Somerset Energy and Environment Network

Upcoming Events

Use the calendar below to find events or scroll down the list sorted by type of event.

Transition Town Wellington Monthly Meeting

Second Monday of every month, 7:30pm, Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington

Wedmore Green Group Monthly Meeting

First Monday of every month, 8pm, The George, Wedmore, Somerset BS28 4EQ

Talk - The future of energy: Do we need nuclear?

Thursday 17 November, 7:30pm, Friends Meeting House, Bancks Street, Minehead

The future of energy: Do we need nuclear?
The bulldozers have begun work at Hinkley on the world’s biggest building site - but it could be the world’s biggest white elephant.

Talk by Steve Mewes of Green Wedmore on the potential of community resources to meet our future energy needs.

The talk will follow Forum21's AGM at 7.30 with a review of our activities including a presentation by Graham Boswell of our exciting Community Woodland Project.

New Models for Community Energy

Thursday 17th November, Exeter

An event to help you embrace innovative models like local supply, adapt to policy changes, and connect to the grid. This Regen Communities' event supported by Western Power Distribution will help groups to evaluate new business models and funding options, as well as understand how connections are a key element of renewable energy developments and the huge impact and opportunities they can present.

Practical Guide to Group Facilitation

Saturday 19 November 2016, 10am–5pm, Kuumba, 20 Hepburn Road, Bristol BS2 8UD

Join us to learn and practice different ways of meeting, working and collaborating in groups of any size. We will explore ways to create safe spaces for meaningful conversations with less hierarchy and more self-organisation and which result in more democratic decision-making. Session delivered by Jose Barco, Fausto Peña and Kat Wall, community organisers, facilitators and trainers from Community CoLab.

Renewable Futures and Green Energy Awards

Tuesday 29th November, Assembly Rooms, Bath

Attended by over 500 people from leading renewable and energy efficiency businesses to gain key market insight from industry leaders and policy makers, Renewable Futures and Green Energy Awards is a unique opportunity for the supply chain to engage with key players in the sector, making it the perfect place to do business.

Building your Group; bringing new people and skills into your group

Saturday 28th January 2017, 10am – 1pm, Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol BS5 0AX

Small grassroots groups often struggle to bring new people in as active members. In this workshop you will learn how you can attract new people to your group, utilise their skills and experience effectively and help them develop as members. Session delivered by Voscur.

Practical steps for building diverse and inclusive groups

Tuesday February 21st 2017, 6:30pm-9pm, St Pauls Learning & Family Centre, 94 Grosvenor Road, Bristol BS2 8XJ

We all know the importance of ensuring our groups are representative of the population we aim to serve, but how do we make this happen? In this workshop you will learn some practical steps to building diverse, inclusive groups. Session delivered by Voscur.

Build Solar

Saturday & Sunday 18th-19th March 2017, TBD

Make PV panels yourself using recycled materials. Everything you need to know to build your own off grid system. All materials provided. Places very limited so book early. £195 for the whole weekend.

Phone Ronni Spurr on 07949273703, or email ronni.spurr@outlook.com for more information and to book.

Tetra Shack Course

Sunday 30th April 2017, All Day, Location TBD

Learn how to build a building out of tetra packs! Learn about which ones to use, how to easily make the frames and how long they will last etc. The aim is to teach you everything you need to know to go and make your own Tetrapak wall, roof, insulation, installation or whole house!

Past Events

Green Wedmore Repair Cafe

Saturday 29th October, 10am-1pm, Wedmore Village Hall, Cheddar Road, Wedmore

Don't chuck away that broken electrical item, bike, furniture or whatever – bring it along to Green Wedmore's third Repair Cafe. They'll have a team of experts who can help you fix an incredible range of items for free, instead of sending them to landfill.

Climate Change Talk Series

Every Tuesday 20th September - 8th November, 6:30pm, Salt Café, Saint George's Road, Bristol

A series of talks on issues surrounding climate change.

Power Wedmore - Energy Evening

Saturday 15th October, 7pm-10pm, Wedmore Village Hall, Cheddar Road, Wedmore

Hear speakers and join discussions on generating more renewable energy locally and improving home insulation.

Build Solar

Saturday & Sunday 8th-9th October, TBD

Phone Ronni Spurr on 07949273703, or email ronni.spurr@outlook.com for more information and to book.

Apple Pressing

Saturday 1st October 2016, 10am onwards, Harepark Allotments, Alcombe

After a very productive session last year, Friends and Family Community Allotment will be pressing apples again. Bring your own apples plus bottles and containers. Pasteurising is available for sealed glass bottles, which will keep the juice for up to a year.

Film Screening: Disobedience

Thursday 22nd September, 7:30pm, The Williams Hall Stoke St Gregory

A 40 minute film, followed by refreshments and discussion. Doors open 7.30pm. Free entry; donations welcome.

Omnie - Understanding Heat Pumps – Part 1

Thursday 22nd September, 2pm-5pm, Trade City, Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX2 5GL

Overwhelmed by complicated design principles and technical language?

