Twenty people came to a meeting of the steering group, which was held on Thursday 26^th November 2009 in The George, and lasted just under two hours.  

A volunteer has obtained the application form for TTB to become a member of the Transition Network and will complete the form for approval at the next meeting.  A link to the form will be sent round to steering group members for comments and suggestions.

The new website host is planning to have the website back on-line on 30^th November.  It was agreed that the directors would look at the content, that more moderators are needed, that it’s unlikely there will be a forum but a Facebook page would be considered.

The schools event to promote the rights-respecting initiative will be held on 23^rd January 2010 and TTB will be invited to have a display.

A volunteer came forward to follow-up two possible funding opportunities; the NI7 scheme, which aims to fund the post of a fundraiser for all TT groups in Dorset, and the DA21-promoted ‘Green Assist’ fund for community/green groups.  TTB is still in need of a volunteer to make and monitor funding applications and another request for a volunteer will be circulated.

A member of the Heart & Soul group reported feelings of unhappiness that the work of this group was misunderstood by some members of the steering group.  There was no report from the last meeting given.

This led to a discussion about an undercurrent within the steering group of disrespect and aggression towards Bridport Town Council, despite the need for good relations with a town council being one of the primary aims for all TT groups.

The screening of ‘The Age of Stupid’ is organised for tomorrow, with a Q&A session after the screening.  TTB, BREG and FoE will all be represented in the foyer with displays and information.

A representative from BREG outlined two possible projects that TTB may be able to help with; testing public opinion on the funding of renewable energy and a householder awareness event.

There was discussion and clarification about who holds the email lists for the steering group and the interested people and how new people are added from the sign-up sheets at awareness-raising events.  A new volunteer was requested to take over the interested people list.

A trip to Ourganics with TTB members and Colfox’s Eco Club has been organised for tomorrow.  The school has a vegetable patch but they need guidance and help to get the project up and running.  A volunteer came forward to help with this.

All members were asked to give some thought to what the next big event should be.

A meeting of the directors was held to approve four members of the company.

The steering group plan to meet again to discuss urgent business only on 17^th December 2009, preceding the Green Drink starting at 8.00pm.