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Alex
The Transition Town is nice because it makes me part of a “tribe”. I am a member of a group that shares a common purpose. I became involved when Angus suggested I might like to help with the Cargo Bike project; now I know people around here. I have friends that live on my street and I don’t have to travel across London to meet them for a pint.
I am more settled in Crystal Palace than anywhere I have ever lived before. That feeling is largely because of Crystal Palace Transition Town. So I hope that my practical contributions to the group have helped make Crystal Palace a more fun place for everyone else to live in.
The Transition Town is nice because it makes me part of a “tribe”. I am a member of a group that shares a common purpose. I became involved when Angus suggested I might like to help with the Cargo Bike project; now I know people around here. I have friends that live on my street and I don’t have to travel across London to meet them for a pint.
I am more settled in Crystal Palace than anywhere I have ever lived before. That feeling is largely because of Crystal Palace Transition Town. So I hope that my practical contributions to the group have helped make Crystal Palace a more fun place for everyone else to live in.
Andy
I've been involved in sustainability since reading coverage of the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. I finally found a way, other than getting involved in campaigning organisations like Greenpeace, to do something really positive when I quit my job as an electrical engineer in 1996 to study for a masters in renewable energy systems technology. I've worked in the solar electric (PV) field since 1997, originally with BP Solar (where I also got a great insight into how a major oil company views renewable energy) and then with London-based Solarcentury where I headed the projects team. After spending 6 months on a sabbatical in sub-Saharan Africa working for SolarAid, I quit my job to return to campaigning as a freelance photojournalist as well as getting involved in environmental education and the communication of climate change. How did I end up getting involved in a Transition initiative? After being given "The Transition Handbook" as a present from a great uncle involved in the Totness initiative, the importance of local resilience became even clearer to me. We can't always wait for or expect others to act. We need to take responsibility for ourselves and our communities. Locking myself away behind a big fence with my own energy generation and my own food production is not my style - we have to work together to build a truly resilient and sustainable community and I'm really excited that so many people in the Crystal Palace area share that feeli
Angus
Sustainable living is healthier and more enjoyable! There are great opportunities to make CP a greener, friendlier place to live and get healthier in the process, and CPTT is a wonderful way for people to learn from one another about all the different strands of it - so many great local projects to get involved in & make lots of new friends. It's great for environment and community, body and soul.
I run the Transport Group. We promote walking, cycling, public transport and car-sharing, all of which help reduce air pollution, noise, congestion, road danger and carbon emissions. Having more people using shared or open modes of transport helps build stronger communities too. I've helped out on other projects too - I grow hops for the Palace Pint, take the kids to the brilliant Bugs Club, help out with growing spaces when time allows, and of course shop at the Food Market.
What I enjoy most about it is riding around Crystal Palace on the Transition Town's cargo bikes to and from our various projects - I'd love to see far more of these wonderful, ponderous green giants trundling around the streets. They've been described as "Slow, friendly manatees of the road", and I think that's spot on - although while top speed is certainly not their forte, overall journey times are surprisingly competitive. It's thirsty work though, and well rewarded with a few pints at Green Drinks.
Sustainable living is healthier and more enjoyable! There are great opportunities to make CP a greener, friendlier place to live and get healthier in the process, and CPTT is a wonderful way for people to learn from one another about all the different strands of it - so many great local projects to get involved in & make lots of new friends. It's great for environment and community, body and soul.
I run the Transport Group. We promote walking, cycling, public transport and car-sharing, all of which help reduce air pollution, noise, congestion, road danger and carbon emissions. Having more people using shared or open modes of transport helps build stronger communities too. I've helped out on other projects too - I grow hops for the Palace Pint, take the kids to the brilliant Bugs Club, help out with growing spaces when time allows, and of course shop at the Food Market.
What I enjoy most about it is riding around Crystal Palace on the Transition Town's cargo bikes to and from our various projects - I'd love to see far more of these wonderful, ponderous green giants trundling around the streets. They've been described as "Slow, friendly manatees of the road", and I think that's spot on - although while top speed is certainly not their forte, overall journey times are surprisingly competitive. It's thirsty work though, and well rewarded with a few pints at Green Drinks.
