May Update

Dear all,

I have the sad news that I will be leaving Transition Chandlers Ford at the end of May. I have decided to concentrate my efforts on Transition Southampton since I live in Southampton. Eastleigh Transition Network continues to exist and will be continuing its activities, so if you would like to continue receiving updates, please join up to the mailing list at: http://eepurl.com/e2ZQM.

Here are the last few updates:

Buzzing about Bees at Fryern Funtasia
On Monday 7th May, Transition Chandlers Ford had a stall at the Fryern Funtasia festival. Our stall was themed around bees and we were putting the message out about how important bees are to us – if we lost them, we’d be without a lot of our food we have now. On the stall we gave away free leaflets, wildflower seeds, and solitary bee nests (made out of drain pipes collected from Highbridge Community Farm, along with dried hollow stems from local hedgerows and cut down garden canes to fill the pipes). We also had Hampshire Honey tasting! Many thanks to The Co-Operative for the seeds and thanks to Friends of the Earth for the leaflets.

We also gave away colourful posters listing bee-friendly plants and for the children there were fluffy bees, also donated by The Co-operative. Despite the miserable rainy start, it soon brightened up and hundreds of people attended! We managed to give away all leaflets, seeds, bee nests and fluffy bees! A great day had by all!

Local Farm Shop Cycle Ride (and perhaps a picnic!)


ETNet have teamed up with Transition Southampton, Cyclewise and local resident Martin Davis, to run a community bike ride through Hamble and Netley, showcasing local farm shops. The reason for this is that there is the huge Bursledon Tesco, but just around the corner are three fantastic local and independent farm shops, selling delicious local produce. On this cycle ride we aim to visit these three shops, allow time for some small shopping, and then hopefully (if the weather's nice), go for a picnic along the coast of Hamble/Netley. So if you like cycling and also enjoy local, fresh food, join us on Sunday May 27th. Meet at Woolston station (Garton Road, Southampton, SO19 2DJ) at 9.45am, leaving at 10am. If you are driving there with bikes on the car, there is free parking at the station. You must reserve your space on this ride, so please book your place here.

Himilayan Balsam Control on the Monks Brook


In March Catherine Chatters from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust gave a talk in Chandlers Ford about invasive non-native species. Now BTCV are hoping to control this along the Monks Brook river. They are looking for help to control Himalayan Balsam, an invasive species, to pull and remove it from the banks of this lovely brook. Tasks run 10am-3pm, whether you can join them once for just an hour, or every week, all help will be much appreciated. For more information and dates of this, please see the post the ETNet website.

Bike Dr at Chandlers Ford Railway Station
We have made agreements with South West Trains and Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership to have the Bicycle Recycling Bike Dr at Chandlers Ford Railway Station once a month. The next of these will be on Saturday 9th June, 10am to 1pm. If your bike's in bad condition, now's your chance to get it fixed so you can cycle this summer!

Many thanks for all of you who turned up to events, helped the group and supported me along the way. It's been great fun. I may see you sometime in the future.

Renewable Energy Engages and Inspires Audience

Last night (Tuesday 1st May), local residents packed into a hall in Chandlers Ford to hear about Renewable Energy, retrofitting and the Government's upcoming scheme, The Green Deal. Local energy consultants James and Alison Penders presented an Introduction to Renewable Energy and The Green Deal. Through colourful illustrations and diagrams, James talked about renewable energy measures that can be implemented in the home, saving energy, money and CO2 at the same time.

James explained that some of the measures can be very expensive for people to install in their homes, which then lead onto The Green Deal. The Green Deal is a Government iniative set to launch later this year which will help homeowners install these measures without a big upfront cost. The cost of these will be put into the electricity bill. An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) explains the steps the homeowner needs to put in place which are covered by The Green Deal, providing helpful figures on just how much they can save.

