News and recent activities
We held a very constructive Transition ‘meetup’ at the Bitter Suite pub on 11th January and it was great to see some new faces there.  As we will be holding a film night and gin tasting event on 28th Feb (details a bit further on in this newsletter!), then perhaps a meet-up on Thurs 7th March would be an idea, so that we can follow up on anything raised at the film showing/discussion and make some plans for the year ahead.
Gemma Wall was one of the attendees.  Gemma was appointed as the Waste Minimisation Officer for Staffs CC in September and has got of to a brilliant start at bringing about changes at all the recycling centres across Staffordshire and introducing some new initiatives. 
There is a ‘Repaint’ scheme starting up where usable paint that is dropped off at the Centres can be taken by anyone for reuse.  Staff will sort the paint brought in to ensure that it is in good condition still and then people will be free to take what they want.  It costs SCC an awful lot of money each year to dispose of unwanted paint.  A great resource for community groups too if needing to revamp premises or do arty projects.
Gemma is also putting together ‘home starter packs’ consisting of secondhand goods which are still in good condition and usable that might otherwise have been put into skips.  The packs are then given out to people leaving prison or perhaps escaping domestic abuse.
Groups or individuals who might be able to rehome other items can register with the sites to be part of a scheme to pick up items left in the Katherine House containers (large blue shipping container at the Lichfield site).  If Katherine House do not want certain items then they will leave them in there and if you can show that you are putting items to use to benefit others (could be something that gets repaired or upcycled and then used by a community centre for example).  All ideas helping to cut down on waste.
It was great to meet Nicky Jones (and husband Will!) from Spark in Burntwood too.  Nicky runs the Babybank scheme, amongst other things!  We did do a Spotlight on the group in one of last year’s newsletters but we just wanted to share how much they are doing for the community and for families who really do need support.  Hats off to Team Spark!  Here is their current timetable of activities, just to show you what’s going on.

ReThink Food initiative for Staffordshire.  A lady called Diana Smith is spearheading this group and has connected with a wide range of groups, individuals and businesses who are concerned about the current plight of our food system.  Diana is keen to get an effective network of suppliers, producers, teachers and so on to benefit the whole county.  Shropshire has a very successful food initiative in place and it is hoped that a Staffordshire one can be set up.  If you are interested in being part of this network then please get in touch with Diana ([email protected]) and take a look at the Shropshire Good Food Partnership website for reference.  We can contribute to this network here in Lichfield with projects like the ‘Growing Communities’ one which Nurture are running again this year.

Repair Café sessions have become increasingly busy and great to know that the word is spreading.  If you know of somewhere where a poster could be located that you would be willing to keep an eye on/update then do get in touch.

Home insultation initiative just launched with Community Home Solutions and supported by Staffs County Council and Lichfield District Council. Further details can be found via https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Warmer-Homes/Staffordshire-Warmer-Homes.aspx or https://www.communityhomesolutions.co.uk/grant-funded-schemes.html

Stychbrook Leisure Centre proposals. Diane Harrison attended the planning meeting but found it most unsatisfactory.  Inaccurate information about the form of heating to be used and a general dismissiveness of concerns about noise from the pitches and lack of joined up public transport plans.  Diane will continue to follow up on areas of concern.

The Grace & May Home store at the Plant Plot garden centre has increased its range of liquid and powder refill items (shampoo, soap, washing up liquid, cleaning products, citric acid etc) and is open Saturdays and Sundays at the moment or look online for more information. They also have some Terracycle recycling bins and hope to increase the coverage of those soon.

Woodhouse Community Farm are preparing for the showing season so visitors might be lucky enough to see Bull Stewart,  Cow Belle and calf Priscilla or bull calf Buster out for a walk. They hope to be showing their rare breed Irish Moilies at Staffordshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire and Three Counties Shows this year.

Lichfield Cathedral’s Lent Lectures will be a series based on the theme ‘Faithfully Political’, looking at issues that will dominate the narrative of a General Election, expected this year (homelessness, migration, law and order). The Climate Crisis, and it’s impact upon daily life will surely be one of these, and they are pleased to have Andy Atkins, Chair of ‘A Rocha (UK)’, coming to speak (7.15pm - Wednesday, 6th March) on how as people of faith can use our vote and place in the public square, to make changes that will address the existential crisis of Climate Change. The lecture will be followed by group discussion, and a chance for groups to ask questions.
With support from the County Climate Action Fund, Lichfield Cathedral have purchased a touch screen dedicated to its environmental activities. Material is still being uploaded but do take a look when you’re next in the Cathedral.

Lichfield District Council are recruiting for this role – Policy & Strategy Team Leader: Environment & Communities. The closing date is today (26th January!) but whoever gets this position will be a crucial connection for us and many other groups around the District.  Useful to see the remit of the role.

Transition - Ideas and projects for the coming year – ‘open garden’ dates for showing/skill sharing  gardens with veg growing and/or wilding spaces; the Great Big Green Week in June – what could we do for that?; a group visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales; Fuse Festival 12th-14th July – have some activities and a ‘green’ presence there?  Also form a Climate Choir to perform at it (currently being looked into).
 