Annabel
I’ve lived in Crystal Palace for 15 years and have been impressed by the passion and commitment of the local community to try and make this a great place to live despite all the obstacles put in front of us.
I became involved in Crystal Palace Transition Town because I want to help bring people together to create a brighter, greener, healthier, more sustainable and self-sufficient future for us now and for future generations.
Peak oil presents some unique challenges for both the global community and local communities which I had never seriously thought about until I heard about the Transition Town movement. It raises some series issues about how we live our lives and the sustainability of the global economy. I really believe those challenges create some amazing opportunities and positives for local communities which can only contribute to our future wellbeing and happiness.
Getting back to basics, working together locally, caring for and reconnecting with our environment and building resilience will create stronger happier more rooted communities which can’t be a bad thing!
I became involved in Crystal Palace Transition Town because I want to help bring people together to create a brighter, greener, healthier, more sustainable and self-sufficient future for us now and for future generations.
Peak oil presents some unique challenges for both the global community and local communities which I had never seriously thought about until I heard about the Transition Town movement. It raises some series issues about how we live our lives and the sustainability of the global economy. I really believe those challenges create some amazing opportunities and positives for local communities which can only contribute to our future wellbeing and happiness.
Getting back to basics, working together locally, caring for and reconnecting with our environment and building resilience will create stronger happier more rooted communities which can’t be a bad thing!
Clare
What I like about Transition is being part of a positive movement for change, meeting lots of nice people and eating great local food! I also edit a magazine about local economies and how to make them better - http://newstartmag.co.uk/"
What I like about Transition is being part of a positive movement for change, meeting lots of nice people and eating great local food! I also edit a magazine about local economies and how to make them better - http://newstartmag.co.uk/"
Elizabeth
"I run Handmade Palace which is a Crystal Palace transition town project and it's changed from a monthly stall at the Crystal Palace Food Market to a weekly stall. Handmade Palace is a collaboration of local artists and crafts people. We sell our work in the market and the artists change on a weekly basis, we've got over 35 members. A lot of the artists involved have no other outlet for their work as they are at the very beginnings of selling their work, Handmade Palace is an important community project because it allows local artists to sell their work to local people.
Running Handmade Palace has helped me improve my business skills, increased the number of contacts I have in the community. I find that people come and approach me about other events and markets. There is also no shortage of members wanting to join, I probably get 2/3 new enquires a week from local craftspeople!".
Running Handmade Palace has helped me improve my business skills, increased the number of contacts I have in the community. I find that people come and approach me about other events and markets. There is also no shortage of members wanting to join, I probably get 2/3 new enquires a week from local craftspeople!".
Jakob
Born and raised in Crystal Palace, I have seen the area change and grow over the years. I have always felt a strong sense of community spirit in the area too which spurred me onto setting up Antenna Studios (a music / creative arts studios) from a previously derelict warehouse. More recently I have finished a degree in 'Engineering for Society' focusing on the importance of bridging the gap between engineering and environmental / social sciences. The final project was 'Engineering Inspired by Nature Focusing on Wind and Hydro-power' where I designed and developed a new design of hydrokinetic wave turbine based on natural geometry such as in shells and eggs. I believe 'Transition Towns' are a fantastic model for future generations of communities at a time when society is becoming more aware of our impact upon the environment. www.jakobkaye.com
Joe
I’ve lived in the West Norwood/Crystal Palace area for the last 8 years. Originally from Ireland, I work as a primary school teacher by day and writer/performance poet by night. I sometimes feel a bit of a fraud when it comes to environmental issues, talking the talk more than I walk the walk. I recycle as much as I can and I cycle and use public transport. Getting involved in the Transition Town movement has been very exciting though, because it feels like a local and practical way to put ideals into practice (I’ve been threatening to actually grow some food for some time!). It’s also a positive movement – not ranting about what is wrong, but trying to do something to make a difference. It’s also made me more aware of the future! Peak oil is coming; are you going to just read about in the papers and get depressed or come and get involved? P.S. I am also interested in how we can use the massive amount of creativity around Crystal Palace to make this Transition Town something special!
