REPORT: "What's Happening in Transition Norwich"

The event held at Inner Space on 28 September was approximately split into three parts: 

• a workshop, 
• introductions to existing projects, 
• discussion and ideas for further projects.

The evening started with a workshop to get us thinking about the human needs that unite us. There are only a limited number of fundamental human needs, defined by Manfred Max-Neef as Subsistence, Protection, Recreation, Creation, Affection, Understanding, Participation, Identity and Freedom. These needs may be satisfied in various ways, including some ways which are actually destructive to our ability to satisfy other needs, the needs of other members of society, and the planet.

Following this, various projects were introduced by people in the room, which were then discussed in further detail over the meal in smaller groups.  We finished up with a short summary and feedback session, hoping to get an idea of further projects, but it was getting late, and although there was much talk on the subject of marketplaces and the use of empty land within the city, no distinct action emerged. If anyone feels that they would like to spearhead action on this front, though, email out to groups.google.com/group/norwich-in-transition.


The Projects:

Energy 4 All (www.energy4all.co.uk) - Co-operatively owned wind farms in Britain, including some new sites in Norfolk on land owned by Bernard Matthews. Paul Rea (paul.rea@energy4all.co.uk) is keen " contact people who are open to dialogue on wind turbine development and who would feel able to write to planning authorities in support of each scheme". The web address for the co-operative is www.bmwe.coop.

Visions for Change (visionsforchangenorwich.org.uk) - "Its purpose is to enhance communication between the many such groups in the area and to make it easy for anyone, whether already in a group or not, to be aware of and contribute to the Norwich and district progressive scene." Includes a monthly themed facilitated discussion (the next one is on "Work"). You can sign up to their mailing list on their website.

Norwich FarmShare (norwichfarmshare.co.uk) - "A community-owned farm growing delicious seasonal vegetables just outside Norwich. We deliver them fresh into Norwich every week for our members to share."

Norwich Community Bees (norwichcommunitybees.blogspot.co.uk) - "Norwich Community Bees is a community-supported, non-profit making cooperative [bee-keeping] venture, supported by the subscriptions, time and effort of its members."

The Poosh (thepoosh.org) - A website to facilitate connections between those who are planning a self-build sustainable building, and those who wish to volunteer to help build those buildings (rather like WWOOFing, but for building). Local contact is Jim Self (jim@thepoosh.org).

Norfolk Master Gardeners (www.norfolk.mastergardeners.org.uk) - A project managed by Garden Organic to provide advice and support (not actual gardening) to those wanting to grow their own food. Local co-ordinator Gabbie Joyce (gjoyce@gardenorganic.org.uk, 01362 869286). Also organise events about organic gardening.

Abundance Project (http://g.co/maps/m86ft) - Wild food mapping.

FoodCycle (www.facebook.com/foodcyclenorwich) - Makes use of surplus food produced within the city by providing free meals to the community each Friday, 7pm, at Friend's Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, NR2 1EW. Staffed by volunteers.

Norwich Garden Share (www.facebook.com/groups/231291046985505) - For anyone in Norwich who would like to share some of their garden or Allotment space and for those people who are seeking access to gardening.

Carbon Conversations (carbonconversations.org) - A series of practical meetings to help you halve your carbon footprint. Contact in Norwich: info@innerspacenorwich.co.uk.

Magdalen-Augustine Celebration (magdalenstreet.blogspot.co.uk) - Yearly celebration of the Magdalen Street area. This year's, which took place last Saturday, was the third of these celebrations, and the first to include the St Augustines Street area.  Please sign up to their mailing list on their website, and volunteer to make sure next year's is just as much of a success.

UEA World Cafe - Termly events held at UEA to get ethical and environmental societies of the university talking to each other and collaborating.  The last one was held on the 9th October. For information about future World Cafe events, make sure you are on the mailing list The Lense.

The Lense - A weekly bulletin of events and information from the UEA's Union Ethical Officer (currently Rosie Rawle. Email: union.ethics@uea.ac.uk (I think this is the right email address!)). Please contact her to provide content, to be added to the list, or for more information.

David Medding's Upcycling (davidmeddingsdesign.co.uk) - Upcycling waste by making it into eco-furniture, gifts, signage and school projects. Looking for places to trade in Norwich, and suitable waste to be turned into other things.

The Common Room and Norwich Trade School (www.thecommonroom.so) - The Churches Conservation Trust is trying out a new concept to bring St Laurence’s church on St Benedict Street, Norwich into re-use as a new type of shared space, made and shaped collectively by the community, and run on the principles of collaboration, connection and resourcefulness. (This wasn't actually mentioned on the 28th Sept, but still a project worth following!)

