A series of events will be paving the way to Leominster becoming a ‘Transition Town’.
A growing number of towns across the country are already preparing for the challenges of climate change and peak oil by opting to join forces with a grassroots movement aimed at helping communities find ways of coping with soaring fuel prices, reducing energy use and becoming more self-reliant.
An initial meeting at Leominster about the Transition Town process is now to be followed up by a planned sequence of events starting with a film showing how how Cuba adapted in the 1990s after losing access to Soviet oil.
Said Ann Ashley, spokeswoman for a newly-formed steering group, ‘Towards Transition Leominster’: “Hopefully the UK will never face such a sudden oil shock as Cuba but the writing is on the wall.
“The world now uses more than 1,000 barrels of oil a second. Reserves are diminishing and the price is soaring.
“Many aspects of our lives are likely to be affected including food production and supply.
“The transition movement aims to encourage a boost in local food production including more grow your own.
“The scene in Leominster in future years could be one of many more allotments and, quite possibly, fewer lawns!”
Mrs Ashley said formation of the steering group was “a small step” and the aim was to attract more members and form links with local organisations, businesses and local government.
Faced with an energy crisis, Cuba made a transition from large-scale intensive farming dependent on fossil fuels to small, less energy-intensive organic farms and urban gardens, she said.
Mrs Ashley said everyone was welcome to attend the first two events in a year-long programme aimed at raising awareness of the situation.
“This will hopefully pave the way for Leominster to become a Transition Town,” she said.
lOn Thursday, June 19, at 7.30pm in Leominster Community Centre, School Road, there will be a screening of The Power of Community, a film on how Cuba survived its oil crisis.
On Thursday, July 10, at 7.30pm pioneer Trish Marsh, founder of the ‘Herefoodshire’ initiative will give a presentation at the centre.
Anyone who would like to become involved can contact Ann Ashley on 01885 410473.
