Transition Town Hastings (TTH) was originally set up in 2008 to respond to the challenges of climate change and over-dependence on fossil fuels and economic instability.
In 2014, I was part of a group of local people ambitious to create a new group. We held a visioning day in April 2015 attended by over 100 who came to learn about the transition movement and share their ideas for the future of the town.
By exploring new social and economic systems toward sustainability and social justice, the group provides practical examples of sustainable living and promotes knowledge-sharing, raises awareness and encourages community participation and well-being.
Part of the global Transition Network, the self-organised group is open to residents interested in collaborating on community-led, local solutions for the transition towards a low-carbon future.
Since 2014, we have created a community garden, a community mosaic, wild flower meadows, food and growing projects, a sustainability festival and gone on to work alongside the Hastings Borough Council and East Sussex County Council to initiate a regenerative town centre design.
TTH has grown in confidence to help other groups get established such as Hastings Community Composting, Town Grown and Hastings Green Man projects.
© Photos of Car Free Day by Tony Ellis
My roles have included:
Providing governance
I took the role of Chair from 2015-16, helping to raise the profile of the organisation, chair meetings, building relationships, managing communications and events.
Co-designing and delivering Sustainability on Sea festival
Our flagship festival was run in 2018 and 2019 which included Hastings’ first car free day and a green marketplace.
Co-hosting multiple events including:
Transition Town Hastings launch event and visioning day, attended by over 100 people
Jeremy Leggett talk on renewable energy with film showing of This Changes Everyone by Naomi Klein in the Observer Building
Nicholas Royle, Professor Emeritus of English in discussion with Alex Lockwood, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sunderland on the Climate Change, the Anthropocene, & language
Daphne Lambert Supper and Talk “How well do you now your food?” at The Music Room, St Leonards
Soil, society, sustenance with Craig Sams & Abby Nicol
Pot Luck Dinners at St John’s Church Hall, Brittany Road
Designing materials and promoting activities
Logo design and branding work
Flyers, posters, leaflets, website design and build
Monthly newsletter to supporters