Second Visions for Change meeting - 26 June

The idea behind Visions for Change is that it should be a communication platform between the numerous groups which exist in Norwich and Norfolk that are working for a just and ecologically sustainable world. It should be a space for the exchange of visions for change in this direction. The purpose of this second meeting is to refine the ideas developed so far about the role of the proposed Visions for Change and how to create and maintain it.

Visions for Change will not duplicate the substantive work of active individuals or groups, but will rather promote cross-fertilisation.

Second Visions for Change meeting, Tuesday 26 June, 7-9pm, Playhouse meeting room (enter Playhouse, turn right). Here is the facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/345641262176405/

Poster for action taking place on 9-10 June to commemorate The Diggers and reclaim land in Windsor. The group will be walking from Syon Lane Community Allotment in West London. Details can be found on the website http://diggers2012.wordpress.com/ or by emailing diggers2012@yahoo.co.uk

little g film - Lives of Others - 15 June

'Lives of Others' (released 2006, Germany) takes place in 1984 in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Its topic is the monitoring of the cultural scene of East Berlin by agents of the Stasi (the GDR's secret police). A successful playwriter is spied upon, mainly because the Minister of Culture has taken a liking to the playwriter's girlfriend, a famous actress. The Minister abuses his powers to try to rid himself of a romantic rival. In the course of the actions the actual spy develops a much higher moral standing than his superiors. The revealing of real human being, hidden in the spy who is just doing his duty, is the main theme of this movie. A film with a very positive and powerful message.

The movie starts at 6 pm and lasts just over 2 hours. We will take a short break to give everyone time to grab warm food from the fantastic Norwich FoodCycle group, who serve supper in the Friends Meeting House from 7pm and meet for exchange of thoughts. Donations appreciated. (Luzie Wingen)

http://www.foodcycle.org.uk/norwich.php
norwich@foodcycle.org.uk

Lives of Others will be showing at 6pm at the Friends Meeeting House, Lower Goat Lane. FoodCycle begins at 7pm.

Norwich Earth Hour - 31 March

Last year more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries switched off their lights for Earth Hour, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. This month Earth Hour calls on individuals, businesses, communities and governments to go Beyond the Hour and take positive action for the planet and celebrate with the people of the world by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

Here in Norwich we support this global action by creating an event outside the Forum, with fire jugglers and musicians, stalls and lively debate about environmental issues, highlighting the amount of energy that can be saved by switching the lights out.

This will be Norwich Earth Hour's 5th year and we would love to make it bigger and better than ever.

All and any help would be most appreciated and we openly invite musicians, drummers, fire performers, community groups and anyone else willing to come lend a hand. Our only rule is no use of electricity please! Jenny Bryan

Earth Hour will take place outside the Forum on 31 March between 8.30-9.30pm.

To find out more http://www.earthhour.org

Photo; Earth Hour 2011 in the Phillipines

Welcome to our March News 2012!

Read all about what's happening in the city this almost-Spring as our Transition Norwich news crew get out and about: Norwich FarmShare and Grapes Hill Community Garden have their first workdays, Energy Look Outs! goes walkabout, the Low Carbon Cookbook crew discover Great British Beans, plus all the latest from Transition Circles, Occupy Norwich and some great related events from Earth Hour to Plan B. Don't forget to fill in our Economics and Resilience survey!

Wheel relationships (helenofnorwich);pushing an open door (Chris Hull); Crisis of Civilisation downcurve; postcard of Great British Beans; Norwich FarmShare (Elena Judd); Community Bees (Amelie Curran). TN News is edited and produced by Charlotte Du Cann and Mark Watson

RELATED EVENT: Guardians for the Future - discussion- 20 March

Ross Jackson (author, Occupy World Street ) and Rupert Read (author, "Guardians of the Future") discuss radical ideas for protecting the interests of future generations.

The costs of decisions we make today will be borne by future generations; the issue of intergenerational justice is at the heart of the need to act on climate change. So how might the world be different if the interests and basic needs of future generations were given legal protection?

Earlier this year, Rupert Read, a philosopher at the University of East Anglia and founder of the new Green House Think Tank, launched a proposal called Guardians of the Future at the House of Commons: A council of "Guardians of Future Generations", chosen like a jury from the general public, would sit above the existing law-making bodies and have two core powers. A power to veto legislation that threatened the basic needs and interests of future people and the power to force a review, following suitable public petition, of any existing legislation that threatens the interests of future people.