OMNIE have created a course split into two short 3 hour sessions to help. They aim to make heat pumps less of a mystery by taking it back to the basics and guiding you through when and how a heat pump should be installed, along with what the major benefits are.

OMNIE will also provide an overview of current policy and guide you through the RHI structure and application process.

Aimed at: Specifiers, Architects and End Users

Cost: Free

Community Energy Fortnight

Saturday 3rd September - Sunday 18th September, Multiple Locations

The Fortnight will continue to showcase inspiring examples of communities who are sharing their resources and generating renewable energy and wasting less - embracing technologies as diverse as solar-PV arrays, wind turbines, hydro-electricity and biomass heat.

Taunton Transition Town Cycle Survey Meeting

Tuesday 13th September, Evening, Central Taunton

Over 280 people have taken part in TTT's cycle survey so far and it is still open at (https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/tauntoncycling ). A number of particular problems and barriers are being identified by participants, not least the danger people experience on the cobbles in front of the Market House in the centre of Taunton. As least one person reports serious injuries injuries, resulting from a fall on them.

Taunton Transition Town have arranged a meeting to take place on 13 September (evening, central Taunton) to discuss how the results of the survey can be taken forward. The meeting will also explore whether there is support to form a cycling advocacy group. If you are interested in attending please email them.

Co-ops & Community Supported Agriculture

Wednesday 31st August, 7pm, Ilminster Parish Hall, Ilminster

An introduction to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) – a community-based form of farming that operates as a partnership between farmers and consumers in which the responsibilities, risks, and rewards of farming are shared.
SCS’s Alex Lawrie will share information on the various types of CSA, including ‘producer-led’, ‘community-led’, ‘producer-community partnerships’, and ‘community-owned farms’.
If you’re passionate about what you eat, interested in growing and producing food, or would like to see a more sustainable and environmental approach to agriculture – why not join us?
For more information contact SCS:
Phone: 0300 456 2265
e-mail: services@somerset.coop

Off Grid Festival

Thursday 11th August - Sunday 14th August, Biophilia Project on Goffin Land near Exeter

Off Grid Festival is visualized as a deep exploration of community living, creativity and consciousness; an intimate environment in which to share skills, trade knowledge, impart wisdom and make a difference. Four days out of the world to get into changing our world. It is an experimental innovation lab for a new paradigm of economic, ecological and community thought, a radical gathering of empowered people making a difference in their lives and celebrating emergent culture.

Over the years the festival has educated and informed thousands of people about the skills and knowledge required for a low-impact ‘off-grid’ lifestyle. This is done via the unique Off Grid College – a 12 module programme in practical, sustainable living; Our Conference Programme – 3 days of mini-conferences on topical themes; Practical Demonstrations of Eco-Build, Alt. Tech, Wildcraft and traditional Crafts and Skills; Off Grid Inside – Where they explore the inner dimension of off grid living and the systemic tools that help us co-exist as a society.

A Pimm's picnic for artists and community energy groups

Thursday 28th July, 6pm-7:30pm, The Innovation Centre, Exeter

Regen SW is hosting a summery Pimms picnic to bring artists and community energy groups together.

TranstionLab: Biomass Debate

Thursday 28th July, 6:30pm, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY

Should Biomass be part of Bristol's future energy mix?
Free event (with pizza to fuel the debate!)
There’s been a lot of debate about Biomass and Air Quality in Bristol. How can there be a move towards solutions.?
This event has a panel are here to help kick off the debate:
Paul Barker from BCC will speak on Bristol energy & waste plans, district heating and land use planning;
Angela Davies from Biomass Energy Co-op (Manchester) on Biomass sustainability potential and Renewable Heat Incentives;
Ben Williams on research at UWE Air Quality Management Recourse Centre
Paul Adams (Supergen Bioenergy Hub, University of Bath) will help us clarify what is Biomass myth and fact.
The panel will be followed by an open floor debate chaired by Raquel (BEC) and Mark Leach.
This is a free event, for anyone interested in Bristol's future energy mix.
There will be open and challenging debate, with respect for every voice in the room.
Pizza served at 8pm.
Please consider making a £2 donation on the night to cover refreshments.

Give or Take Event

Wednesday 27th July -Saturday 30th July 2016, 10am - 3pm, CreaTIV Hub shop (next to the cinema), Tiverton

Bring along stuff you don’t need Take away anything you can use. You don’t have to Give to Take! All for Free. The purpose is to reduce landfill. All items donated must be in fair condition and useable, NO clothing please.

