The Open Space Event on 29th Nov 2008 resulted in working groups being set up for food, transport, and "heart & soul". Groups for energy and Council liaison are also expected to form soon.
Pictures of the flip-chart notes made are:
Psychological Health and Well-being:
Click for full- sized imageFood Production:
Click for full- sized imageLocal community:
Click for full- sized imageTransport:
Click for full- sized imageSpirituality:
Click for full- sized imageProcess of change:
Click for full- sized imageSee notes in Process_of_Change.doc
Rob Hopkins' book The Transition Handbook has now been published - essential reading for those concerned about what life will be like after the end of cheap oil.
Chapters on 'Peak Oil', a positive vision, and local resiliance.
Available from Lingham's West Kirby (625 1532) or Heswall (342 7290) as a next-day order. £12.95 (less 5% with loyalty card).
(Mar 2008)
Also now in West Kirby Library, courtesy of a donation from TTWK.
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In March 2008, the price of oil reached a new record of $110 per barrel. This is now a record even after allowing for inflation - higher than the level reached in the 1970's during the political oil blockade that lead to an economic slump, and petrol rationing in the USA.
In 2005, the UK Department for Trade and Industry made predictions for oil price movements (Current DTI Fossil Fuel Price Assumptions www.berr.gov.uk/files/file26372.pdf) - the level is now twice the highest level envisaged.
On 23rd January 2008, over 100 people attended a very successful meeting dedicated to food 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT'.
Speakers included: Ken Dowden on simple ways to grow your own food, Church Farm Organics Ltd, Claremont Farm, La Paz restaurant (voted Wirral Chef of the Year 2007), Patrick on why food prices are rising and Rosie on how Transition Towns are leading the way in promoting local food provision. This was accompanied by food to taste on the night.
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"The UK will be importing around two thirds of its energy by 2020"
according to a new report from the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit
"The need to reduce the carbon intensity of food production in a world of growing population, greater water scarcity, degrading soils and changing climate calls for a new Green Revolution"
see Food: an analysis of the issues
available from food_analysis.pdf
(Jan 08)