Feb at the Quadrant store. There will also be a talk
about co-ops and setting-up as a co-operative. To book a place e-mail, or call,
Malcolm Noble
Community Energy Scheme; Daniel has funding to research & run feasability
studies into community energy initiatives. He is planning to run a local workshop
to explore options and guage levels of interest. Communty energy projects may,
for example, generate locally consumed energy, be based on heat storage, or feed
into the national grid. The scheme might also be expected generate revenue for
the community, which may be used for insulating homes or other efficiency
initiatives.
Community hub; the hub has been moved to a unit within the High Chelmer shopping
centre.
Actions:
Stuart to provide Allotment updates via the website as the new season begins.
Daniel will e-mail details of the Community Energy scheme, for distribution to
those interested.
Present:
Stuart, Peter, Eric, Janee, Daniel, Christine, Steven, Gary.
Chair: Christine Minutes: Gary
Introductions:
Steven, a lecturer at Writtle College, joined us for the meeting.
Minutes:
The minutes from the last meeting, held 11 Oct 2012, were signed off.
The use of 'City' in our name was queried briefly, consent was as minuted in
July 2012 - we will be known as Transition Chelmsford. The name Transition Town
Chelmsford is used for accounts & banking, this will remain unchanged.
Cheque signatories; two of the authorised signatories, Ben Wright & Manoah, are
currently out of the country. While Manoa will soon be returning, it is not known
when Ben will return. It was therefore decide to add Christine Barrett as a
signatory in place of Ben.
Allotment update; Christine has e-mailed Monika regarding pallets for compost
bins and manure pick up & delivery, but has not yet had a response.
Stuart told us that 4 beds have been laid out, but we still need cardboard to
lay down. Work will continue along current lines. We need a regular presence on
the allotment, and the consensus was for Sunday. Stuart (who lives in close
proximity to allotment) can be contacted on 01245 346 327 to arrange times &
access.
Toolshed - Stuart has kindly offered a shed, which it may be possible to lift
over his fence and straight onto our allotment.
Photo/film record - it was agreed to take a photo record or short film clips
over the coming year.
Planting - various planting options were discussed, which included; potatoes
(for breaking-down soil), Jeruselem artichokes (wind break), fruit bushes & canes
(i.e. raspberry), and people germinating plants at home for later sowing.
Timebank; no news or update.
Food mapping; Peter showed us an article in the CPRE Winter 2012 newsletter
reporting on a 'food mapping toolkit' that was developed by Transition
Chichester. Information and links are available here:
http://www.cpre.org.uk/resources/farming-and-food/local-foods
Please have a look, we may be able to use this to promote local food producers in
our community.
Chelmsford Star Co-op & RSA event; Christine informed us of a Networking event
taking place on Monday 4th Feb at the Quadrant store. There will also be a talk
about co-ops and setting-up as a co-operative. To book a place e-mail, or call,
Malcolm Noble
Community Energy Scheme; Daniel has funding to research & run feasability
studies into community energy initiatives. He is planning to run a local workshop
to explore options and guage levels of interest. Communty energy projects may,
for example, generate locally consumed energy, be based on heat storage, or feed
into the national grid. The scheme might also be expected generate revenue for
the community, which may be used for insulating homes or other efficiency
initiatives.
Community hub; the hub has been moved to a unit within the High Chelmer shopping
centre.
Actions:
Stuart to provide Allotment updates via the website as the new season begins.
Daniel will e-mail details of the Community Energy scheme, for distribution to
those interested.