Transition Town Wellington - Sustainable Transport Group

Monday 25th July, 7:30pm, Green Dragon Pub, South Street, Wellington

Transition Town Wellington has recently set up a Sustainable Transport Group. This is in the light of proposals to look at reopening railway halts in Wellington and Cullompton as well as threats to local bus services (Webber Bus going bust, plans to cut the Stagecoach No 20 from Taunton-Seaton etc.). TTW have also discovered that a local councillor is supporting the idea of a local transport forum to look at integrated transport and noted that Taunton Transition Town is carrying out a cycle survey. They are holding this open meeting for anyone interested in this group. Add Event Details here

Protecting our Future From Climate Change Talk

Monday 18th July 2016, 7:30pm, Kingsmead School, South Street, Wiveliscombe. TA4 2NE

Talk by Professor Tim Lenton, University of Exeter
Tim Lenton is Professor of Earth System Science and Climate Change. His illustrated talk will cover targets agreed at the 2015 United Nations Summit; climate tipping points, what will happen if warming keeps increasing and how this affects us all; as well as actions being taken and still needed.

ALL WELCOME - your chance to hear from a top expert speaker.

7.30pm start with doors open 7pm.

£2 on door (free for school pupils).

Co-operative Fortnight events from Somerset Co-operative Services

Saturday 18th June - Saturday 2 July, Various venues

Co-operatives Fortnight is the time when co-operatives up and down the country remind people why they should choose co-operative ways of living and working. Somerset Co-operative Services CIC is organising a series of events to show how people in Somerset could benefit from joining or even forming co-operative enterprises.

All the Taunton events will take place at Somerset Co-operative Hub, 10 East Reach, Taunton TA1 3EW.

Friday 24th June 1pm and 3pm - 'Buy it Together' Coming together to buy fresh food; packaged goods; utilities; etc. We will be looking at ways that people can form co-operative buying groups. Sometimes to save money; sometimes to improve the quality, or ethical value, of the things we consume; and sometimes it is both.

Friday 1st July 1 til 3pm - Co-Cars and Go-op come along to find out more .

Followed by Somerset Co-operative Services and Somerset Development Workers Co-operative AGM’s from 4.30 til 6pm

Saturday 2nd July – Getting the most out of your Credit Union. Credit Unions offer great dividends on even small amounts of savings and can help everyone with a range of affordable loans. If you haven’t yet joined a Credit union now is your chance to find out more.

Saturday 25th June - SCS at the 10 Parishes Business Showcasein the centre of Wiveliscombe

Thursday 30th June - Co-operative Housing a Better way of Living - Glastonbury Town Hall, BA6 9EL

Pathways to Parity: Storage

Thursday 30th June, 2pm-5:30pm, TLT, Bristol

The ability to store energy and release it during peak demand is key to a smart, decentralised and renewable energy system. Regen, working with Green Hedge, Triodos Bank and TLT, is launching a new white paper examining storage business models. This event will look at the lessons from that work and explore:
• the value streams storage can provide to energy users, generators and the network;
• how close business models for storage are to viability; and
• the policy and regulatory changes needed to enable storage and demand management to thrive.

Transition Town Wellington - Sustainable Transport Group

Monday 27th June, 7:30pm, Green Dragon Pub, South Street, Wellington

Somerfest

Saturday 18th June 2016, 11am-10pm, Taunton Town Centre

Somerfest is Taunton’s leading festival of performing arts, theatre, sports, circus, music and participatory arts. There will be stalls from many community groups including Somerset Wildlife Trust and Taunton Transition Town.

Somerset Green Scythe Fair

Sunday 12th June, 11am-11pm, Thorney Lakes Campsite, Muchelney TA10 0DW

This is a magical one day environmental fair in a beautiful setting on the Somerset Levels run entirely by volunteers on wind, sun and muscle power. Excellent live music, over 70 stalls displaying traditional skills, crafts and produce, lively environmental debates, delicious organic local food, a variety of the best ales and ciders and a large kids area with activities throughout the day
The Green Scythe Fair includes the celebrated West Country Scythe Championship, known far and wide for the stupendous and often hilarious feats of haymaking by international scythesmen and women, who mow a swathe through the summer festival scene. It is probably the most authentic, and enjoyable, country fair in all England!

Avalon Marshes – Landscape, Heritage and Wildlife

Saturday 4th June, 10am-4:15pm, Strode Theatre, Church Road, Street, BA16 0AB

This day-long event at Strode Theatre is a celebration of the unique Avalon Marshes area. It will include talks, films and presentations by experts including local wildlife writer and TV producer Stephen Moss, wetland archaeologist Dr Richard Brunning, Glastonbury Abbey archaeologist John Allan, and naturalist and broadcaster Chris Sperring MBE.
There will also be a showing of part of the classic BBC film of Sir John Betjeman's journey through the Avalon Marshes on the much loved Somerset & Dorset Railway in the 1960’s.
Tickets are £12.00 Full and Concessions £10.00
Ticket price is for lunch and refreshments.
Tickets must be booked in advance.

Here Comes The Sun - Film Screening

Tuesday 31st May, The Village Hall, Greenway, North Curry

The future of solar. The future is solar.
This 50 minute film presented by Transition Athelney will be followed by refreshments and discussion. The film is for public information and concludes the celebration of North Curry Community Energy’s three installations. Entrance free, donations welcome.

