Hi there!
We in South Petherton have taken the plunge and committed to developing a transition initiative in our community. We are in the very early stages, so if you’re interested in becoming involved then please do get in touch with us by e-mail to southpetherton@googlemail.com.
'- In the last 150 years, humans have used one trillion barrels of conventional oil. At the current rate, we would exhaust another trillion barrels by 2035, at which point global supply would be running on fumes. But that rate can’t continue, so we’re due for a big-time slowdown. This phenomenon is called peak oil. It’s destined to shove climate change off the front page, hammer your wallet, and change your life. - ASPO.-'
NEXT EVENTS
FILM - AGE OF STUPID This year's most talked-about climate change film from Franny Armstrong, maker of ‘McLibel’. starring Pete Postlethwaite. Thursday 22nd October 8pm @ The Blake Hall - £3.00
International day of Climate Change 350 parts per million is the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. 350.org is calling on people around the world to organize an action on October 24 incorporating the number 350 at an iconic place in their community. South Petherton will be marking this day and helping residents to make their own pledges. The Breathe 350 Leaflet provides more information. Please join us on the 24th October outside the church. Watch our notice boards and website for details. 10am to 12 noon on Saturday 24th October See www.350.org for more information.
Film - Farm for a Future An excellent BBC documentary by Rebecca Hosking, film-maker & originator of ‘plastic bag free Modbury’.
Thursday 26th October 8pm @ The Blake Hall - £3.00
All funds from these events simply cover the event costs.
Previous Events
28 May 2009 - Francis Blake on soil and oil. Food security and peak oil
25 June 2009 - Milary Manning from SWAP. Waste time line activity
23 July 2009 - Henry Hobhouse on renewable energy, advantages and the different technologies
24 Sept 2009 - Banielle Barrett from the Center of Sustainable Energy
22 October 2009 - Keith Wheaton-Green from our own SSDC. Renewable energy projects for SP
23 April 2009 - Fergus Dowding on growing your first vegetables and the basics of sucess with plants
21st May, 8pm South Petherton Junior School - Election Debate
'-This recent event was a great success and was thought provoking for all who attended. David Lingham chaired a lively debate between prospective County Councillors Anne Larpent (Conservative) and Michael Fox (Green Party).
It was interesting to find out that there is a lot of common ground between the two parties in terms of environmental issues but their respective approach is very different. Anne, Conservative, felt the best way to push the environmental agenda was from a powerful party base whilst Michael, Green Party, is in favour of more radical changes.
Issues such as walking busses, better recycling and support for Transition Towns Initiatives were discussed. Michael pointed out that although Somerset has pledged support for the Transition movement they have actually done nothing about it, he went on to promise, if he were elected, to ensure the County follows up on its support for Transition and in particular to ensure the review of transportation goes ahead.
Both the other prospective Councillors were invited to join in the debate but both declined; Ian Greenfield, independent candidate, had a prior engagement. Whilst Brian Smith, Lib Dems, told me that his party does not engage in such events, which considering that this is what local politics is all about is very surprising and not a little concerning.
We all have the chance to make a difference with our votes in the coming elections and it is important that everybody does so. It is every individual’s right to vote for who ever they please but it was great to see that both the Conservatives and the Green Party are taking the issues seriously and making an effort to engage with voters on a real basis.-'
26 March 2009 - On Thursday March 26th Morgan Griffin talked about on Energy efficiency in the home - how to save money and reduce your carbon emissions.
Feb 26th - Breathe were proud to present a fascinating and thought provoking evening hosted by Julia Hailes, an inspirational speaker and successful author, including “The New Green Consumer Guide”.
On the 10th Feb this year we held a meeting of small businesses local to SP. The meeting was very positive and we hope to develop this further. The variety and depth of the local business is much more extensive than you might think. The clear message from the meeting was "keep it local and get locals using local businesses"
On 16th January 09 we teamed up with the Petherton Picture Show at the David Hall to screen 'WALL-E' a great animated film with many strong messages about how we treat the earth.
On Saturday 10th January 09 Breathe organised a community litter pick, despite some rubbish being frozen to the ground! 30 black bin bag full were collected by 20 committed volunteers. Short PR in the Yeovil Western Gazette 15/01/09.
We held a public meeting on Tuesday 14th October 08 at 8pm in the Blake Hall. The aim was to give an introduction to the Transition Initiative, ask and answer questions and get the next few events going. Everyone is welcome.
We held a public meeting on the 18th September at 8pm in the Blake Hall. A brief presentation on the concept and reasons for the Transition movement was given followed by a strong discussion around our next moves.
We went on a food for free walk.
We held a showing of the film "the power of Community".
We organised a visit to the Carymoor recycling centre on the 7th of August 08.
We held a showing of the film "End of Suburbia" on the 17th July 08.
We had a stand the Green Fair and Scythe festival.