Yay! We’re running another Swap Shop at the Stade Hall on July 15th.
With energy advice cafe, Make Food community chef and entertainment by Hastings Voice Squad (local community choir).
These are special community events, not to be missed. Lots of great things to take away and a chance to meet new people and share the good vibes.
TTH Meeting June 21st 2017
Attendees: Kate Meakin, Chris Petts, Sarah Macbeth
Apologies: Karen, Alison, Laurie
Watch this film by Keith Rodway documenting an awareness-raising day for Hastings Greenway and sustainable transport in the town. It features interviews with key players in the campaign to build a safe route for cyclists and walkers from Ore to the town centre.
Join Energise Sussex Coast and other Community Energy groups across East Sussex for presentations and discussions about the potential for renewable and community owned energy. Hastings, being one of the sunniest places in the UK, gives us a real opportunity to create our own energy through solar pv. Come along and join the discussion on Wed 28th June, 7-9.30pm at The Palace, White Rock.
By Linda Jeal
Given the increasing concern that there is internationally about our access to energy and the environmental impact of certain raw materials, it was with great interest that a group from Transition Town Hastings visited Dungeness B Power Station run by EDF on 19th May. EDF operates two types of reactors in the UK. One type is Pressurised Water Reactor, the other, such as Dungeness B & most of the UK reactors, are Advanced Gas – cooled reactors. It is sited next to Dungeness A, which is in the process of being decommissioned. Spent fuel rods are transported by rail to Sellafield for storage.
Security was reassuringly rigorous, both before we were accepted on the tour and during our time going around the plant, including the opportunity to meet armed specialist police assigned to the facility. Health and Safety requirements were also strictly adhered to and great care was taken to ensure our safety as we toured around. We were also treated to a celebratory cake as Alison, who organised the trip was the 20,000 visitor.
The Interactive Visitor’s Centre, where we initially met, was very informative. The session was started with a talk, supported by a power point adapted from the Eco Schools website, to highlight the need for the efficient use of resources in all areas of life including the need to “reuse/recycle” and save water and energy resources by using these effectively. There was an explanation of the production of nuclear energy and the running of a plant. There was also a section where the environmental impact, land resources needed and CO2 footprint of a range of energy sources including renewables were compared. The main message was that in the UK, in our particular circumstances, that a mixture of methods both renewable and nuclear was the most beneficial. There is not, however, a clear solution at present to the problem of the final storage of all levels of nuclear waste. (it is possible to find very informative presentations about all these issues on the Eco Schools website)
During the tour we received a very informative presentation regarding the production of nuclear energy and questions were answered, as far as we could judge, thoroughly and honestly.
After the tour, the opinion was that we could thoroughly recommend taking the opportunity to tour the facility.
We are inviting all local residents to come along to a lunch picnic at Warrior Square Gardens on June 18th (1-4pm). We’re taking part in the UK’s annual get together organised by the Eden Project and Great Get Together (In celebration of Jo Cox’s belief that we have more in common).
TTH Meeting 24/05/18
Attending : Alison, Sherry, Sally Reeves, Benjamin, Kate Meakin, Katie, Mick, Rod, Sarah, Karen
Introductions
Hastings is well known for its passionate support of the environment, and for addressing the impact of climate change. We realise we are an important part of the solution – lead by example and show others what is possible. Transition Towns are now a global initiative encouraging communities to address the challenges they face by starting locally.
Transition Town Hastings was originally started in 2006, and gathered pace in 2015 when frustrations about an issue no government seemed to be taking seriously came to a head. The Transition Network or Movement offered a productive, all inclusive, a-political approach.
Over the last two and a half years, TTH has run numerous events to raise awareness of the issues. There was an initial Vision Day, on which the public were invited to come along and share their vision for a healthier, more sustainable Hastings. We’ve hosted a number of well attended ‘Pot Luck Dinners’ and shown many inspiring films including ‘Inhabit’ – an introduction to Permaculture which included a Q&A with the director Costa Boutsikaris, and ‘Demain/Tomorrow’ – a story presenting positive solutions to our ecological, economical and social crisis. We have also hosted inspiring guest speakers such as Jeremy Leggett (founder of Solar Aid), Pop-ups at St Leonards Festival, several swap shops and much more.
TTH started a Community Garden at St Leonards Warrior Square Train Station (North Side) which produced its first harvest last year. Feel free to come along to a gardening session (every weekend) to get involved, find out more or pick something for your dinner! There are many exciting plans for this year: the garden will be part of the Chelsea Fringe Festival which runs from 20th May – 4th June and on Sunday 4th June the station community garden will host ‘A Day to Clear Your Head and Clear Your Shed’ from 11-3pm. Donate an old rake or bring something unusual to plant something in. There will be music too.
TTH are also developing a project to tackle polystyrene take-away food packaging and the use of disposable plastic cups given out by local pubs during public holidays and events. We often see these littered on the seafront or on the beach, and when they get into the sea, they cause huge damage to marine life. We’d like to help local businesses come up with a solution.
All TTH projects rely on volunteers. We need a constant flow of people in order to keep these projects moving, so if you want to be a part of something special, either to volunteer on the current projects, fundraise or set up a project of your own please email info@transitiontownhastings.org.uk. Equally if you’d like to learn more about any of the above please visit our website www.transitiontownhastings.org.uk or email us at info@transitiontownhastings.org.uk
Find us on Facebook: Transition Town Hastings
Or Twitter: @TTHastingsUK
We’re teaming up with the Greenhouse Group in Alexandra Park and the Bohemia Walled Garden to put on some garden events in Hastings during Chelsea Fringe.
At St Leonards Warrior Square Train Station we will be hosting a garden swap shop and planting sessions for adults and children from 11-3pm. Bring your unwanted garden tools, plants, seeds and other garden related stuff. (read more about dos and don’ts for our swap shops).
Throughout the day we will be planting in containers so come along with your old teapots, wellies, tins and ceramic pots, anything waterproof and frost proof. Surprised us!
Also expect some musicians to drop by and play some tunes, share in a pot of tea and you will be able to try some produce, directly from the garden!
http://www.chelseafringe.com/event/a-day-to-clear-your-shed-clear-your-head/
Events
TTH Meeting 22/3/17
Attendees: Sherry Clark, Sarah Macbeth, Ken Kitson, Chris Petts, Rebecca Helbick, Alison Cooper, Sassie Yasamee
Apologies: Roz Cran, Steve Savage, Kathy Bor