NB Due to repairs to the village hall car park, this will not be available for parking. If parking on Greenway, please consider residents. Parking is available at the Greenway Pavilion, 100 yards South of the village hall.

Spring Agroforestry Camp

Friday 20th May 4pm - Sunday 22nd May 5pm, Discover Forest Foods, Underwood Beeson Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2HW

A weekend camping in a nut orchard in South Devon in return for helping out in the agroforestry project in the mornings (Sat & Sun). Afternoon workshops to choose from on wild food/ perennial crops, introduction to permaculture, yoga and ‘Make your own Kefir (& other fermented foods). Children's activities (optional or stay with adults) – mornings: children friendly jobs. Afternoons: permaculture fun & games, yoga games.

Evenings around the fire (beach or farm) sharing stories/music! This event is aiming for a small, quiet & fun camp with a community vibe!

Food will be catered (healthy, local, organic, vegetarian) & cooked over the fire. Bring your own tent/camping gear. Some loan equipment available on application to early bookers.

Cost: Adults £25. Children sliding scale £5-£12 to cover food. This element is payable on booking - essential as places limited. Contact info@treesforhealth.org 07765 631877 for booking form. Workshops £5, children's activities £2 per session pay as you go on the weekend.

Maximising value of solar assets

Thursday 12th May, 2pm-5:30pm, Osborne Clarke, Temple Back East, Bristol

Some £10 billion of solar assets have been installed in the UK in recent years. Ensuring they are managed to maximise value and fit into the landscape will be vital to the sector. The event will look at:

impacts and mitigation of grid outages, overcoming grid constraints and DNO view of storage
key priorities for asset owners
best practice in asset management

Speakers include: Nigel Turvey, network strategy manager, WPD, Jeremy Parkes, head of asset management, Belltown Power, Mark Turner, operations director, Lightsource, Tess Sundelin, managing director, Green Hedge.

Introducing new business models and managing change

Wednesday 11th May, 1pm-5:30pm, Burges Salmon, 1 Glass Wharf, Bristol, City of Bristol BS2 0ZX

The next Entrepreneurial Women in Renewables event will explore how leading women in the energy sector approach dealing with radical market and policy changes: the changes they have made to their business models; how they bring people with them; and the risks and opportunities as we go through an energy transition.

The event is part of Regen’s ‘Pathways to Parity’ programme of papers and events looking at how our sector can respond to subsidy cuts.

Build Solar

Saturday & Sunday 7th-8th May, Private Converted Barn, Othery, TA7 0QR

Make PV panels yourself using recycled materials. Everything you need to know to build your own off grid system. All materials provided and B&B available. Places very limited so book early. £195 for the whole weekend.

Read more, phone Ronni Spurr on 07949273703, or email ronni.spurr@outlook.com for more information and to book.

Taunton Transition Town Meeting

Tuesday 3rd May, 8pm, Friends’ Meeting House, Bath Place, Taunton

All welcome to come along and be involved in the discussion about new projects including sustainable transport. If you are interested in promoting more walking and cycling in Taunton or have your own ideas for sustainable living then please come along and join the discussion.

Debate: How Green Is My EU

Friday 29th April, 7pm, Crowcombe Church House

What has the EU ever done for our environment?

The Choice: To Stay or Go – What’s best for our Environment?

Quantock Eco will host a Debate on the Environmental consequences of Brexit after their AGM.

On June 23rd we will be asked to vote on whether or not the UK should remain a member of the European Union. This is probably one of the most important decisions we will be asked to make in our lifetimes. There is already so much propaganda out there from the Stay In and Get Out camps that it is hard to find unbiased information to inform our decision.

The purpose of the debate will be to inform you about both the positive and negative influences that EU Membership has on our Environment to help you make up your minds on this aspect of the IN-OUT debate. They plan is to have 2 or 3 informed speakers to lead the discussion.

Hand Built Wind Turbine Course

Saturday and Sunday 23rd and 24th April, Bristol

-Get hands-on experience and learn transferable skills in welding, wood carving, and working with magnets & resin
-Learn how to build and install a Hugh Piggott wind turbine from scratch using basic materials
-Experienced tutors who have been running courses building Piggott turbines since 2007
-A practical fun course for all experience levels

£225.00

EU Debate

Saturday 16th April, 7:30pm, Crowcombe Village Hall

Do you know how you will vote on June 23rd?
Want to find out more?
Then you may be interested in this debate. Doors open at 7 pm. The motion will be that "The UK Should Stay in the EU"
For the motion: Ken Daly (Stronger In), Julian Anderson (Stronger In)
Against the motion: Caroline Stephens (Vote Leave), Simon Richards (Better Off Out)
Chairman – Philip Comer
Refreshments available
Entry fee: £1 - it would be helpful if attendees could bring the right change!

Building a Western Powerhouse: What can we learn from Germany's renewable energy transition?

