November 2015 Newsletter

A round up of news and views

Taking Root - This inspirational film, which tells the dramatic story of Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai whose simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy, will be shown as part of our Christmas event, upstairs in the Bear Hotel, on Thursday 10th December, starting at 7.30pm. Bring-and-share food will be available together, with Kenyan and West African music for those who would like to stay on for a festive bop! Please join us.

We would also like your views on whether you would like TM to show more environmental films on a regular basis, by filling in this short online questionnaire, here...

  #Climate March - We were there! A coach-load of us travelled from Marlborough to London on 29th November, the eve of the Paris Climate Talks (COP21) to take part in the biggest ever demonstration against climate change.  

More than 50,000 people walked from Park Lane to Parliament Square.  We were there to send a loud message to World Leaders that now is the time to act to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to below 400ppm, so that any future rises in global temperatures are kept within 2 degrees. This can oly be done by keeping fossil fuels in the ground and financing a just transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050.  The London march was a joyous occasion, with drumming, dancing and the ubiquitous Hare Krishna chants!  According to 350.org there were over 2,300 similar events, spread over 175 Countries, involving millions of people - world leaders can no longer ignore this urgent call for action.

Air Quality in Marlborough - Unfortunately Marlborough has been left out of the action planning excercise, that was mandated in accordance with the Supreme Court ruling, obliging Wilts. councillors to consult with the public on a new air quality action plan. The local action plans aim to meet EU nitrogen dioxide limits and will be submitted to DEFRA, by the end of 2015. We do not even have the promised, real time, particulate monitor, unlike other affected towns in Wiltshire. A real time monitor would allow vulnerable people to sign up to the 'Know and Respond' text messaging service, so that they have the latest information on the quality of the air that they are breathing, find out more, here...  The Transport Group is planning to discuss these issues at their January meeting, read more here...

Permaculture Group - we discussed 'how to grow our own drugs' at the last meeting.  Alexandra showed us the lotions, tinctures and teas that she had made on a recent course on herbal remedies. We also discussed ways of getting the Agroecology (FoodSecurity) Bill onto the statute.  We are planning to host a 1 day' Grow your own drugs' re-skilling workshop with herbal medicine expert, Helen Ellis, in spring next year.  If you are interested in joining in this workshop or attending next year's 10 session permaculture course. please get in touch via permaculture@transitionmarlborough.org 

Thanks

The Transition Marlborough team