Transition Shipston supporters have been working with Transition Stratford on a district wide initia-tive for ―Sustainable Energy for Historic Buildings‖.
The aim of the initiative is to re-duce the energy use and carbon emissions of older buildings. The scope of the initiative will be older buildings - those which were con-structed before the Second World War – recognising the special challenges faced for buildings of historic character which are listed or within conservation areas. The initiative will seek to preserve older buildings so that they can continue to be used in a low car-bon, low energy future affected by climate change and avoid the waste of the energy already used in their construction. Plus learn from older building techniques how to maintain them in a sustain-able way.
The group aims to produce a checklist to help people get started with case studies showing how buildings have been sustain-ably refurbished with links to the wide range of technical informa-tion already available and a direc-tory of local businesses.
The initiative will be promoted through a variety of means includ-ing:
recruiting a range of local busi-nesses to support the initiative: for example, estate agents, ar-chitects, organising bespoke training for different groups of professionals
Arranging for simple advice and checklists to be made available to property owners: for example, through planning officers, estate agents etc
Promoting the initiative through local and other media.
It will be important to consult rele-vant businesses and other organi-sations about proposals in order to secure their support for the ini-tiative.
Contact Pam Bennett pam@pambennett.com
The Big Society
On Friday 5th November, Voluntary Action Stratford on Avon (VASA) hosted an event at the Shakespeare Hotel attended by well over a hundred people and at which various speakers gave their reaction to, and assessment of, David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’. Of particular note were inspiring talks by Chris Grimes on the setting up of the community run Blockley Village Shop and by Priscilla Groenveld on The Parenting Project that provides an all encompassing, largely voluntary, service for parents and children.
The guest speaker was Nadhim Zahawi MP who expounded on the Government’s ambitions and plans to bring about a fundamental shift from control by Whitehall at every level in order to create more vibrant and sustainable communities. The key was to be local action and accountability – giving people more control over their lives.
It is now very apparent that society’s ills cannot be cured by the application of yet more public money through the State; neither should people be treated by big business as economic assets in a game of seeking profit and avoiding loss. Britain was once known for the vibrancy of its charitable institutions which gave us the highest standard of living in the world, the highest levels of literacy in the world and the lowest levels of poverty. What charities can do to support and mobilise people is at the heart of the Prime Minister’s vision. It is likely in future that very local institutions, many of them run by volunteers, will be at the centre of our lives and have the potential to make a real difference in every community. The challenge today is to help them flourish and succeed. Could Transition Towns with their green credentials and ethos of caring and sharing and local resilience be a foundation upon which to build the Big Society?
Douglas Nethercleft
The guest speaker was Nadhim Zahawi MP who expounded on the Government’s ambitions and plans to bring about a fundamental shift from control by Whitehall at every level in order to create more vibrant and sustainable communities. The key was to be local action and accountability – giving people more control over their lives.
It is now very apparent that society’s ills cannot be cured by the application of yet more public money through the State; neither should people be treated by big business as economic assets in a game of seeking profit and avoiding loss. Britain was once known for the vibrancy of its charitable institutions which gave us the highest standard of living in the world, the highest levels of literacy in the world and the lowest levels of poverty. What charities can do to support and mobilise people is at the heart of the Prime Minister’s vision. It is likely in future that very local institutions, many of them run by volunteers, will be at the centre of our lives and have the potential to make a real difference in every community. The challenge today is to help them flourish and succeed. Could Transition Towns with their green credentials and ethos of caring and sharing and local resilience be a foundation upon which to build the Big Society?
