Newsletter October 2011

Sustainable Ottery: Ottery St Mary’s response to climate change, carbon footprints and peak oil.

Sustainable Ottery’s aim is to try and involve many more local people in our efforts to help build a more sustainable community in the face of climate change and depleting fossil fuel reserves.
Please come and join us and spread the word!

Click here for Community Market information

Hello and welcome to October’s Newsletter. We hope that you have enjoyed the very late but very welcome summer warmth. It was very good to see so many of you at the Exhibition last month and we hope that everyone was inspired by Satish’s talk. See below for a summary of his message. If his words have spurred you on to get more active then you’d be very welcome to our next meeting which is on Thursday 20th October at 7.30 p.m. at the Town Council Offices.

Satish Kumar’s Inspiring Speech
Satish Kumar, Earth Pilgrim, inspirational speaker on the environment and campaigner, spoke to a packed audience at the Recycling and Environment Exhibition in the Church last month.
As a guest of Sustainable Ottery CIC Satish spent time chatting to visitors before and after his speech. He is a deep thinker on the problems that face the World today and draws on a lifetime of campaigning for peace, justice and building communities. Satish spoke of how important it is to know our local community, interact with our neighbours, support local food production, take only what we need from the earth and value the input that science, art and spirituality all need to bring to finding solutions to the enormous challenges of climate change, social unrest, poverty and a myriad of other challenges that we face today.
In response to a question from the audience about whether we could trust the politicians and big business to find the answers to all these problems, Satish replied that they have had ample opportunity to come up with solutions and failed, he referred to the Rio conference, Copenhagen conference and other big events that have failed to make the changes that are necessary, and he said that the only answer is a grass roots movement that will bring about the changes that are needed. This is where the Transition Town movement fits in, a grass roots movement that encourages and supports people to make changes to their own communities that will begin to make real improvements to our towns, cities and villages, as well as applying pressure to the powerful people to realise that we cannot keep up “business as usual” which seems to be their answer to the problems we face.
Sustainable Ottery CIC is one of a growing number of Transition Towns and welcomes anyone with the energy, enthusiasm and ideas for small (and large!) scale activities and developments that will improve the lives of people in Ottery and district.

New Transition Town Group for Honiton
Last month saw the inaugural meeting of the proposed Transition Honiton group, organised by local town councillor Sharon Pavey of the Green Party. There were three speakers from the Blackdown Hills Hub Group, Vision Sidmouth and a Forest Garden scheme. Members of Sustainable Ottery also attended to lend support and tell of our experiences. At least twenty people attended, including a town councillor and a district councillor. Councillor Pavey explained what a transitional town could do and our own John Crew explained what peak oil means. The outcome of this meeting was the setting up of a steering group. We look forward to meeting up with them and any possible collaborations in the future.

Sainsbury’s Planning Amendments
On the 15th September the EDDC Licensing Committee met to discuss Sainsbury’s applications for opening hours and the sale of alcohol. The results were –
- Application for ‘Premises Opening Hours midnight to midnight (24 hours) Monday to Sunday’ - Sainsbury's representatives said at the meeting that the intention was for the store to open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and for 6 hours on Sundays.
- Application for ‘Late Night Refreshment (Indoors and Outdoors) 1pm to midnight Monday to Sunday’ - Sainsbury's withdrew this application at the meeting
- Application for ‘The sale by retail of alcohol for consumption OFF the premises only 6am to midnight Monday to Sunday’ - at the commencement of the meeting, Sainsburys sought alcohol sales from 6am to midnight; during the meeting they offered sales from 8am to 11pm and later during the meeting they offered sales from 8am to 10pm.
This was agreed by the Licensing Committee. agreed that alcohol sales should be from 8am to 10pm.

Also, the Police had objected to Sainsburys CCTV proposals stating that they felt ‘that the CCTV conditions offered are unacceptable and fall below the minimum standards required by the police and by this Authority`s Licensing Policy.’ However, after considerable discussion, the Licensing Committee accepted the Sainsbury CCTV proposals!
Well done to those hardy souls who attended the meeting in person to put their comments to Sainsbury’s team face-to-face and to Councillor Roger Giles who officially spoke on behalf of us who couldn’t make the meeting.
And on a similar theme....?