Kalina
I’ve always been interested in green issues, hate waste, like the idea of increased self-sufficiency, and being well rooted in my local community. I feel alienated by the greedy consumer culture which rapes the planet to make and sell products that make no one happy. The oil that is the life-blood of this system is running out, and I believe that if we start preparing now, we can create a non-oil-dependent lifestyle which is far richer and more connected – to nature, and to each other – via a process that is creative and upbeat.
Katrina
I started www.localskillswap.com in Crystal Palace in 2009 to try to foster greater interaction in this fantastic community. Research on skill swapping in general brought me into contact with the Transition Town movement and soon I was talking to people about setting one up in Crystal Palace. Our first meeting was 9 June 2010 and now we are at a stage where we have a strong Steering Group, and lots of projects underway. Skill-swapping continues to be of great interest to me, and I think it is a great way to get to know people and network within the community, strengthening community relationships and promoting the community from within. If you are interested in skill sharing or reskilling, please take a look at the localskillswap website or drop me a line. info@localskillswap.com
I started www.localskillswap.com in Crystal Palace in 2009 to try to foster greater interaction in this fantastic community. Research on skill swapping in general brought me into contact with the Transition Town movement and soon I was talking to people about setting one up in Crystal Palace. Our first meeting was 9 June 2010 and now we are at a stage where we have a strong Steering Group, and lots of projects underway. Skill-swapping continues to be of great interest to me, and I think it is a great way to get to know people and network within the community, strengthening community relationships and promoting the community from within. If you are interested in skill sharing or reskilling, please take a look at the localskillswap website or drop me a line. info@localskillswap.com
Kerry
Crystal Palace is a special place - we’ve got fabulous views of London, green spaces, a bustling Triangle and locals who actually make eye contact and talk to each other! We’ve also got a growing arts scene and now have a couple of summer festivals and even an international film festival! I’m into film, theatre and dance so this is, quite literally, just up my street!
My professional background is in educational development for hospital doctors and university lecturers, but I’ve always been inspired by environmental issues and community activism. The Transition movement really captures people’s imagination! I’m a member of the Local and Fair group and the Food and Growing group, and we’ve achieved so many wonderful things together already (bicycle-powered smoothies, a fair and local fashion show, a community garden, etc). The most exciting thing is that more people are joining us - and there’s still loads to be done!
My professional background is in educational development for hospital doctors and university lecturers, but I’ve always been inspired by environmental issues and community activism. The Transition movement really captures people’s imagination! I’m a member of the Local and Fair group and the Food and Growing group, and we’ve achieved so many wonderful things together already (bicycle-powered smoothies, a fair and local fashion show, a community garden, etc). The most exciting thing is that more people are joining us - and there’s still loads to be done!
Lou
I got involved because I am a landscape architect and am motivated to grow beautiful green spaces wherever possible. There is so much 'unowned' or unused land going to waste in our cities and so much being imported that we can grow. Growing things is a healing positive thing to do and so ticks many boxes!
I help out by getting a new space, St John's Church garden off the ground, which we started in January with over 30 volunteers bramble bashing and now we have an edible hedge, five beds and lots of little plants growing on!
I most enjoy meeting my local community. It is easy to be isolated in a large city; this brings people together to share the best thing ever, which is growing stuff!
I got involved because I am a landscape architect and am motivated to grow beautiful green spaces wherever possible. There is so much 'unowned' or unused land going to waste in our cities and so much being imported that we can grow. Growing things is a healing positive thing to do and so ticks many boxes!
I help out by getting a new space, St John's Church garden off the ground, which we started in January with over 30 volunteers bramble bashing and now we have an edible hedge, five beds and lots of little plants growing on!
I most enjoy meeting my local community. It is easy to be isolated in a large city; this brings people together to share the best thing ever, which is growing stuff!
Lynn
My background is in education and campaigning around global development, human rights and environmental issues. After studying languages I lived and worked in Latin America for ten years (where I married and had two children). On my return I worked for and with a number of overseas development agencies and my most recent job was setting up the Fairtrade schools scheme. Having now ‘retired’, I’m really enjoying working with the local community, and I love everything about the Transition Towns movement. I dedicate my time mainly to growing food and flowers in my garden, looking after my small grandchildren, and to promoting Fairtrade alongside activities to support the local economy.