Learning opportunities, inspiration and handy hints
Read
The Resilient Garden by Tom Massey (copy available to borrow via Philippa). An excellent and very clear guide.
 
The concept of doughnut economics is being talked about a lot. But what is it?! Read about the concept here.
 
Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie. This is a data based discussion with a very positive slant.  Hannah is well respected and has great positivity about what CAN be done.
The reports feeding back on the local ‘green conversations’ held around Staffordshire last year and which some of you attended.
 
Two handy articles about heat pumps here, something many of us will need to learn about in the next few years.  Good to see that research is showing that they are effective. And this visualization is great at explaining how they work!
 
Watch
Countryfile on 4th Feb as Lawrence Oates of Burton Conservation Volunteers may be featured on there (if he hasn’t been cut from the filming!). He certainly deserves some recognition for the mazing and varied work that he has been involved in for the past 30 years across Staffordshire.
TED Countdown: A New Climate Vision – excellent range of talks and inspirational people.
 
Listen
Planet Critical: podcast journalist Rachel Donald interviews people confronting the climate crisis, revealing what is really going on and what needs to be done.
Sustainability Champions podcast – highlighting the people, ideas and innovations protecting and healing the planet.
  
Get involved
Transition film night
Wednesday 28th February, 7.30-9.30pm Shenstone Library, Main Street, Shenstone
The Economics of Happiness: a short film.
"Localization is the best way to repair our ecosystems, our societies and ourselves."
Come and join us for an evening of thoughtful discussion on how making small changes locally can help with the bigger picture.
Hosted by Transition Lichfield and the Shenstone Library Environment Group, we will show this short film, followed up with discussion about some of projects happening around the District, with a positive slant to it all!  And to keep us in the positive frame of mind, attendees can sample the delights of the locally produced, bee-inspired gins courtesy of The Apiarist! No ticket required but please book in so we can cater for the right number - email [email protected].
 
Gardening/growing
There are lots of opportunities for people to help out with planting, maintenance, planning and so on with a range of projects going on.  Please get in touch if you would like to be on our list of contacts so that we can get in touch and let us know if you have specific skills or interests. Email [email protected].

Contribute
Book a place at the Lichfield session (8th Feb) of Future’s Thinking Consultation Events, organised by the Globe Foundation. The events are taking place across each Staffordshire district in Feb 2024, plus one online workshop, to enable people from all different backgrounds and sectors to take part and talk about climate change/environmental concerns. Link to book your local one here.
Findings from discussions will be brought together at a Staffordshire COP event, which is taking place at Staffordshire University on 15th March. Click here to book your place and/or stand or for further details on the project, partners, sponsors and other events please visit the Staffordshire COP website.
 
Mother’s Rebellion
Are you worried about the climate emergency, and want to take some positive action? Join Grandmothers,  Mothers, Aunties, Sisters, Daughters and allies (everyone welcome really!). We believe in the power of Mothers and caregivers to demand climate justice. We know that the least responsible for the climate crisis are also the most impacted. Please join us for this peaceful action.
Likely to be held at Speakers’ Corner, Lichfield 11-12pm but contact Clare Whitehouse to be kept up to date – [email protected]
 
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Dates for your diary

January
27th – Shenstone Library Repair Café, 10-12.00.
26th to 28th - RSPB Great Garden Birdwatch
31st – Sausage Making Workshop, Woodhouse Community Farm, 2-5pm. Booking essential.
February
3rd - Burntwood Repair & Share Café, 10-1pm, St Joseph’s RC Church, Cannock Road, WS7 0BB
3rd - NCT Cloth Nappy Library. 10.00-12.00am, Lichfield District Children's Centre WS13 7PH. [email protected]
3rd – Burton Conservation Volunteers. Washlands litter pick 9.30-12 noon, meet Washlands car park, Watson Street.
4th – Burton Conservation Volunteers. Milford training locals to manage 2 community woods.
6th - Lichfield Wildlife Group, talk by Nicola Lynes  on Transforming the Trent Valley legacy. Wade Street Church Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6HL. 7.45pm. £3:50.
7th – Lichfield Science & Engineering Society talk “The Scale of Human Impact During the Anthropocene” Prof Colin Waters. Lichfield Garrick Studio, 8pm.  £8 non-members.
8th – Futures Thinking Workshop, Lichfield Guildhall, 1-3pm
17th – Build your own nestbox with SinCH. 1.45-3.30pm  Great Haywood Memorial Hall, Great Haywood.
Come along to assemble a bird box from a kit provided by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.  £6 per box. Email [email protected] to book (places limited to 20)
 
17th – Lichfield Repair & Share Café, 2-5pm, Curborough Community Centre, WS13 7NY.
24th – Shenstone Library Repair Café, 10-12.00.
28th – Transition/Shenstone Group film night and gin tasting. Shenstone Library, Main Street, Shenstone. Please email [email protected] if you intend to come in case plans changed and you need to be notified.
 
