Stroud Hub Website

I have been trying to think how all the hundreds of creative individuals and exciting initiatives that make Stroud great can feed off one another – so that energy is multiplied rather than people getting ‘burn-out’ or feeling isolated – which is often the case.

There are various fora that bring people together – the Fringe, ‘open studios’, Farmers market, public meetings etc There are opportunities for more – perhaps a ‘Social Forum’ or a process of visioning to produce a vision of a Sustainable Stroud 2020 – however we could also try and push the boundaries of the internet to play its part as well.

The idea is for a really well designed and run website hub for ‘Alternative/social forum/Green Stroud’ that could provide information, access to sustainable services and a democratic space for publishing and expressing views. Some of the things that might be accessed from the hub:

• Daily ‘What’s on’ listing – of all music, drama, talks etc. This could also be downloaded onto an A4 sheet – so that libraries, pubs, friendly shops etc could print it out and pin it up.

• Information and links to all Stroud organisations – easy way to find contacts, who is doing what, links to other local websites.

• Linking people with ideas, skills and resources together – particularly in the environmental and sustainability field

• Liftshare – for both regular and ‘one-off’ journeys. Also links to Stroud Car Club.

• Democratic space for people to express opinions – better than the SNJ letters page. Also an opportunity for longer articles and ideas proposed by local people. Maybe even news items – rival to SNJ/Citizen? A weekly guest editor?

• Questions and Answers – an opportunity for people to pose questions about anything and using the collective brainpower of Stroud to answer!

• Publishing – poems, short stories etc. – for those who want to share their work but perhaps are not in-print

• Music Publishing – downloadable examples of music by your favourite Stroud Bands. Check them out before going to listen to them.

• Local produce advertising – local artists able to display their wares and meet potential buyers. Local food producers, local builders, carpenters, plumbers, service providers, alternative therapists, green energy installers etc. – building a more localised economy. Ability to have ‘satisfaction rating’ for local tradespeople.

• For Sale/Stroud Freecycle – an opportunity to recycle unwanted possessions – for money or for free. Perhaps even a local E-bay? Linking foodgrowers and consumers.

• Timebank/volunteering/LETS – bringing needs, skills and opportunities together.

• Sharing – of expensive but occasionally used items – tools? canoe? PA system, Camper van? Tent?

• Launching community campaigns – against hospital closures, the war…..

• On-line opinion surveys – on local or national/international issues. A way for politicians and others to consult?

• Local History/scenery – ‘oral’ histories, downloadable photos etc – with searchable database. You would be able to find what anywhere looked like before, what other people remember etc.

• Sustainable Stroud Monitor – perhaps one could collect and publish in graphical form some key data (monthly updating) - % produce sourced locally, air pollution levels in Merrywalks, % of single occupancy cars on Gloucester road at rush hour, number Green energy installation etc – to motivate and shame people!

• What else? - …………………….

For non-computer owners – with the right design and a bit of back-up - key information could be downloaded and stuck up on boards. There could be ways of submitting things in paper form. There could also be some terminals around town – pubs, café, library etc which could be used to access the hub.

To be successful the hub would need critical mass – so important that every organisation put events in and so well updated that everyone checks there first – could it be the thinking Stroudites homepage?

The idea would be for the hub to encourage more ‘face-to-face’ contact – NOT to replace it! Its about building community, a localised economy, empowering, connecting and energising……

Martin Whiteside 23.6.06 whiteside@gn.apc.org