In his forthcoming book, Occupy World Street, Ross Jackson, proposes a similar, but elected, institution as one of many specific political and economic reforms that could make it possible to address climate change and protect future generations: A council of 'wise elders' would be elected ─ one from each major region of the world ─ to exercise just one power, and that to be used sparingly, the power to veto or void any resolution passed by lower powers whenever they feel things are moving in the wrong direction for the whole of humanity.Come along to hear Ross and Rupert discuss their ideas, and to join in the public debate that follows. Tuesday, 20th March at the Assembly House, Norwich, 6-7.30pm.

Ross Jackson's book Occupy World Street: A Global Roadmap for Radical Economic and Political Reform is published by Green Books on 22nd March 2012.

RELATED EVENT: Plan B - Alternative Economics debate - 7 March

The debate will focus on setting out a vision for an alternative economic direction, building upon the Compass report 'Plan B: A good economy for a good society'. The event will include guest speakers Anna Coote, new economics foundation, Clive Lewis, Labour PPC for Norwich South, Prof Alan Finlayson, UEA and Dr Rupert Read, East of England Green Party Co-ordinator and Howard Reed, Co-editor of Plan B. The Meeting will be chaired by Joe Cox, Compass joe@compassonline.org.uk

Compass Meeting, Plan B will take place at the Unite Office, 39 Thorpe Road, Norwich NR1 1ES, Wednesday 7th March, 6pm.

Post-peak hill from The Crisis of Civilisation

FILM: Idiocracy - 16 March

Little g film night, "a busy activists’ alternative to a book group" meets each month to watch and discuss documentary films.

March’s film, Idiocracy, is a satirical look at a dumbed down future. Two unlikely heroes from the present find themselves the brightest people around in a dystopia where advertising, commercialism and cultural anti-intellectualism have run rampant and resulted in a uniformly stupid human society devoid of intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and coherent notions of justice and human rights.

We usually take a break to eat with Foodcycle, donations welcome for film and food. All welcome.

Time 6pm Venue: Friends’ Meeting House, Upper Goat Lane, Norwich

For further details contact Lesley Grahame lesley7railway@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome to our February News 2012!

Read all about what's happening in the city as the light increases from our Transition Norwich news crew: spring arriving and fruit tree mapping at Norwich FarmShare, new Transition film launching the Energy Look Outs! expanding, the Low Carbon Cookbook beginning (really), plus all the latest from Transition Circles, Occupy Norwich, Grapes Hill community gardens and some great events elsewhere in East Anglia.

Poster for Robert Newman's History of Oil; winter sun and honesty seeds (MW); Tierney in article on TN in Norwich Magazine; A Pattern Language and streets of Norwich by Simeon Jackson

New Transition film has its London premier this month

"Last month saw the synchronised previewing of the new film ‘In Transition 2.0’ screeings in communities around the world. It was shown in Lewes Town Hall, The Dukes in Lancaster, at the Watershed in Slaithwaite, the town building in Wayland, US, in the office of Project Lyttelton in New Zealand, in the fire station in Moss Side, a front room in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, US, a Hindu temple in Tooting, a school in Finsbury Park, a hall in Tokyo, Japan, in ‘Cinema Paradiso’ in Auroville, India and in a village in Portugal. Only one screening was cancelled, in Monteveglio in Italy, where -15° temperatures and snow storms forced them to postpone," writes Rob Hopkins reporting on Transition Culture from at the Barn Cinema in Dartington, where 200 people were celebrating the birth of the film.

The documentary will have its official premiere on 24 March at The Guardian Open Weekend in London and we're hoping to show this inspiring new telling of the Transition story in Norwich soon. Meanwhile, here is the film's trailer, directed by Caspar Walsh to whet your appetite!

Photo: poster for In Transition 2.0 by Transition Town Lewes

FILM: Norwich in Transition - Part 1

Click and see the people behind the scenes at The Nectar Cafe, Norwich FarmShare, Carbon Conversations, Norwich CoHousing, Norwich Energy Lookout! See Part 2 (below) for Economics and Livelihoods, Magdalen Street Celebration, communications and the TN blogs.

Still: William Hudson from East Anglia Food Link discussing peak oil and the CSA on site at Postwick (with rain barrel)

Film directed and produced by Tom Harper and Chris Hull for Transition Norwich's Third Anniversary Celebration. Music by James Frost. Starring members and associates of Transition Norwich, November 2011.

FILM: Norwich in Transition - Part 2

Click and see the people behind the scenes reporting for Economics and Livelihoods, Magdalen Street Celebration, communications and the TN blogs. See Part 1 (above) for The Nectar Cafe, Norwich FarmShare, Carbon Conversations, Norwich CoHousing, Norwich Energy Lookouts!

