This was the first transition towns conference I have been to. It was run along transition principles ie few formal inputs, opportunities for open space sessions where one could choose the topic and move around, and lots
of opportunities to network. I felt Sustainable Crediton compared well to other groups there, many of which were new and still trying to establish themselves. Around 30 of the leaflets I put out were taken.

Some key learning for me:

• We need to think more about how we appeal to those who don't share our views and how we can talk to them in a language they understand. ( I went to an excellent workshop on this and hope to develop some ideas for our use)

• Related to this is the idea of running events that have a popular appeal such as people bringing things they don't want and collecting what others have brought. And including in the event info re local food, seed swaps, transport info etc. A way of reaching those who don't normally come to our events.

• The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales have come up with a fully costed and worked out programme to create a zero carbon Britain by 2030 which they were presenting to Chris Huhne that week. They would like

• support from local groups.

• I heard about the Energy Descent Plan that Totnes have produced and now plan to implement. The whole community was involved in it through workshops etc and I think we could do something similar if on a less ambitious scale. But we would need to find funding to employ someone.

All in all a very inspiring conference.

Gerald Conyngham