TT Harborough - Minutes August 27th 2007

Yesterday (Aug 27th) saw the first meeting of the "TransitionHarborough" steering group, present were:

  • Darren Woodiwiss (Chair)
  • Marion Turner
  • Simon Cornwell
  • Mark Baverstock

This first meeting was basically a get to know each other meeting and we each explained why we wished to undertake this venture and what we hoped the outcomes would be.

We also discussed how we thought that we might tackle the getting public involved and the consensus was that the whole venture should be fun and as much social events as is practicable. To this end I am going to speak to the "Riff Raff Element" (Top Local Irish Folk band) and a couple of other bands to see if they would like to participate in any way with a view for using their gigs to promote the group, sound bytes for HFM and performing at events.

We would be looking to start our own program of events after the October 14th showing of "An inconvenient Truth" by the Harborough FOE so start formulating ideas of events that could be staged and let us know.

In between times it was decided to forge contacts with the council and media so that they are aware of our existence and our goals in order to forge the bonds required for later stages of this process and to start to raise the local awareness of the issues involved.

There were some formalities to be covered which are notated as follows:

The draft steering group constitution was accepted with modifications,the word "Committee" was dropped as too officious and bureaucratic sounding and the decision was made not to have a permanent chair of the steering group to avoid the impression of ownership. Marion is to write an appendix for the constitution in the form of a terms of engagement with some guidance on group dynamics, interactions and mediation.

Read the accepted constitution

The positions elected were:

  • Treasurer : Simon Cornwell
  • Secretary : Mark
  • Social secretary : Darren Woodiwiss

The inclusion of the last position is to try and ensure a social element to all proceedings.

It was proposed that a bank account be opened with the Co-operative bank with it being a British owned ethical bank but it was decided to also investigate the use of the Harborough Credit union http://www.clockwise-cu.co.uk/community.html but after looking at the hours that it is open in Harborough I don't think that it will be a practicable option.

Mark stated that, subject to dates, he to would like to attend the transition town training event bringing the number that wish to attend,subject to dates, to four.

The next meeting is pencilled in as the 14th of September the day after the next FOE meeting where we would hope to have some feedback on the level of co-operation between the two groups.

So ends my first chair and the inaugural meeting of the group, it was good to meet you all and I look forward to a mutually beneficial,enjoyable and rewarding journey with you all down the road of energy descent.

Darren Woodiwiss