Douglas Nethercleft
Special Shipston
With another developer about to make proposals to develop land at the Campden Rd including a supermarket that threatens the existence of our unique shops Helen and Tom Winnifrith remind us what makes it so special:
“Do we give Shipston enough credit as a fantastic place for shopping of all sorts? Here are some of the things we buy in Shipston, always with friendly, helpful service and often with happy encounters with friends :
Practically all our food and drink, including fish, meat, fresh local veg, groceries, a dressed salmon for special events, pheasants, free range turkey and chicken, champagne, grand sherry and wine, cheap plonk, Fairtrade tea and coffee, good cheese, special bread (or flour and yeast to make our own), organic groceries, coriander, root ginger, Seville oranges, too much chocolate. Perhaps too many pints of beer, mainly Horseshoe, White Bear, Black Horse). Clothes, often thanks to all four charity shops, also new large men‟s clothes and larger shoes, shoes for toddlers expertly fitted. Three separate sets of grandchildren regularly have their shoes bought in Shipston because their harassed mums find it such a pleasant experience compared with elsewhere- and not more expensive. Meals out and Indian and Chinese takeaways. Petrol, oil, a new bulb for the car‟s headlight (bought in the car parts shop, which we failed to fit but were rescued by the garage which services the car) Printer cartridges. Masses of haberdashery, cut to measure, for knitting and sewing projects- and wool from both wool shops. A clock radio (same price as online with much friendlier service). A vacuum cleaner which works, (unlike the disastrous Argos purchase). New bags for the vacuum cleaner. A walking stick. A WC, with far more help about the complicated choices than we would have got in a huge retail warehouse. A replacement contact lens. Stamps and stationery. A lovely soft doll from the toy shop. 2 rocking horses- both from the dump. Euros, dollars, dinars, kruna, shekels (bank). A hat. Babyclothes and toys. A beautiful old watering- can from the antique shop. A fireguard for a daughter (charity shop). Flowers. Seeds. A suitcase (charity shop again). Dowelling, paint, picture hooks and nails- with lots of help about what was needed. Haircuts. A new watch strap, fitted free. Photos developed, a gold chain mended, photocopying. Free Internet access (library) when our computer was unwell. Books (charity shops). A daily paper delivered. Prescriptions, pills and potions. Christmas and birthday cards (often recycled ones from St Edmund‟s)”
Tom and Helen Winnifrith
“Do we give Shipston enough credit as a fantastic place for shopping of all sorts? Here are some of the things we buy in Shipston, always with friendly, helpful service and often with happy encounters with friends :
Practically all our food and drink, including fish, meat, fresh local veg, groceries, a dressed salmon for special events, pheasants, free range turkey and chicken, champagne, grand sherry and wine, cheap plonk, Fairtrade tea and coffee, good cheese, special bread (or flour and yeast to make our own), organic groceries, coriander, root ginger, Seville oranges, too much chocolate. Perhaps too many pints of beer, mainly Horseshoe, White Bear, Black Horse). Clothes, often thanks to all four charity shops, also new large men‟s clothes and larger shoes, shoes for toddlers expertly fitted. Three separate sets of grandchildren regularly have their shoes bought in Shipston because their harassed mums find it such a pleasant experience compared with elsewhere- and not more expensive. Meals out and Indian and Chinese takeaways. Petrol, oil, a new bulb for the car‟s headlight (bought in the car parts shop, which we failed to fit but were rescued by the garage which services the car) Printer cartridges. Masses of haberdashery, cut to measure, for knitting and sewing projects- and wool from both wool shops. A clock radio (same price as online with much friendlier service). A vacuum cleaner which works, (unlike the disastrous Argos purchase). New bags for the vacuum cleaner. A walking stick. A WC, with far more help about the complicated choices than we would have got in a huge retail warehouse. A replacement contact lens. Stamps and stationery. A lovely soft doll from the toy shop. 2 rocking horses- both from the dump. Euros, dollars, dinars, kruna, shekels (bank). A hat. Babyclothes and toys. A beautiful old watering- can from the antique shop. A fireguard for a daughter (charity shop). Flowers. Seeds. A suitcase (charity shop again). Dowelling, paint, picture hooks and nails- with lots of help about what was needed. Haircuts. A new watch strap, fitted free. Photos developed, a gold chain mended, photocopying. Free Internet access (library) when our computer was unwell. Books (charity shops). A daily paper delivered. Prescriptions, pills and potions. Christmas and birthday cards (often recycled ones from St Edmund‟s)”
Tom and Helen Winnifrith
Energy Saving Initiatives
In an initiative to see how much energy is wasted in Shipston as a whole and propose ways of becoming more energy efficient the Town Council is backing a bid by Transition Shipston for grant money to pay for a “Shipston Area Energy Study”.
Clay Oven at the Community Garden
I had seen clay ovens at various sites I’d visited over the years and always liked the mixture of sculpture and practicality. We decided that we could build one at the community garden in time for the Transition Shipston Garden Party at the beginning of August so work commenced.
