Transition Shipston – Vision for 2030

The first public meeting of Transition Shipston and the Surrounding Area was addressed last month by guest speaker James Pavitt a founding member of National Association of Farmers’ markets. James talked about how the predicted increase in the price of oil and climate change will effect food production and the local economy. He said that in three short years the idea of Transition Towns has spread to over 150 communities including Stratford, Leamington and even cities such as Oxford.

The meeting which was attended by around 30 people then discussed how we can make the town and surrounding villages more self-reliant so that the community can become more resilient in the face of future food and energy “shocks”.

There were many interesting areas discussed:

Food:

One suggestion was to start a Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) scheme similar to the Canalside CSA near Leamington where a local farmer has rented out 7 acres of his land to members of the local community who all take part in the growing and share the produce. Other ideas included turning unused open space into community gardens / orchards… and a School Farm.

Local Economy:

Re-invigorating the local economy is a primary aim of Transition Towns. Places such as Totnes in Devon and Lewes in Sussex have issues the own local currencies to keep more money circulating locally and encourage local shops. The idea of a local “loyalty card” to be issued by shops also raised some interest. Some people thought that greater publicity should be given to the positives of local shopping such as more local employment & opportunities. It was suggested that local shops could become the “Town Supermarket” if it was made easier to walk between shops as it is no further to walk around Shipston shopping area than a supermarket.

Energy & Transport:

Energy & Transport could be a major issue in Shipston and the villages around if predicted oil shortages occur in the coming years. The meeting discussed ways of reducing energy consumption by encouraging more “ecological building” and it was suggested that local energy advisers are needed. Bulk shopping orders could be made by people living in the villages to cut down on travel. It was suggested that the Mill could be re-opened as a mill and more use could be made of the river. Schools are able to get grants for sustainable energy such as solar panels and wind generators to cut down on their fuel bills.