Still: Charlotte Du Cann (TN blogs and the Low Carbon Cookbook) at the Occupy Norwich camp, Hay Hill, talking about communications (not a distraction!)

Film directed and produced by Tom Harper and Chris Hull for Transition Norwich's Third Anniversary Celebration. Music by James Frost. Starring members and associates of Transition Norwich, November 2011.

Welcome to our December News 2011!

Read all about what's happening in the city this winter from our Transition Norwich news crew: new Energy Look Outs! group starting, Occupy Norwich's discussions on climate change and monetary reform, Norwich FarmShare's big meeting, the Low Carbon Cookbook's merry midwinter meal, reports from TN's third birthday celebrations with Rob Hopkins, Transition East's third regional gathering, plus Transition Circles, climate connections, community gardens and more . . . .

Photos: climate chaos poster from The Greenhouse exhibition; Low Carbon Cookbook crew with beetroot at TN's Celebration (MW); houses from St Augustine's Visioning (Simeon Jackson); wish list from Finsbury Square, Occupy London. Banner by Mark Watson. TN News is edited and produced by Charlotte Du Cann for TN Communications.

A renewed sense of what's possible

On the evening of 15th November, around 250 people came together to celebrate Transition Norwich's third birthday and hear Rob Hopkins talk about the worldwide achievements of Transition Initiatives. We were treated to a showing of a wonderful film that Tom and Chris put together to showcase some of TN's own successes- one of several highlights of the evening. Everyone I've spoken to since has talked about a re-energising, a sense of being "part of the transition movement again". The talk was followed in fine style by wonderful music from James Frost, the arrival of our beautiful community-created-cake and a chance for everyone to chat and enjoy tea and cake together.

For me personally, the talk reinvigorated my understanding of what communities can achieve, working together- from covering the costs and washing up at an event like this to setting up community energy projects, carnivals and whole currencies. I feel much more hopeful, and more ready to take a full part in Transition again. For anyone who hasn't looked at the Transition website for a while (like I hadn't!), it's well worth a look- especially the section which lists Transtion Projects happening around the world. Stirring stuff.

For Rob's take on the evening, see his blog including a podcast of interviews with some members of TN. Elena Judd

Norwich in Transition - the film shown for the first time on the evening - is now available as a DVD! With specially written songs by James Frost, and many recognisable people and places, it's great to show your friends what Transition Norwich is all about and what it has achieved in 3 years. 15 minutes duration. A snip at £6 with hard box. Order through Chris: chrishull@phonecoop.coop 01603 664928

Transition East November 2011

On Saturday, 26th November 2011, 40 Transitioners from 13 Transition Towns in East Anglia met for our third regional meeting. It was hosted by Transition Stour Valley and held at Old Hall Community, East Bergholt in Suffolk. It was an inspiring day, that included a shared lunch, children's activites, a tour of Old Hall. Just hearing about each others’ experiences - good and bad - was valuable and illuminating.

Here are some of the highlights for me:

Transition v transition A few people reported that their initiatives had become inactive due to conflicts or burnout, but were then replaced by practical projects (ex. a community farm) which weren’t officially associated with the ‘Transition’ movement. The feeling was that these ‘transition’ projects were a natural extension of the movement and something to be proud of, not sorry about. There are lots of ‘transition’ projects around by people who don’t want to be part of an organised movement, but are very much on our wavelength.

Food projects galore!Most groups reported active food projects of various types: CSAs, food hubs, coops, market stalls, food sharing, festivals. Many met to discuss this in an Open Space session. Then in the closing session, we set up a small group that will help these food projects across our region to keep in contact with each other and promote synergy between them.

An East Anglian Transition currency? I was in the Open Space discussion of local currencies. It was difficult to choose the Open Space group I wanted, but I was so gripped that I stayed there throughout. We were actively discussing what we can do in case of major economic difficulties. The people from Cambridge are putting on a small conference on Alternatives to Economic Growth to look at this. The most exciting idea for me was a proposal for an East Anglian Transition currency that we could all use, tied to businesses and people who want an economy driven by wellbeing not money.

We will hold our next meeting next Summer. Several small groups will take forward the results of our discussions. Everyone thought it was an enjoyable and useful day. Gary Alexander

Welcome to our November News 2011!

Read all about what's happening in the city this autumn from our Transition Norwich news crew: TN's third birthday celebrations with Rob Hopkins, Transition East's third regional gathering, Norwich FarmShare's potato day, the Low Carbon Cookbook's A-Z, reports from St Augustine's Visioning Day and Urbal Fix, plus Transition Circles, climate connections, community gardens and more . . . .