Beekeeping Day
On Saturday 7th August a joint meeting was held with Shipston Beekeepers – many of those attending being members of both organisations.
“Transition “Garden Party”
6pm till late, Sunday 1st August, Darlingscote Rd, Community Garden. Bring food & drink to share…
Come and see the fantastic progress made on the garden in just a few months.
Community Garden Update
The community garden has really benefited from all the sunshine but it’s a hard task keeping up with the watering!
Work in Progress at the Community Garden
“Master Gardeners” at Midsummer Festival
Some of our Transition Shipston members who completed their Garden Organic Master Gardener training in June shared the Transition stand at the Midsummer Festival.
Becky, a Master Gardener talking to Sophie Grigson
Sophie Grigson Supports Transition Shipston
Solar Panels for Local Hospital Roofs?
The Community Ownership ofRenewable Energy Conference on 26th June
WORLD IN TRANSITION
Poem written for the Shipston Mid-Summer Festival
by Judge the Poet:You are witnessing the birth of a most important mission:
by Judge the Poet:You are witnessing the birth of a most important mission:
Shipston Midsummer Festival - Programme of Events
10.55 Town Crier - Marion Ladd will ‘cry in’ the Festival in the High Street
11.00 Philip Vial will introduce Sophie Grigson
11.05 Official opening by Sophie Grigson. Sophie is a passionate supporter of healthy eating and living and has written a number of books encouraging us all to live healthier lives! We are delighted that she has agreed to open our first ‘Green and Local’ Festival in Shipston
11.10 Silver Bough Band - Well-known local folk band who play at ceilidhs and other events. They will be playing for various other events during the day so you’ll get a flavour of their versatility!
12.15 Shuvani - Gypsy style Belly Dancers. Some of you might have seen this local dance troupe at the Wool Fair and even joined in. The dancers will perform a colourful and exciting mix of dances.
12.45 Lunch - Enjoy a delicious Pig Roast meal from Taylor’s; an unbeatable cottage pie from Righton’s stall or a meal at one of the other local eateries in town (See map overleaf)
1.15 ‘Judge the Poet’ (aka Dave Raeburn) has written a performance piece especially for this occasion. To be performed by Lee Figures
1.30 Caramba - What do you know about Shipston’s local history? Find out some more in a fun and interactive way with this well-known semi-professional drama group, with help from Mike Ashley, Shipston’s museum curator.
2.00 Shipston High School students will be entertaining us with live music and a recycled fashion show.
3.00 Traditional celebratory circle dancing led by Tracy Lean with live music from the Silver Bough Band. Join in with the circle –all dances taught by this experienced teacher. No experience or partner required!
3.30 Clog Dancing - This local group of dancers will entertain us with their energy and enthusiasm for this traditional style of dancing.
3.45 Raffle Prize Draw
4.00 Laurence Jones Band - Laurence is a versatile musician who plays in various bands. Today he will be performing rock hits with bass player and drummer
5.00 RockPool - Our final event of the day will be a rousing rock band. Great sounds for all age groups.
Additional Activities all day Transition Towns and Climate Change Films at The White Bear – see board outside pub;
Pottery demonstration & interaction in the Yurt;
‘Eat a Rainbow’ workshop for children in the Gazebo next to the yurt;
Pavement Art in various places around the town.
Face Painting in the Yurt.
St Edmunds Church where there is an Art Exhibition as part of ‘Artmix’
11.00 Philip Vial will introduce Sophie Grigson
11.05 Official opening by Sophie Grigson. Sophie is a passionate supporter of healthy eating and living and has written a number of books encouraging us all to live healthier lives! We are delighted that she has agreed to open our first ‘Green and Local’ Festival in Shipston
11.10 Silver Bough Band - Well-known local folk band who play at ceilidhs and other events. They will be playing for various other events during the day so you’ll get a flavour of their versatility!
12.15 Shuvani - Gypsy style Belly Dancers. Some of you might have seen this local dance troupe at the Wool Fair and even joined in. The dancers will perform a colourful and exciting mix of dances.