March
2nd – Burntwood Repair & Share Café, 10-1pm, St Joseph’s RC Church, Cannock Road, WS7 0BB
2nd – Burton Conservation Volunteers. Washlands litter pick 9.30-12 noon, meet Washlands car park, Watson Street.
3rd - Burton Conservation Volunteers. Milford  - training locals to manage 2 community woods.
5th - Lichfield Wildlife Group, talk by Joan Lockley, West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue. Wade Street Church Hall, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6HL. 7.45pm. £3:50.
6th – Lichfield Cathedral Lent Lecture, Andy Atkins of A Rocha, 7.15pm
7th – Transition Meet-up, 7.00pm Bitter Suite pub.
9th – Mother’s Rebellion gathering, 11-12, Speakers’ Corner Lichfield
9th – Great Imagining, Chase Leisure Centre, 10-4pm.
15th – Staffordshire COP, Staffordshire University, 10-3pm

If you have walked past the Three Tree Triangle wild area at Festival Gardens then you may have noticed something new!  A mound of soil with a tree trunk protruding!  What's that going to be then, I hear you say?
Well, we have been planning on making a 'living creature' of some sort for a while and have finally got round to starting one!  The mound will be planted up and various bits added to make a 'creature' of some sort.  We won't spoil the surprise but keep your eyes peeled as the project progresses.

Nurture Community CIC worked so hard in 2023 to pull off a great project which involved people of all ages and backgrounds getting their hands dirty and growing veg! Here is some detail, taken from their final report.

Managed by Nurture CIC, with support from Community Partners (Brand Remarkable, Worship Food and Emma Cooper Artist), the project aimed to support local community groups to grow food crops which can be used in cooking classes and for educational purposes. Recipe sharing was encouraged with the production of a cookery book and online resource.  This was funded by Tesco Groundworks and Transition Lichfield after a grant was obtained from Staffs CC Climate Change Fund.

The project supported groups from all generations, bringing isolated communities together to build intergenerational connections and friendships. Sessions were tailored around planting, creating and cooking. Beginning in June 2023 and concluding in October 2023, there were eight weeks of sessions with a weekly theme, with 16 sessions across two groups in total.
 
Session 1: Design, Sow and Grow Week
Session 2: Allocate Equipment Week
Session 3: Plant Week
Session 4: Create Recipes Week
Session 5: Cooking  Week
Session 6: Vegetable Print Week
 
148 beneficiaries were impacted over the course of the project, including staff (from the care home and youth club) who were given new skills and activity ideas for their ongoing community support.
 
This pilot project involved two groups with differing outcomes. The Spires  (Care Home) group exceeded expectations by cultivating crops, incorporating them into their menu, through discussions with the residents and chef, and starting a gardening club in late June. The unexpected positive aspect was the level of community involvement, driven by residents' interests and expertise, that continued outside the time of the face-to-face contact of the project and has developed further since the project was completed.
 
The project improved residents' moods and inspired participation in various community initiatives, including the Crop Club. It boosted their confidence and facilitated skills sharing with staff. Other team members, such as the chef and grounds staff, also contributed, which was an expected benefit.
 
Furthermore, the project uncovered neglected Mexican tomatoes in the garden, motivating families of residents to join in sessions like vegetable printing. This intergenerational connection enhanced the overall project narrative, addressing residents' self-esteem and mental health while positively impacting the community.
 
For Fun Club Hub CIO (the youth group), additional sessions at Beacon Park allowed the leaders to actively engage in community projects. Parents also became involved, highlighting an unexpected intergenerational aspect, taking it beyond the youth's ages (mostly between the school ages of Years 7-9.)  They consistently supported the project's direction, including a Saint Foye cleanup at Beacon Park and discussions about finding a community space.
 
Peapods and herbs were grown for members to take home, and the neglected Saint Foye space was revitalized through collaboration with Lichfield Parks, leading to a volunteer cleanup event. Both of these were unexpected, valued additions to the project. Additional dates have been pencilled in to continue the clean-up in the latter months of 2023.
 
There were lots of lessons learned...
 
- Intergenerational projects are vital but challenging due to scheduling constraints, including timeframes, lunch breaks, and visitor availability for both those over 60 years of age, and those who are of school age.
- It’s essential to respect existing routines and engagement patterns, which helped to spark curiosity among participants in intergenerational activities.
- Make the project relevant to participants by linking it to their favourite foods, creating a literal relationship between planting and enjoyment.
- Consider health considerations, especially in cases of dementia, and provide physical prompts, like hard copy pictures, to assist with memory to support their participation.
- This project challenged our, and staffs, assumptions about care home residents' interests and autonomy, empowering them to express their food preferences and choices.
- Plan for at least two, possibly three, facilitators for more direct 1:1 support, especially when residents may have difficulty writing or marking.
-  The project team had underestimated the level of interest from participants from all age groups, many engaged with the project through social media, or internal word of mouth, and became invested in its success as it developed. This meant participation numbers grew over the length of the project term.

A website was created by our partners, and used throughout the project: 
https://growingcommunitieslichfield.uk/
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