Photos: Storing apples (Bee Springwood); Mike Grenville, organiser of the Transition Camp (Charlotte Du Cann); poster for Occupy Norwich; Rob Hopkins and the Ingredient and Tool cards (Transition Network)

Rob Hopkins Visits Norwich - 15 November

Positive approaches in difficult times
On Tuesday 15 November, Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network and Transiton Town Totnes will be visiting Norwich to talk about the Transition movement, and to help us celebrate 3 years of Transition Norwich. A lot of excitement is being generated around this visit, and it will be a perfect opportunity to find out more about Transition.

The evening will also feature a short in-house film telling something of the story of Transition Norwich so far, and sharing some of the amazing things that have been achieved. After the talk, there will be a chance to meet and discuss over tea, coffee and cake with other people who are interested in positive community responses.

Rob will also talk about his new book The Transition Companion which will be available at the event for £14. To order your copy Email: info@sustainablebungay.com

Looking forward to see you on the 15th.... Christine Way

Celebrate 3 Years of Transition Norwich with Rob Hopkins: founder of the Transition Town Movement Tuesday 15th November at 7.30pm United Reform Church, Princes Street, Norwich NR3 1LE . All Welcome Free Entry (suggested donation £5) and if poss do bring a cake

For further info email: transiton@phonecoop.coop

REPORT: The Urbal Fix - Next Steps

On Saturday 29^th October nearly 40 of us from across Norwich gathered together at St. Thomas’ Church Hall for a screening of The Urbal Fix, a film which explores ways to respond to climate change and peak oil and transform our cities into greener, pleasanter places to live.

Although the film uses Leeds as its example, the problems and solutions described were easy to relate to Norwich and were clearly presented by Tom Bliss, who wrote and produced the film.

Suggested solutions included the creation of community gardens and other public green spaces, green corridors to link these together, the use of buildings to generate renewable energy, local food production and distribution and smarter town planning and building.

Most, if not all, of this will be familiar to supporters of Transition Norwich, but the film brings together ideas in a very inspiring and easy to understand way and by the end we were feeling energised and keen to do more.

Many different initiatives are taking place in Norwich, both inside and outside the Transition Norwich umbrella, and one positive outcome of our meeting would be to find ways to link together these initiatives and make it easier for individuals and groups to share ideas, learn from each others’ experiences and find the best ways to make changes happen.

The evening was hosted by Rev. Philip Young, the vicar of St. Thomas’ Church as part of One World Week. As well as watching the film we had a series of discussions and shared a selection of delicious desserts.

Many of those of us who attended the meeting passed on our contact details to Philip Young, who will host a follow-up meeting in the near future.

If you weren’t able to make the meeting you can view the film here. If you would like to take part in further meetings, please contact Philip on Norwich 624390 or via the St. Thomas’ Church website’s contact form. Jeremy Bartlett

Photo: Bluebell Allotments (Jeremy Bartlett)

Welcome to our October News 2011!

Read all about what's happening in the city this autumn from our Transition Norwich news crew: Magdalen Street Celebration Big Day (today!), Norwich FarmShare's Indian Summer harvest, TN's third birthday celebrations with Rob Hopkins, This Low Carbon Life's 650 blogposts in two years, St Augustine's Visioning Day, plus Transition Circles, Low Carbon Cookups, the Oil Game, Norwich Community Bees and more . . . .

3 years of Transition Norwich - A celebration with Rob Hopkins - 15 November

An evening for Transition Norwich and the City of Norwich to celebrate, reconnect, remind, regenerate, share and discuss where we are and what we have achieved since the 'great unleashing' back in 2008.

The evening is set for Tuesday the 15th of November- 7.30pm at the United Reform Church (Princes Street). The plan is to have a happy and relaxed celebration, an opportunity for further dreaming and planning, with stalls to display the various projects throughout Norwich that have been a direct result of TN or link directly with TN in their ethos and vision.

Rob Hopkins will be joining our celebration, sharing the broader story of transition as he witnesses it as well as discussing his upcoming book The Transition Companion (including sections about the TN blog, Norwich FarmShare and a great pic of the NR3 Reskillers by helenofnorwich).

Plus.... there are plans to put a short 10 min film together that reflects on Transition Norwich, the place, the people, the projects.For inquiries about the event please contact Christine Way at training@transitionnorwich.org

The Transition Companion by Rob Hopkins (Green Books) was published on October 27 and now has its ingredient and tools on line.