12.45 Lunch - Enjoy a delicious Pig Roast meal from Taylor’s; an unbeatable cottage pie from Righton’s stall or a meal at one of the other local eateries in town (See map overleaf)
1.15 ‘Judge the Poet’ (aka Dave Raeburn) has written a performance piece especially for this occasion. To be performed by Lee Figures
1.30 Caramba - What do you know about Shipston’s local history? Find out some more in a fun and interactive way with this well-known semi-professional drama group, with help from Mike Ashley, Shipston’s museum curator.
2.00 Shipston High School students will be entertaining us with live music and a recycled fashion show.
3.00 Traditional celebratory circle dancing led by Tracy Lean with live music from the Silver Bough Band. Join in with the circle –all dances taught by this experienced teacher. No experience or partner required!
3.30 Clog Dancing - This local group of dancers will entertain us with their energy and enthusiasm for this traditional style of dancing.
3.45 Raffle Prize Draw
4.00 Laurence Jones Band - Laurence is a versatile musician who plays in various bands. Today he will be performing rock hits with bass player and drummer
5.00 RockPool - Our final event of the day will be a rousing rock band. Great sounds for all age groups.
Additional Activities all day Transition Towns and Climate Change Films at The White Bear – see board outside pub;
Pottery demonstration & interaction in the Yurt;
‘Eat a Rainbow’ workshop for children in the Gazebo next to the yurt;
Pavement Art in various places around the town.
Face Painting in the Yurt.
St Edmunds Church where there is an Art Exhibition as part of ‘Artmix’
Positive Solutions for Shipston Town Centre?
Some comments on Shipston Online http://www.shipstononline.org/supermarket-threat.html#comment-35 show that there are Shipston residents who are in favour of the proposed large supermarket up the Campden Road. The main reasons they put forward are:
1.It could cost less to shop there
2.It would use less petrol than driving to the surrounding supermarkets in Stratford, Moreton, Banbury, Stow.
There are also Shipston residents, including Transition Town members (and me!), who are opposed to the proposed supermarket, mainly because supermarkets on the edge of towns lead to the closure of small independent shops in the centre, and this group values highly the local shops, and being able to shop without driving.
There may be a solution to the needs of both groups. At present the two supermarkets in the town centre, owned by two different Co-ops, duplicate basic goods and have little room for extra choice. It can be frustrating to have to visit both stores to complete shopping needs. If the two stores combined with a walkway connecting them, Shipston town centre could gain a reasonably sized supermarket stocking a wider range of goods with more choice than at present. and shoppers would still be in the right place to buy from the excellent local shops stocking local produce among all sorts of other things. Many people from outside Shipston come here because they enjoy buying quality meat, veg, toys, electrical goods, etc, and this scheme could keep them spending money in Shipston while also meeting the hopes of people who live in Shipston and want to do their regular shopping here.
It would be good if all those with differing thoughts about the proposed supermarket could meet to listen to opposing views calmly and seek possible positive solutions.
Helen Winnifrith
helenwin@tiscali.co.uk
1.It could cost less to shop there
2.It would use less petrol than driving to the surrounding supermarkets in Stratford, Moreton, Banbury, Stow.
There are also Shipston residents, including Transition Town members (and me!), who are opposed to the proposed supermarket, mainly because supermarkets on the edge of towns lead to the closure of small independent shops in the centre, and this group values highly the local shops, and being able to shop without driving.
There may be a solution to the needs of both groups. At present the two supermarkets in the town centre, owned by two different Co-ops, duplicate basic goods and have little room for extra choice. It can be frustrating to have to visit both stores to complete shopping needs. If the two stores combined with a walkway connecting them, Shipston town centre could gain a reasonably sized supermarket stocking a wider range of goods with more choice than at present. and shoppers would still be in the right place to buy from the excellent local shops stocking local produce among all sorts of other things. Many people from outside Shipston come here because they enjoy buying quality meat, veg, toys, electrical goods, etc, and this scheme could keep them spending money in Shipston while also meeting the hopes of people who live in Shipston and want to do their regular shopping here.
It would be good if all those with differing thoughts about the proposed supermarket could meet to listen to opposing views calmly and seek possible positive solutions.