Proposed changes to the National Planning Policy framework
At a recent EDDC Local Development Framework Panel meeting the draft Nation Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was discussed. New (draft) proposals would require Local Planning Authorities such as EDDC to provide the burden of proof as to why a supermarket planning application should be refused! Up to now, the burden of proof has been with the applicant to provide the burden of proof as to why it should be approved. The result of this substantial change of emphasis to the applicant is that EDDC and other Local Authorities would be very unlikely to refuse a planning application for fear of getting into an expensive legal battle with the big supermarket chains! If you don’t like the sound of these proposals (at a draft stage currently) then please let your local district councillors know

African Drumming- Saturday 15th October
The very popular and vibrant African drumming/percussion workshops continue on our doorstep in Ottery and ably demonstrated at the Environmental Exhibition last month. The next drumming workshop will be held on Saturday 15th October beginners at 2pm, more advanced drummers at 3.30 p.m finishing at 5 p.m. The cost is £7.50 per session. It will take place at the Station Youth Club, Barrack Rd (i.e. main road out of Ottery to A30), on the Kings School side of the River Otter on the right hand side, a few metres from the bridge. For more information call 814217. Drums are available to borrow and everyone over 11 years old (accompanied by an adult up to 16) is welcome. Future dates are November 19th, December 17th.

Community Market – Saturday 29th October 9.30 am – 12.30pm
The next S.O. Community Market will take place on Saturday 29th October in The Institute, Yonder St. There’ll be stalls selling locally produced, organic fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs and egg products, a huge selection of preserves and chutneys, apple juice and home-baked goods will fill the Institute in Ottery. All this food is produced within 5 miles of the town! For the gaps in the garden there will be plenty of plants to chose from. And don't forget there is always a wide range of home made cards and interesting presents to choose from. After shopping, the WI ladies invite visitors to stop by their table “for a refreshing cuppa and a delicious cake to set you up for the rest of the day”.

October 15th - University of Exeter and Transition Exeter Workshop
The University of Exeter and Transition Exeter will be hosting a day of workshops and discussion on the 15th of October. The day will consists of groupwork and discussion for all groups in the Exeter and Devon area and will hope to help improve the functioning and effectiveness of said groups, as well as establishing networks and collaboration in the area. Nick Osborne, a Transition Network trainer will be leading the workshops. It will take place at Sidwell St. Methodist Church from 10am. Please let me Justin Pollard know if you are interested in attending by email: J.Pollard@exeter.ac.uk

Devon County Council Public Engagement Events
With further reductions in Public Spending expected this year, these events will offer the opportunity to have your say and make sure your voice is heard. Nearby venues include -
Honiton, Mackarness Hall on 14 October, Ottery St Mary, the Institute on 25 October Exeter Central Library on 27 October and Exmouth, Elizabeth Hall on 15 November

Community Orchard / More Allotments?
Currently, Justin Pollard, a research student at Exeter University is working with local transition groups in East Devon and Exeter He is keen to explore the idea of a community orchard, allotments or growing space in Ottery. He is successfully investigating this with the other groups too. If this is something that you might like to get involved in either as a grower, investor or land supplier(!) then please contact Justin on justin@sustainableottery.org.uk

The Walled Garden Project, Escot – Apple Day 22nd October
For about 3 years now, there has been a community kitchen garden in the walled garden (former Kitchen Garden) at Escot Park. The form and nature of the project has evolved somewhat over that time, but has now settled to a full complement of 12 members, who either have their own growing plot, or grow produce in the communal areas.
The project started as a Community Interest Company, which some of you will know as Otter Valley Harvest Hub. For logistical administrative reasons, they are in the process of changing over to a simple Association, which takes the original subtitle of ‘The Walled Garden Project’. That’s just a bit of background, to avoid confusion!
They grow organically, mainly for their own use, but also sell surplus within the garden confines and occasionally at Talaton Village Shop. On Saturday 22nd October they we will be having an Apple day, where you can bring your apples to be juiced for free. You will be allowed in free at the entrance for the purposes of the Apple Day (but not to go beyond). Open from 10.00 – 3.00.

