We have a name for our Open Space low carbon conversations event on 24 March: “Groundswell: propelling ourselve to greater resilience”!  Took ages, lots of creative scribbling, a few glasses of wine, a long sleep and………there it was.  We really like it and hope it gets across the sense of momentum that bringing a bunch of people together can produce.  Vicky B has created some delicious design to go with my copy, so e-leaflets, print and posters will be hitting the streets ere long.  In the meantime, bookings are open for the event, Sat 24 March, 10-4, Genesis Centre at Somerset College, Taunton.  £10 to include lunch.  Email Vicky Matthews on vickym@uk2.net or by post to Vicky at 1 Obridge Lane, Taunton, TA2 7QN.  Cheques payable to Taunton Transition Town.  Only 100 places available.

A bunch of us have also been busy out on the streets of Taunton, doing door to door household energy surveys to add real life samples to the huge volume of desk research that CSE are doing as part of our LEAF project.  Oh, but doorstepping is a hard business when there are so many people already out there disturbing folks.  And the weather is a bit naff too.  We have sampled a number of different approaches.  Today, I settled on “Oh no, it’s a woman with a clipboard again.”  Raised a helpful smile or two.  However, an hour of door knocking can sometimes yield as little as 3 results, so hubby and I took another tack.  Round to niece Amber’s house to “do” her; niece number 2 turns up so “do” her too, then sister-in-law arrives and then niece’s builder………………4 surveys done in the comfort of a warm kitchen with a cup of tea to boot!

The thermal imaging camera has arrived!  It comes in one of those big black briefcasey type things that instantly looks dodgy – small arms at the very least, or a million dollars in used notes.  Opened the box and shut it again quickly as I don’t do technology, but have now handed it over to Stephen and Tom of biggerhouse film who are running our “Thermalogues” workshops.  Still a chance for you to book up to make your very own 60 second film (using the thermal camera) that says something about your relationship with energy. Absolutely no experience required, as T and S are brilliant in helping you make your ideas come to life.  Booking is via The Brewhouse 01823 283244.  Sat 3 March all day, then one further day over the following two weekends, only £10.  And your work will be premiered at Groundswell!