Transition Town Totnes Bulletin – December 2013

An colourful day of making and talks was held in the Civic Hall to celebrate the start of Make Something Month. Thought-provoking discussions with Mark Boyle (The Moneyless Manifesto) and Fergus the Forager, chaired by Ruth Potts (The New Materialism), combined with inspirational local craftspeople. A foraging walk with Dave Hamilton (Self-Sufficientish) introduced fledgling foragers and enthusiastic horticulturists to wild food around Totnes, including some well-bletted medlars in the church yard! Back in the warmth of the bustling hall, you could learn to weave & spin, knit, upcycle, make decorations, whittle a knife shaft, and find out about courses for making more complex things such as your own bow. The day rounded off with the launch of the New Lion Brewery....

The Lion is back!

The Lion Brewery in Totnes closed in 1921, and two weeks ago it returned.  New Lion Brewery launched at the Bay Horse Inn, marking the beginning of a new social enterprise in the town.  On the day, 6 different beers were available, and people were invited to taste all six, to give feedback, and to become members, thereby playing an active role in the ongoing development of the brewery.  It was also their first chance to meet Mat Henney, NLB's head brewer.

The brewery's first beer, 'Mane Event', will be available at the Bay Horse from January.  You will also see New Lion Brewery's stall at the last two Christmas Markets (December 10th and 17th), where you will be able to taste samples and sign up as a member.  Benefits of membership are:

• A 10% discount on our beers at the Bay Horse Inn
• Branded pint glass, coaster and T shirt or tote bag
• Regular tutored tasting sessions of our new beers
• Illustrated history of the Lion Brewery
• Special members’ promo and social events
• A regular newsletter

You can also pop into the Bay Horse at any time and pick up a membership form.  The brewery is based on Station Road.  It made its first public appearance at the 2012 Local Entrepreneurs' Forum, and looks on course to make good its promise to be able to serve its beer at the 2014 Forum.  You can follow our progress on Twitter @NewLionBrewery.

Low carbon Transition pilgrims - pure sailing

Some Transitioners have made inspirational low carbon journeys to visit Totnes this year - so much so that Big Green Canoe has awarded the 'most valiant pilgrims'. Damien & Isabelle sailed in their boat the Neutron Rapidefrom France to Ireland to visit Transition Town Kinsale, and then to Totnes to join one of TTT's Transition Walks. Other Transition pilgrims included some fine spirited Belgian young men who cycled across Belgium and Britain for a Transition study programme.

School Farm launch crowd-funding campaign

School Farm, the UK's only no-dig, certified-organic community farm, is raising funds to expand their growing area and to increase membership from 20 to 40 households. The farm also wants to increase educational opportunities, and outreach into the local community. They've already raised £1000 towards their target - please support them if you can!

Crop Gaps Report

The Totnes Food Link project has published the Crop Gap report, following research into crops that could be grown in the area for human consumption. Food Link have been interviewing local farmers to find out what has been grown in the past that could potentially be grown again. In the past 15 years the majority have discontinued both crop production for direct human consumption and dairy production, shifting instead to livestock and fodder crop production. Co-operative working was highlighted as an effective method to address labour issues and reduce individual farm costs.

There is willingness to grow crops for human consumption - 75% of participants in the research said they would be willing to trial crops for local human consumption markets, as long as they receive a guaranteed price or market for their goods.

TTT PV offer still available-with Totnes £ cashback and free electric charging point!