Friday 15th April, 6pm-9pm, Conference Room, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Avon, Bristol BS1 3QY

Speakers: Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, Simone Peter, Co-Spokesperson of the German Green Party, Terry Reintke, Member of the European Parliament and Molly Scott Cato, Member of the European Parliament
Discussion evening open to the public. There will be an opportunity to put your questions to the panel and an informal reception from 8-9pm (cash bar). All welcome.
Germany is going through an energy revolution that is giving power to the people. In the past decade the share of renewable electricity has risen from 6% to nearly 25%.
More than half of the investment in renewables has been made by small investors, meaning that this transition to renewables has empowered local communities and brought great wealth to rural communities.
South West England has better renewable resources than Germany and in our region a similar transformation has the potential to create 122,000 jobs across the region and add over £4bn a year to the regional economy. How can we make this Western Powerhouse a reality and ensure that the rewards benefit us all?
Please send questions to louisa.greenbaum@greenparty.org.uk

Lecture: How to exploit the only global superpower: Challenges in solar energy conversion and storage

Tuesday 12 April, 6.15pm, Reception Room, Wills Memorial Building, Queen's Road, BS8 1RJ

Even the staunchest climate change deniers would accept that large scale utilisation of solar energy is crucial for powering the ever growing global population. The deployment of solar energy systems, as well as other renewable energy sources, involves significant challenges at the physical (fundamental), technological, economic, political and societal levels. In this lecture, Professor Fermin will highlight some of the scientific challenges posed by material complexity at the atomic scale, technology uptake, lack of leadership in energy policy and the Daily Mail.

Free to attend, but booking will be required.

Somerset: Adapting to Climate Change

Wednesday 6th April, 7pm, The McMillan Theatre, Lower Bath Road, Bridgwater

The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (the RSA) and Bridgwater College are delighted to welcome Lord Krebs, Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation Sub-committee, and Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the RSA, to The McMillan Theatre for an evening entitled Somerset: Adapting to Climate Change. Through presentation and discussion, the evening will explore the climate change outlook over the next fifty years, action being taken to adapt to this and the impact on Somerset itself. Guaranteed to be a fascinating evening, delivered by those at the forefront of this topic, the free of charge tickets are expected to go quickly so book yours now.

Talk: Recycling in Somerset

Monday 4th April, 7pm, Community Centre, Wiveliscombe (park in Croft Way car park)

Illustrated presentation by Dave Mansell, Development Manager at Somerset Waste Partnership, who will report on carbon savings from recycling, local opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle, and how lessons from the Recycle More trials in Wiveliscombe will be implemented across Somerset. Doors will open from 7pm, with refreshments served, and talk will start at 7:30pm. Entry £2 on door.

Somerset Waste Action Conference 2016

Saturday 19th March, 10am-3:30pm, North Petherton Community Centre

Are you part of a community group making a difference in your neighbourhood? If you want to do even more – from helping people save cash to getting everyone a bit greener – Somerset Waste Partnership wants to help and is hosting a second free waste action conference.

The day features short showcase presentations of local community waste reduction, reuse and repair initiatives, a networking lunch supplied by Surplus Supper Club, and themed workshops to share practical tips for you to get your community involved.

This free conference is provided to support local community groups make helpful connections and to get involved in waste action projects. Share your ideas and join us in our Waste Not Want Not Somerset challenge in a way that suits you. It’s fun and could help your community save money.

Don’t miss out, book online today. Booking is essential. Full details here.

Wellington Wellness Day

Saturday 19th March, 10:30am-1:30pm, Baptist Church, South Street, Wellington

Join Transition Town Wellington for talks, stall, refreshments and discussions on how to live a healthier, happier and more eco-friendly life. Free event, all welcome.

Frack Attack!

Saturday 19th March, 10:30am-6pm, Vintage Community Church, 25 Hughenden Road, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 2UR

On 19th March 2016 Frack Free Somerset invite you to gather for a day of networking, sharing & learning. They are planning an interactive event with the opportunity for everyone to participate in focussed open discussion spaces.

Speakers include: Theo Simon of Seize The Day, Tina-Louise from Lancashire, alongside people from Reclaim The Power & Frack Off. There will also be a breakout room for chilling, films, rugby score catch up’s, tea, etc.

Topics include: Underground Coal Gasification, Groundswell, What can we Do about Fracking, the regional picture of extreme energy in the SW and Wales & more… Topic suggestions are welcome :-)

Simple lunch & beverages will be provided & there Will be Cake

To book your space please contact info@frackfreesomerset.org

Smart Energy Marketplace Conference and Exhibition

Thursday 17th March, 10am-4pm, Sandy Park, Exeter

Smart Energy Marketplace is all about showcasing the smart, decentralised energy system of the future – a radical shift in the way we power our lives that is creating huge opportunities. Alongside an exhibition of the latest smart energy technology and generation the event will feature a high level conference and range of seminars examining the development of storage; opportunities to supply energy locally; new business models for renewable energy; heat networks and much more.