There was big stress on getting initial measures implemented BEFORE The Green Deal comes in, such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. This can be obtained FREE of charge if you live within Eastleigh Borough. Visit Insulate Hampshire for more information.

There was a great turnout and audience members left leaving happy and informed. James and Alison are interested in developing their talk to be used in other towns across Eastleigh Borough. They can also conduct an energy survey of your home. If you wish to get in touch with them their email is jhgj@hotmail.co.uk.

Brilliant Bike Dr

This Saturday saw the arrival of a Bike Dr at Chandlers Ford Railway station. This was kindly provided by Bicycle Recycling and the event happened thanks to Three Rivers Rail. Despite the poor and miserable weather, people still arrived with their bikes to have them checked over, and not once was the Bike Dr just waiting around! We've been speaking to Mark Miller of Three Rivers Rail and they'd like us to run this session monthly in future so this is fantastic news and a great success! Stay tuned for more details on this.

P.S ETNET'S FLASH FROM TRASH WORKSHOP HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.

April Update

There's lots going on over the next few weeks, so here's an update! I hope you can come along to an event!

Wildflower Planting Update
Unfortunately due to bad weather this has been postponed until Friday 4th May at 10am.



Bike Dr at Chandlers Ford Railway Station

Just a reminder that this Saturday (28th April) we have a Bike Dr at Chandlers Ford Railway Station from 10am to 1pm, so if your bike isn't sounding so good or not working so well, here's a great chance to bring it along!


Introduction to Renewable Energy and the Green Deal


You are warmly welcomed to an evening presentation covering the fundamentals of renewable energy and the Government’s flagship policy around the Green Deal, together with a description of an Energy Performance Certificate and how these will affect the householder in the coming year. Also being covered is energy bills and how they link to the Energy Performance Certificate and the Green Deal. Organised by Transition Chandlers Ford in partnership with Eastleigh Transition Network's Energy Group.

Tuesday 1st May @ 7pm, Small Hall, Chandlers Ford Community Centre, Hursley Road, SO53 2FT - FREE ENTRY

RESERVE YOUR SPACE HERE



Plant Bring and Buy Sale


Gardeners – have you got too many of one plant and want to pick up something different or perhaps grab a bargain? Then come along to Eastleigh Transition Network's Bring and Buy Plant Sale at our fantastic Highbridge Community Farm. Proceeds go towards Eastleigh Transition Network.

Saturday 5th May, 12pm @ Highbridge Community Farm, Highbridge Lane, SO50 6HS

Flash from Trash Workshop

Eastleigh Transition Network have teamed up with Craftizan Workshops to help people learn about reusing and recycling items to turn them into new ones.

A workshop to show you the joys of recycling, upcycling and customisation!

Bring along clothing that needs a revamp, experiment with upcycling techniques and gain some new inspiration, learn a range of sewing and embellishment techniques and create a brand new item!

We can help with all sorts of projects from bags, to clothes, to cushions.. all you need to bring is enthusiasm! Suitable for all skill levels, whether you are a novice or skilled sewer looking for inspiration!

Sunday 6th May, 1-4pm @ Pavilion on the Park, 1 Kingfisher Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9LH

£5 per person..limited spaces available so payment in advance is essential. BOOK YOUR SPACE HERE

Wildflower planting at Fryern Recreation Ground

So at the end of the last newsletter I mentioned that there was an upcoming opportunity to plant wildflowers at Fryern Recreation Ground. Well the good news is that this is definitely happening now planned for Friday 4th May at 10am at Fryern Recreation Ground, Chandlers Ford.

So why plant wildflowers? The UK has lost an alarming 97% of its wildflower meadows since the 1930s and this has had a major impact on pollinator numbers. Sadly, this was once one of the best places for bumblebees and a range of other wildlife. So by planting more, we can attract these wildlife back to the area!

For more information, see this document on creating a wildflower meadow.

