Regional Meeting 14th November: More Details

Dear All,

As some of you know the Regional Support Group that emerged out of the Downham regional gathering met on the 28th. We compared notes about the progress of the various initiatives we're involved in and discussed the next regional meeting - which will be hosted by Transition Diss. Transition Diss had asked us to help them organise the event and we came up with with an outline of for the day - I've attached a copy.

As you'll can see we're repeating many of the activities that Downham ran. But there are a couple of differences. First of all we thought it might be good to have a keynote speaker; ideally someone with a public profile outside transition but with a good understanding of what we're trying to achieve. The only name that sprung to mind was Tim O'Riordan - retired professor of environmental sciences at the UEA, member of the Sustainable Development Commission and current Sheriff of Norwich, however, it seems unlikely that he will be available - any thoughts?

We also thought it would be useful if Transition Norwich were to introduce a new project they're developing called Transition Circles, where small groups of friends and neighbours meet regularly to support each other as they engage in practical steps to reduce their carbon footprints.

Finally we've introduced an hour at the end where groups can seek and offer support and advice to each other. At the moment I've called it Transition Troubleshooting, which doesn't really capture the spirit or intent of the session. I'm not yet entirely clear how this will work and it needs more thought... but it could work as follows: Charlotte DuCann will contact all the initiatives she can (by phone) and ask a few simple questions, the answers will be compiled and circulated before and at the beginning of the regional meeting: they should give a pretty good overview of what's going on. During the day and over lunch those attending will be able to use this to identify others who might be able to help them, they then book a short slot (ten or fifteen minutes?) during the last hour when they will be able to sit down, compare notes and look for answers and new ideas. For example, at the last Regional Gathering my initiative (Sustainable Bungay) really wanted to get some tips on Unleashing, we managed to fit in a short chat with members of Transition Norwich (already Unleashed) which was very useful.

Please do get in touch (via the Transition East google group) if you have any thoughts on any of the above.

Nest Regional Support Group Meeting:
The Regional Support Group will be meeting again, this time with Transition Diss, at Gary's house (in Diss) to finalise the details on Monday 19th October. If you'd like to attend feel free - I've set up a doodle poll that will help us keep track of the numbers: http://www.doodle.com/4rabpmutwwpxfp5e

Data Collection for the Next Regional Meeting:
It would help Charlotte immensely if you could send her a contact phone number and a suggest a good time of day for her to call. We're hoping to finish this process by 23rd of October

Regional Meeting in Diss:
This is confirmed as Saturday 14th November and will be held in the United Reformed Church

The meeting on the 19th of October was very productive and there is now much clearer agenda for the regional meeting on the 14th, you can find it here:

http://transitioneast.net/regional-gathering-14th-november-2009-1

Hi folks,

A final reminder about the regional meeting in Diss this Saturday:

1. Are you coming? Please let me know who and how many are coming from each town. I have a list of about 30 so far, but hope there will be a lot more. (But it is ok to just turn up on the day.)

2. If anyone needs a ride or wants to share a lift, post a request on this list, and email or phone me if you want to be collected from Diss train station. (It's a 16 minute walk to the United Reform Church if you are able bodied.)

3. Lunch: Diss is providing soup and bread, but we are hoping that everyone else will bring some small contribution too. It will probably just work out fine, but you might want to email this list to let others know in advance (if you plan in advance!)

4. Also, please bring any leaflets, posters, notices that you want others to see.

5. Finally, one part of the agenda is 'collective keynotes' where a few people will make very short presentations of something exciting that is or has happened in their group, for everyone's benefit. If you want to be part of this, phone or email me please.

Yours,

Gary

garyalex@earthconnected.net

07766-711999