Helen Winnifrith
helenwin@tiscali.co.uk
Sophie Grigson to open Shipston Mid-Summer Festival
The celebrity chef and cookery writer Sophie Grigson has agreed to open the Shipston Mid-Summer Festival on 4th July organised by Transition Shipston. She is a keen supporter of organic and local food suppliers and, is an advocate for decent children's food. She is a patron of the Children's Food Festival
For more information contact: Geri Hunting geri@horsejoy.com
Wild Food Foraging - Skills Swap and Lunch - May 15, 2010 from 12noon-2pm
Do you know what wild foods are growing in your garden or the hedgerows, and better yet, some great recipes for them?
Community Gardening - at the bottom of Darlingscote Road
To encourage and raise awareness about the concept of Landshare new Transition Shipston supporter Mike Ashton has generously offered to allow his land at the bottom of Darlingscote Road to be used by Transition Shipston as a community space for growing vegetables and fruit in return for keeping an eye on it whenever he is away.
Affordable Energy for All Exhibition - Saturday 17th April 2010 - 10:00 to 4:00
Shipston High School Shipston-on-Stour, Free Entry
“How can I save on my energy bills?”
“Is Renewable Energy a serious solution to my needs?”
“Who can help me decide what to do?”
“Who will pay for it?”
Exhibition Stands... Seminars & Workshops... Refreshments available
“How can I save on my energy bills?”
“Is Renewable Energy a serious solution to my needs?”
“Who can help me decide what to do?”
“Who will pay for it?”
Exhibition Stands... Seminars & Workshops... Refreshments available
Save Shipston Town Centre
Dear Editor
Stratford District Council has included proposals for a supermarket to be built on the Norgren site in Shipston in its development strategy for the next 10 years. This can not be in the interest of local shopkeepers, local businesses or local residents.
Stratford District Council has included proposals for a supermarket to be built on the Norgren site in Shipston in its development strategy for the next 10 years. This can not be in the interest of local shopkeepers, local businesses or local residents.
Master Gardener Training
Training is being offered by Garden Organic for volunteers who want to help people to grow their own.
Transition Food Co-op?
Have you ever considered buying food in bulk? Do you prefer to eat organic food, but hate paying the high price at shops? Why not cut out the ‘middle man’ while reducing the cost of food, packaging, and transport, Transition Shipston and Surrounding Communities is considering starting up a food co-op to allow members to do exactly this!
Eco Team Training - Saturday 20 March
The Co-op is offering a Free Training Day which will provide skills for your transition town group
Date: Saturday 20 March, Time: 09:30am – 14:30pm, Place: The Birmingham & Midland Institute, Birmingham
Date: Saturday 20 March, Time: 09:30am – 14:30pm, Place: The Birmingham & Midland Institute, Birmingham
Visit to Canalside Community Food on Saturday 20th March
Canalside Community Food is a Community Supported Agriculture scheme http://www.canalsidecommunityfood.org.uk/ for all persons who live in and around Warwick District. The scheme is based on Leasowe Farm, a family run farm adjacent to the Grand Union Canal, just outside Radford Semele
How can we work together to power our community beyond cheap oil?
Report of Energy Open Space meeting held on Saturday 13th February 2010
Wonderful Permaculture Weekend
Letters to the editor - Dear Dave
I had to write and let you know about the wonderful Permaculture weekend I have just had at Holycombe in Whichford. I am still buzzing with the ideas that Ruth O’Brien introduced us to, and glowing from the warm, happy atmosphere we all enjoyed as we learned about gardening with nature instead of battling against it.
I had to write and let you know about the wonderful Permaculture weekend I have just had at Holycombe in Whichford. I am still buzzing with the ideas that Ruth O’Brien introduced us to, and glowing from the warm, happy atmosphere we all enjoyed as we learned about gardening with nature instead of battling against it.
ENERGY OPEN SPACE - Powering Shipston Beyond Cheap Oil
Powering Shipston – how can we work together to power our community beyond cheap energy?
St Edmund’s Church meeting room on Saturday 13th February, 10.00 – 1.00 (doors open 9.30)
St Edmund’s Church meeting room on Saturday 13th February, 10.00 – 1.00 (doors open 9.30)
Shipston Mid-Summer Festival
Transition Shipston & Surrounding Communities has won a £1900 grant to run a Mid-Summer Festival in the centre of Shipston in July on the Sunday following the Last Night of the Shipston Proms on 4th July.
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