Buzzing about Bees at Fryern Funtasia

On Monday 7th May, Transition Chandlers Ford and Eastleigh Transition Network have a stall at Fryern Funtasia at Fryern Recreation Ground.

We have now confirmed that the activity on this stall will be solitary bee nest making. Eastleigh Transition Network ran a workshop last year on how to do this, and we think this time of year will be perfect to run this as bees as out and about. We will also have free wildflower seeds (kindly donated by The Co-Operative) to give out. The bee nests will be made out of drain pipes collected from Highbridge Community Farm, along with dried hollow stems from local hedgerows and cut down garden canes to fill the pipes.

On the stall we'll also have a list of flowers that attract pollinators so that people will know what to plant. And as an extra treat for the children, there will also be fluffy bees, donated by The Co-operative. Look forward to a fantastic day!

April Update

It's Easter! We'd like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter! If you're looking to be eco this Easter, read this article for some handy tips. We're now using a blog site for our Chandlers Ford updates: http://www.etnet.org.uk/transitionchandlersford

Bike Dr at Chandlers Ford Railway Station

Got any problems with your bike? Tyres not pumped up? Brakes not working properly? Gears not sounding right? Come along and visit the Bike Dr, courtesy of Bicycle Recycling, at Chandlers Ford Railway Station, Saturday 28th April, 10am - 1pm. This event is being held thanks to Three Rivers Rail Partnership.

TCF at Fryern Funtasia

Transition Chandlers Ford will be holding a stall at the Fryern Funtasia being held at Fryern Recreation Ground, Chandlers Ford on Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May 2012. The event runs from 12pm – 4.30pm and is looking to be fantastic! The main attraction will be It’s a Knockout. There will be lots of field based activities to suit all age groups and other community stalls and attractions to entertain families. Refreshments will also be available. Come and visit us and have a great day out!

Chandlers Ford Parish Volunteer Roles

Chandler’s Ford Parish Council wishes to hear from residents who are willing to volunteer some spare time to act as Tree Wardens, Footpath Wardens or Environmental Wardens. Guidance will be given as to the key responsibilities of the volunteers

As part of the localism agenda residents can be the catalysts for change and the Parish Council wishes to work with all local residents who take a pride in the area in which they live and want to make Chandler’s Ford a better place to live in.

For further information please contact the Parish Clerk, Stephen Mursell, on 023 8026 6612 or e-mail at clerk.chandlersford@parish.hants.gov.uk.

Velmore Market Garden - Volunteers required

Learn and Grow is a new community enterprise, supported by Solent EBP, offering local people from Velmore, North End Copse and the Aviary a space to learn about horticulture and grow food, give young people a chance to learn practical skills and get qualifications and give children from local schools and colleges the opportunity to learn about nutrition and where food comes from.

Having started in January 2012, young people and children have been working alongside local volunteers developing the site. In the long term the site will be managed and maintained by volunteers from the local community. Volunteers will be working alongside the project team, spending time outdoors learning and sharing practical skills and having fun in the process. Solent EBP will be working with young people from the community who are looking to get skills towards training and employment.

Read more and apply here. Please note only residents from the Velmore estate can get involved.

Sustainable Homes Exhibition

Transition Southampton are organising a repeat of their 2010 Sustainable Homes Exhibition over several weekends this August/September. This will include homes being opened to the public that show practical examples of green living, from solar panels to food growing. See their 2010 site for more information.

They have asked us whether anyone in Eastleigh/Chandlers Ford would like to take part this year – either as part of their event or as our own exhibition in Eastleigh. B&Q's Eco House has already confirmed. We’d love to hear from you about this: do you have a sustainable home that you are willing to open up to the public? Let us know by emailing us.

Other Events

We've just added lots of other events coming up over the next few months to our calendar. Check them out here.

Until next time! We'll soon have details of a wildflower planting session at Fryern Recreation Ground, commencing planting on the week beginning 23rd April. We'll let you know more details soon.