Group seeking community-based solutions to environmental crisis, Transition Southampton, holding AGM

Group seeking community-based solutions to environmental crisis, Transition Southampton, holding AGM

Transition Southampton’s annual general meeting offers a chance to meet local activists and campaigners undertaking activities in Southampton to help to save our planet.

On 30th of September, Transition Southampton will be holding their AGM. This year there will be eight activists and campaigners to speak to who are undertaking activities in Southampton to help create a better, greener future. 

Global warming is at a critical point now with the recent IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report highlighting the urgency of action. Transition Southampton is a community organisation in Southampton working with local communities, organisations and local governments to create positive, sustainable, community-based solutions that tackle climate change and energy scarcity. Transition helps support individuals who want to set up their own project and make a difference.

Southampton has a long history of environmental activism but many who live here aren’t aware of the stories of the people involved. The city has The Environment Centre, many local groups who have campaigned to save and care for local green spaces and our waterways, and, more recently, a policy changing Clean Air Campaign and a group campaigning to save trees in Marlhill Copse. This is just a snapshot of things that have and are happening in Southampton. 

The AGM will provide attendees with a chance to meet some of the people making a difference including the following activists and campaigners:

  • Simon Mason, Angela Cotton and Mark Hancock who volunteer and organise repair cafes
  • Lyn Brayshaw who travelled to Europe by rail, is an eco home owner and an eco parent
  • Kevin Bryan who runs a green garden consultancy and provides advice on green gardening 
  • Margaret Booker who is campaigning to make Southampton a National Park City
  • Nathan Brown who supports community business and helps localise the economy
  • Adrian Pickering who has designed 2 different rat proof composting bins
  • Liz Batten who helps unleash the power of imagination to create the future we want by asking the right questions

An hour of the AGM is dedicated to 3, 20-minute sessions where attendees can talk to 3 of the local activists and campaigners, hear their stories, and ask questions. There will also be time for socialising, an overview of Transition Southampton and what the community organisation does, as well as briefly going over the Chair’s report and finance report. 

Simon James, co-chair of Transition Southampton commented: “Transition Southampton’s aim is to show what can be done to create a healthier, greener Southampton. We are all volunteers, and we could do so much more if more people joined us.”

Whether you are interested in learning about the environment and what you can do to make a difference or are already involved in environmental work, come and meet others who are just as passionate, or to gain some inspiration for a project of your own! 

The AGM will be held at Avenue St. Andrews United Reformed Church between 7-9pm. Places are free and are limited. You can book your place at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-southampton-agm-tickets-167517149303.

If you would like to find out more about the guests before attending, see Transition Southampton’s website: www.transitionsouthampton.org 

If you have any questions about the AGM, email chair@transitionsouthampton.org.  

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