Smart Energy Marketplace is the new name for the hugely successful Renewable Energy Marketplace which featured over 80 exhibitors and attracted over 1,300 delegates.

SEEN Meeting

Tuesday 15th March, 12:20pm-2pm, 10 East Reach, Taunton

Somerset Energy and Environment Network meeting. During this meeting we hope to look at possible funding & promotion ideas and recruiting volunteers for Twitter & social media networking. Of course, there will be our usual round the table to see what's happening! Bring change for refreshments. All welcome.

Public Meeting on Fracking

Thursday 10th March, 7:30pm, Washford Memorial Hall

A public meeting on Fracking being organised by the local Labour Party. The speaker at this event is Dr James Verdon from Bristol University. There will be an opportunity for questions and debate. Doors open at 7:00pm.

Public Meeting - 30 years since Chernobyl, 5 years since Fukushima - The Anniversary Legacies

Thursday 10th March, 7pm-9:30pm, Temple Methodist Church Upper High Street Taunton TA1 3PY

Two talks:
Chernobyl - Casting A Shadow Over Generations
BY LINDA WALKER BY LINDA WALKER, Executive Director of Chernobyl Children’s Project (UK)
“My Visit to Fukushima”
BY BRIAN JONES, Vice Chair of Wales CND, Recently Returned From A Study Tour Of Fukushima
7pm for 7:30pm.

Groundswell Rising Screening

Wednesday 9th March, 7:30pm, Rook Lane Chapel, Frome, BA11 1DN

Doors open 7pm for 7:30 start.

Special screening of Groundswell Rising, a documentary about fracking in America and the social movement which has emerged from affected communities. Informative, daunting, inspiring and hopeful all at once.

We are lucky enough to be joined by executive producer Mark Lichty who is in the UK on a 10 day tour starting in Westminster, followed by dates in Scotland, Lancashire and ending here in Frome for his last night. Mark has long been involved in issues of social justice and change through organizations such as Common Cause, Project for Nuclear Awareness and others. He is an attorney and former CEO of Bustin Industrial Products.

This is a timely opportunity to come and find out more about fracking and hear first hand from someone who has lived side by side with the industry and has documented people taking charge of defending their communities against its inherent dangers. There will also be a chance to find out about the situation in the UK, including the local area (Somerset and Wiltshire) where fracking licences have recently been issued.

Admission £5/£3.50 concessions

Tickets available on the door or in advance here.

Talk: Community Action For Sustainability

Monday 7th March, 7pm, Community Centre, Wiveliscombe (park in Croft Way car park)

Talk by Sarah Pugh, who is founding director of Shift Bristol and an inspiring speaker. This talk will cover how ordinary people are taking sustainability into their own hands. Her talk will explore pioneering community action, business innovation and individual challenges that are making a greener world possible. Doors will open from 7pm, with refreshments served, and talk will start at 7:30pm. Entry £4 on door.

Hinkley C Infomation Evening

Friday 4 March, 7pm, Crossroads Carers Centre 1 Graham Road, Weston-s-Mare, BS23 1YA

A talk by Roy Pumfrey of Stop Hinkley with a short film and discussion. Hosted by North Somerset Green Party.

Do good with your extra day this leap year

Monday 29th February, 5:30pm-7:30pm, Source Cafe and Food Hall, 1-3 Exchange Ave, St Nicholas Market, BS11JW Bristol

What are you doing with your extra day this leap year?

Do something good by joining Bristol Energy Cooperative for the evening. They have exciting news about a significant £100,000 community benefit fund which local groups can apply for, and they'd love to give you updates on their solar fund-raise which has already reached £1million.

Find out more about how your community group could benefit from this fund and how to get involved in the fund-raise by investing in our bond offer.

Seed Swap

Saturday 20 February, 10pm–12pm, Methodist Church Hall, The Avenue, Minehead

Exchange seeds - bring your own to swap.
Choose from 100s of packets donated by seed companies.

Talk: Fuel Poverty and Home Energy Saving For All

Monday 8th February, 7pm, Community Centre, Wiveliscombe (park in Croft Way car park)

Talk by Louise Evans, Western Somerset Caseworker for the Warmer Improved Somerset Homes (WISH) programme, on symptoms of local fuel poverty, help for people struggling to pay fuel bills and advice on energy saving for all. There will also be a slide presentation on local energy efficient homes. Doors will open from 7pm, with refreshments served, and talk will start at 7:30pm. Entry £2 on door.

LED Bulb Giveaway

Saturday 6th February, 10am onwards, The Square, Wiveliscombe

Wivey Action on Climate will be giving away free LED light bulbs at a stall from 10am.

The idea is to let those who have not yet tried LEDs, to find out how well they work. In return, they will ask for a few brief details about people’s homes, so they can pass on further energy and money saving advice.

