We are the local transition community group ‘Transition Stour Valley’ …. part of a national and international movement. The Transition town movement  began in 2006 in the west country and has spread over the UK and the world in a rapidly evolving way. We decided  that we were a valley not a town when we formed 2 years ago and we  encompass  Manningtree,  Lawford,  Mistley, Dedham, East Bergholt and Brantham.

Our aim is to slowly make a transition to a low carbon society over the next 20 years but enjoying ourselves at the same time! We don’t profess to know exactly how to do this at the moment but we have made a start where we do know.  And we believe that as more people join in then solutions will emerge from skills and knowledge in our own communities.

Allotment Cycle visit June 2011

So far we have spoken to many people locally who have lived in a low carbon economy, 50-60 years ago or who have low carbon skills,  collected stories and skills, and then passed these on in workshops;  the Re-skilling project. We have tried to eat a diet of 30 miles for 30 days – the local food project. We have swapped our surplus food and Christmas presents and toys. We have cycled around our allotments, and walked in the Dedham vale, and then met in the pub to discuss how to make our own personal transitions to lower carbon lifestyles.  We watch films to inform ourselves on the issues. We have a kitchen garden group that meets regularly to talk about growing and cooking food.

We are now working towards; setting up a community company to supply renewable energy to public buildings, a community garden  and a food hub so that local food is easily accessible to local people (we found out that it was not when we tried to eat from 30 miles for a month!)

If you are interested in becoming involved in any of the projects, coming to some events  or receiving our newsletter with events and meetings please contact us on www.transitionvalley.com  email; hello@transitionvalley.com.