Hello all

We’ve been accepted on the Warm Streets pilot scheme – hoorah!! This is thanks to all of you who have volunteered your time and energy to get our bid accepted. It’s not too late to get involved as the scheme will be running for the next year.

This is an opportunity for all of us to make a real difference: help reduce CO2 emissions (domestic emissions account for the greatest part in Taunton Deane Borough), help to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and to help bring these issues to the forefront with our publicity campaign and save people loads of money at the same time

We’re having a get together to discuss the mechanics of the scheme and also to develop an action plan on:

Monday 20th July, 7-9pm (venue tbc)

Together with the Bristol based charity, the Centre for Sustainable Energy, we will be spreading the word about free loft and cavity wall insulation for low income families and householders over 70; and insulation at a 50% discount for other householders.  Taunton Transition Town is looking for a band of volunteers willing to give up 2 hours a month – yes, that’s all, 2 hours a month, or the crucial 24 hours over  year – to help make this happen for our town.  Your input might include:

•       telling your neighbours about the project
•       talking to parents about the project at your child’s school
•       putting up posters in your locality
•       leafletting your area
•       putting information in your local doctors’ surgery, dentist, post office, local library etc
•       emailing your existing friends and contacts in Taunton to let them know.
•       giving a talk about it at your local club or society
•       holding a Warm Streets street party
•       collecting and sharing stories of Warm Streets working well in your area to inspire others

And what’s in it for us all?  In return for referrals, the Centre for Sustainable Energy will give us expertise , for example:
–    energy education workshops for our local primary schools
–    a feasibility study for a local micro renewables project in our area
–    opportunities for group members to receive training through NEA’s City and Guilds in ‘Energy Awareness’ course
–    tailored training according to the groups needs, for example ‘Finding Funding for a Community Energy Project’
•    Access to support networks, stakeholders and other similar communities
•    Access to quality information and advice; for example on carbon saving measures, funding and training courses
•    An opportunity to demonstrate tangible carbon savings and share experiences with other people helping on the project
We will, if we do well, also get some money towards helping create other sustainable energy projects in our locality.

Huge thanks
Vic Watson and Chrissie Godfrey
Taunton Transition Town group