Community Energy Group Network event Bath: The Grid

Tuesday 2nd February, 1pm-5:30pm, Bath University

Capacity and connections have always been a key element of renewable energy developments and can have a huge impact on community projects. At this event (free of charge for community energy groups) groups can learn how to navigate grid issues and secure a grid connection.

Bruce Parry Evening

Monday 1st February, 8pm, Wedmore Village Hall, Cheddar Road, Wedmore

Green Wedmore have monthly meetings with interesting talks, films and presentations about issues close to their ethos of local action on sustainable topics.
Bruce has kindly offered to talk with Green Wedmore about his experiences with indigenous cultures. The normal monthly meeting will be shortened to a few announcements about upcoming events so more time can be given for Bruce. Back to normal in The Swan on March 7th.
PLEASE NOTE
This event has proved very popular, demand is high and to ensure people won't be disappointed please apply for a place by emailing Steve Mewes s.mewes@virgin.net. The event is full with a reserve list but we have kept a few tickets aside for Green Wedmore members so please email quickly!

Taunton Transition Town AGM

Tuesday 26th January, 7pm, Friends Meeting House, Bath Place, Taunton

The Transition Movement is changing and Taunton Transition needs to change with it. The group is only as strong as the people in it and sometimes that needs a new broom. Come and celebrate our stories of transition in Taunton and take up the opportunity to create a new Taunton Transition Town. During the evening we will hold a (short) AGM when you will be invited to elect a new committee for 2016 and put forward ideas for this year’s events.

Share your dreams and suggestions for sustainable future whilst enjoying a hot soup supper.

Film evening showing 'The Salt of the Earth'

Monday 25th January, Theale Village Hall, 7:30pm, Wells Road, Wedmore

Arrive 7.30 for 8 start.

This film is about the life of Sabastiao Salgado, an exceptional photographer and environmental crusader with a very uplifting ending !

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jul/16/the-salt-of-the-earth-review-sebastiao-salgado-wim-wenders
Coffee will be available before and the cost will be £4 to cover license fees and the hire of the hall. Theale has an excellent digital projector and new screen to do justice to the amazing imagery.

Please email shaun.thorogood@gmail.com if you are coming.

Bristol Energy Cooperative

Thursday 21 January 2016, 7:30pm to 9:00pm, Creative Innovation Centre - Memorial Hall. Paul Street. Taunton, Somerset TA1 3PF

Bristol Energy Cooperative wants to help you participate in the development of more local, clean energy for your community. That's why they're raising £2.662 million to finance a solar farm on your doorstep in Somerset.

Their bond offer will help finance a 4.568MWp solar farm near Puriton, Somerset, just west of the M5 near junction 23. they've raised over £850,000 in their #OwnIt fund-raise so far, but they need your help to turn their ambitious plans into reality.

Get the year off to a good start with this opportunity to own and benefit from locally generated clean energy through investment.

Come along to meet the directors and find out how this offer could benefit you and your community.

FREE

'This Changes Everything' Screening

Sunday 6 December, 7.30pm, The Swan Hotel, Wedmore

A screening of the film 'This Changes Everything' The film's distributors say: "Unlike many works about the climate crisis, this is not a film that tries to scare the audience into action: it aims to empower. Provocative, compelling, and accessible to even the most climate-fatigued viewers, This Changes Everything will leave you refreshed and inspired, reflecting on the ties between us, the kind of lives we really want, and why the climate crisis is at the centre of it all."

Renewable Futures and Green Energy Awards: Pathways to Parity

Wednesday 25th November, All Day, Assembly Rooms, Bath

As the sector faces up to dramatic policy changes Renewable Futures is a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and key policy makers to explore emerging business models and new investment opportunities that can enable renewables to become the subsidy free backbone of our electricity system. Day includes a conference, an exhibition and an awards ceremony.

Climate Change Marches

29th November

On this date, a huge protest will be taking place across London on the eve of the crucial Paris climate talks, which will take place from the 30th November to the 11th December.

A protest will also be happening in Bristol at the same time.

More events are also happening worldwide.

Talk on Climate Change and Migration

Thursday 19 November, 7.30 pm, Stoke St Gregory Village Hall

Transition Athelney will be holding their AGM.

The meeting will be followed by light refreshments and a talk on climate change and migration by Alex Randall, which promises to be very interesting. If you just want to come to the talk, it will be starting at 8.15 pm.

Forum 21 AGM

Monday 16th November, 7:30pm, Quaker Meeting House, Bancks Street, Minehead

Forum 21's AGM with speaker Graham Harvey,

Harvey, the agricultural story editor for the Radio 4 serial

The Archers and the author of books including The Killing

of the Countryside and The Carbon Fields, on Grass Fed Future – Putting Carbon back in the Soil.

Screening of Cowspiracy

Saturday 14th November, 7pm, Moose Hall, Castle Street, Taunton, TA1 4AR

With Taunton Vegans and Wellington Transition Town as part of World Vegan Month.