More apple Information.
Alternatively if you cannot make the above event but still have a glut of unwanted apples, then we can co-ordinate a pick-up of said fruit and get them to Bicton College where students will be ready and willing to turn them into lovely juice for their own use.

Rotary Raffle
Sustainable Ottery will again be taking part in the Rotary Club’s raffle over the next few months. Please help us by buying these at the Community Market or any other events that Sustainable Ottery take part in. Thank you.

Green Communities Programme Update
If you need any help or advice on any energy matters, whether it’s energy efficiency measures for your home or work or if you’re considering installing any renewable scheme, then please get in touch with us at info@sustainableottery.org.uk or tel. 01404 811067. We can’t guarantee to know all the answers but we might just know someone who can help of we can’t. Check out the new-look Energy Savings Trust website www.energysavingstrust.org.uk.

Other Events in the Area

Tuesday October 11th 8 p.m. Dartmouth Inn (on the Plains) Totnes –
‘Voices in Transition’ Film Show
Film screening & discussion with the film maker.How do we make the transition? This film looks at positive and often quite simple and cheap solutions. Ways towards food sovereignty, agroforestry and views on how we can achieve this. Film maker Nils Aguliar shot much of his film in Totnes during 2010. Nils will provide an introduction on the night and field questions during the discussion afterwards. DVDswill be on sale. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.

Apple, Pumpkin and Pizza Day – Sunday 16th October 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Embercombe, Higher Ashton near Exeter £5 adults (or £6 on the gate) children £3 (£4 on the gate), £15 family (£18 on the gate). Book online www.embercombe.co.uk (01647 252983 for further details).

October 19th Sustainability Awareness “Climate change, health and the value of nature” by Professor Michael Depledge, Chair of Advisory Board, European Centre for Environment and Human Health. Climate change has been identified by some as the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century, however, our environment is changing in many other ways which may prove equally challenging. 1pm Wednesday 19th October 2011, Lecture Theatre, Postgraduate Education Centre, RD&E (Wonford). Contact Victoria Goodwin 01392 722745 or victoria.goodwin@pms.ac.uk

Solar Celebration Wasters of Whimple Whimple Victory Hall 8pm: Thursday 20th October More than 20 properties in Whimple have installed Solar panels since last October. We welcome those with panels or those still thinking about it to join us for an evening of discussion about Solar PV. Anyone with data they wish to share will be welcome to make a presentation (please contact us and we will ensure you have some time on the evening). We will also be joined by: Western Power, The Green Energy Centre and installers Atass Energy and 4SeasonsAC Ltd. For more information contact Jenny Sanders (jls.sanders@btinternet.com) (01404 823015)

Dartington School for Social Entrepreneurs Monday 24th October 4.00pm—6.00pm Top Studio, Exeter Phoenix Centre, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS. Are you driven by the desire to make a difference in your community? Do you have an idea or project that you want to take to the next stage? Are you persistent, creative and willing to be challenged to make a positive change in your career? If so, the School for Social Entrepreneurs action learning programme could well be what you are waiting for!

‘Energy - the Future, the Reality’ Saturday 29th October 6.30pm a talk by Keith Henry 35 years of experience in all aspects of the energy sector – former Chief Executive National Power plc. The Norman Lockyer Observatory, Salcombe Hill, SIDMOUTH EX10 0NY. Free entry. Refreshments available.

‘Truth in a world of consumerism’ 1st November 18:30 – 21:00
Are we being consumed by consumerism? Have our lives been distorted by buying? Are consumerism and sustainability incompatible? What is our relationship with consumerism? How can we take control of that relationship? Friends Meeting House, Wynards Lane, Magdalen Street, Exeter. lukeappleton@homeblend.eu or call 07806729083 for more information. Suggested Donation £2

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Sustainable Ottery

A local response to global change

Newsletter October 2011

Sustainable Ottery: Ottery St Mary’s response to climate change, carbon footprints and peak oil.