Community of Dragons
May 16 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6 pm networking
7 pm presentations
Seven Stars Hotel Ballroom, Totnes
Cost – sliding scale on the door
What happens when members of the community come together to support the local entrepreneurs and enterprises that contribute to a better quality of life in the town? Well, lots of good feelings, for a start. ‘There was lots of love in the room’, is a common refrain after the event. What also happens is genuine, tangible support for people helping to make our local economy more inclusive, ecologically sustainable and resilient. Every year, ordinary members of the community – people just like you and me – become green and friendly dragons. Come along and ‘invest’ money, expertise, neighbourliness and hugs to support your favourite local enterprise. Last year, over 100 offers of support were promised to 4 women-led enterprises. This year…?
There will be lots of productive networking, too, so local enterprises, consultants, experts, investors – don’t miss this opportunity to get to know one another in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
Programme
May 16, Royal Seven Stars Hotel Ballroom
6 pm – The bar opens! Get yourself a New Lion ale and mingle with interesting people doing interesting things, just like you. Some people call this networking.
7 pm – We kick things off. Katie Tokus will play the role
of compere extraordinaire. We’ll catch up with a few past LEF enterprises and a few other friendly folks.
And then… We’ll have our four amazing local entrepreneurs pitching their hearts out for our support. Yes, we can all play the role of ‘dragon,’ investing our skills, talents, extra stuff, Tweets and warm wishes, baked cakes and hugs, and, yes, money, too. We will hear people say, ‘wow, there’s a lot of love in the room.’ The Totnes Pound will make a special award. Tears of joy may be shed. It will all be fantastic.
And then… perhaps another half pint, another warm conversation or two, hugs, farewells.
Who’s Pitching?
New Futures Academy
Chris Smith
The New Futures Academy is a new educational initiative aiming to provide an enriching education for 16 – 19 yr olds, focused on equipping young people with the practical skills and personal attributes to reach their potential to lead fulfilling lives and meet the challenges of a rapidly changing society.
Apricot Centre CIC
Mark O’Connell
There is a fundamental link between the wellbeing of the soil, food and habitat and the mental and physical health of the people in and around the farm, making for a wonderful environment for an effective mental health/ wellbeing service for children and families. A range of services connect young people with mental health issues to the woodland on the farm, and more.
Melbee Artworks
Melissa Milne
Melissa is a local artist and craftsperson who’s launching an artisan studio focused on handmade signs, upcycled and bespoke furniture, sculpture, and sharing her knowledge through running upcycling workshops.
Dartington Mill
Dan Mifsud
A new venture led by Dan Mifsud, (The Almond Thief), Bob Mehew, (Huxhams Cross Biodynamic Farm), and Jon Perkins, (Old Parsonage Farm & Dartington Dairy) taking the mill business previously known as Grown in Totnes to a new level. It will create a virtuous circle, milling heritage and population wheat from the farms, baking award-winning local bread with the flour
For more details visit the REconomy Centre website
Join us for a stimulating evening with two of the leading thinkers in the commons movement, Silke Helfrich and David Bollier, as they discuss the ideas in their new book, ‘Free, Fair and Alive – the insurgent power of the commons.’ (
Can the commons provide a model for a new economics in these times of climate emergency? Can people in communities, in Devon and beyond, work together for common good? How could such a process emerge amidst the current chaos of Brexit, Extinction Rebellion, and political polarization?
Transition Town Totnes 