A ticketed event for £10 which includes a main course vegan meal. You'll also receive a voucher for a free cake/dessert which can be redeemed before or after the film screening.

Hot and cold drinks and cakes available to purchase on arrival (or use your voucher for cake)
Cowspiracy screening
Main course meal. Drinks/cake available to purchase

Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today - and investigates why the world's leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it.

Campaign for Better Transport Launch

Saturday 14th November, 10:30am-4:30pm, Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY

Campaign for Better Transport, a national transport charity set up to promote sustainable transport, will be launching a new South West group.

They hope the Mayor of Bristol will say a few words of welcome and then we’ll hear from two speakers: Steve Melia, Senior Lecturer in Transport and Planning at University of the West of England, and Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive officer, Campaign for Better Transport, before lunch and workshops.

The event is free to attend, including lunch, but do register.

A free screening of '97% Owned', a positive money UK documentary. After the screening Adelia Tisdall (Positive Money Exeter) will chair a group discussion.

Green Wedmore Big Tidy Up

Sunday 25th October, Borough House (next to Compton House of Fashion), Wedmore

Join Green Wedmore in their Big Tidy Up, picking up litter along local lanes. Meet at 10.15am for a 10.30 start. Bring gloves; we provide litter grabbers and sacks.

Can renewable energy create a Western Powerhouse?

Friday 16th October, 7.00-9.00pm Mint Methodist Church, Fore Street, Exeter

Molly Scott Cato will launch her Power to Transform the South Westreport in Exeter. This report, written by the Resilience Centre in Gloucestershire, concluded the South West can produce 100+% of its energy needs from renewables alone.

There will then be a panel discussion, with experts from the renewable and community energy sector, exploring the politics of energy, the implications of creating a renewable energy revolution and how communities can help bring this about.

Contact 01392 410624.

SEEN Public Meeting

Monday 5th October, 7:45 - 9:00pm Tangier Scout and Guide Centre Behind the bus station, Castle Street TA1 4AS

The next SEEN meeting will be held on Monday 5th Oct at 7.45pm. We wil meet at Tangier Scout and Guide Centre which is behind the bus station, Castle Street TA1 4AS. There is free parking.

If you are you concerned about our future energy requirements and environment then come along to this public meeting to see how we can work TOGETHER for solutions in Somerset. As you can see we have already put together this website to keep all the useful links, groups and information in one place, but more help is needed to help this network become fully activated.

Whether you are an existing group or an individual wanting to know more – please come and share your thoughts so we can widen our networking and work more effectively as a county. If you know of any events or news around Somerset energy and environment then please come along and share.

Plus we need a logo! Think SEEN as in eyes, network and the fact that this is a Somerset wide group. ….. any ideas please bring along to the meeting or send to Vicky Briggs (shuunyanet@gmail.com).

Remember to bring your diary for planning future events!

See the News page for details

Growing Taunton

Saturday 3rd October 10:30 - 12:30am Somerset Square (between the Brewhouse and the Somerset Cricket Ground, meet by the planters)

This is the next Growing Taunton event – the planters have all sorts of vegetables growing; sweetcorn, pumpkin, kale, oca, lovage, parsley, rosemary, chard. thyme and nasturtium. Plus there is an abundance of flowers to bring the bees in; just marigolds and phacelia. at the moment as we come into autumn.

Bring secateurs, trowels and spades…. and gardening gloves. The aim of this session is to tidy the planters for winter and give some buddleia a prune. (Great for the butterflies when in flower but a bit of bully in a flower bed).

Food Sovereignty Course

2nd – 4th October Brook End LAND Centre near Street/Glastonbury, Somerset

This two day course will introduce you to, or deepen your knowledge of, what Food Sovereignty means in a specifically UK context. It will also demonstrate the different ways in which you can enthuse others in your community of the importance of engaging with local food systems for social change.

Tidal Power Talk

7:30pm on Monday, 28th September, AMWiveliscombe Primary School Hall, North Street, TA4 2LA.

Public meeting on power from tidal lagoons with illustrated presentation by Steve Mewes, Consultation Manager at Tidal Lagoon Power.

The talk is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

High Power and Jaitapur Live Documentary Films

Friday 25th September, 7pm start, Chedzoy Village Hall, nr Bridgwater, TA7 8RE

Whatever your views on the nuclear power industry these films are a powerful indictment to the potential dangers that nuclear power can have on communities.

100% RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR THE SOUTH WEST

Monday 21 September 7.30 – 9.30 pm Creative Innovation Centre, Paul Street, Taunton, TA13PF

A talk by John Green

We can produce all our energy needs in the South West from renewable energy sources. Based on the rigorous analysis provided by The Resilience Centre in a report commissioned by Molly Scott Cato MEP, this talk and discussion will focus on how and by when this will be achieved.

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Upcoming Events

A free screening of '97% Owned', a positive money UK documentary. After the screening Adelia Tisdall (Positive Money Exeter) will chair a group discussion.

Read more