Mehul
North Londoner by birth, I’m fairly new to Crystal Palace but have quickly fallen in love with the area. With its wonderful parks, buzzing Triangle, stunning views and great sense of community, I’m excited by the prospect of Crystal Palace Transition Town becoming one of the most successful. I’m interested in all areas of Transition but am currently focusing my efforts on Food and Growing and Local and Fair. I believe together we can make our home more resilient, fair and sustainable.
Rachel
I got involved in Crystal Palace Transition because I like getting stuck in and helping out. I think it's really important for people to take practical action and do their bit to reduce our community's carbon footprint. I am passionate about energy efficiency, litter, recycling and nature and I always have been. It's great to meet like minded people, but the best thing is how friendly and positive everyone I've met is. They make me feel like my contribution is really valued. I love having new friends that are local, so when I go up to the Triangle I often see friendly faces. Since joining I have been much more aware of what is going on locally and I'm getting stuck in with local life much more. I work on the website, so if you have any ideas of how we can improve it, please get in touch with us: hello@crystalpalacetransition.org.uk
I got involved in Crystal Palace Transition because I like getting stuck in and helping out. I think it's really important for people to take practical action and do their bit to reduce our community's carbon footprint. I am passionate about energy efficiency, litter, recycling and nature and I always have been. It's great to meet like minded people, but the best thing is how friendly and positive everyone I've met is. They make me feel like my contribution is really valued. I love having new friends that are local, so when I go up to the Triangle I often see friendly faces. Since joining I have been much more aware of what is going on locally and I'm getting stuck in with local life much more. I work on the website, so if you have any ideas of how we can improve it, please get in touch with us: hello@crystalpalacetransition.org.uk
Rachel
I’ve spent a little time in a few Transition Towns and I just love their vibrancy and strong sense of community. Our area already has this to a great degree but I think there are so many exciting things still to be done. My background is food and I’m keen to get stuck in on that side of things. We’ve already established several community growing space, and a bread making circle is in the pipeline. I’m working with Spa Hill Allotment on some brilliant events, including a cider pressing day. I’m keen to help restaurants source more sustainably. And, I’d love to get a little urban farm set up to provide the area with the freshest locally-produced eggs ever. So, want to help? Get in touch.
rachel.dethample@abelandcole.co.uk
rachel.dethample@abelandcole.co.uk
Robbie
There is so much I love about Crystal Palace Transition Town - its ability to grow community cohesion, to create new friendships and empower people to run with ideas and be supported are just a few. As someone who is very spontaneous, I love the idea of the "Power of Just Doing Stuff" espoused by Rob Hopkins the founder of Transition Towns. I love the community vibe of Crystal Palace and I'm proud that Transition Town has played a part in strengthening the sense of togetherness with initiatives like the gardens and of course the Crystal Palace Food Market. I co-chair the Upper Norwood Library Trust and am on the board of the Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce and the support shown by members of Transition Town, when we have launched campaigns and initiatives has really meant a lot to me. This support has helped boost my confidence when dealing with some particularly tough situations. Through CPTT I've learnt about Permaculture. Its ethics of Earth Care * People Care * Fair Share are a good summary of Transition Town's values. My day job is in PR and I'm very proud to use my skills to help spread the news about the positivity and achievements of Crystal Palace Transition Town to as wide an audience as possible.
There is so much I love about Crystal Palace Transition Town - its ability to grow community cohesion, to create new friendships and empower people to run with ideas and be supported are just a few. As someone who is very spontaneous, I love the idea of the "Power of Just Doing Stuff" espoused by Rob Hopkins the founder of Transition Towns. I love the community vibe of Crystal Palace and I'm proud that Transition Town has played a part in strengthening the sense of togetherness with initiatives like the gardens and of course the Crystal Palace Food Market. I co-chair the Upper Norwood Library Trust and am on the board of the Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce and the support shown by members of Transition Town, when we have launched campaigns and initiatives has really meant a lot to me. This support has helped boost my confidence when dealing with some particularly tough situations. Through CPTT I've learnt about Permaculture. Its ethics of Earth Care * People Care * Fair Share are a good summary of Transition Town's values. My day job is in PR and I'm very proud to use my skills to help spread the news about the positivity and achievements of Crystal Palace Transition Town to as wide an audience as possible.
Robin
I lived in CP for several years without knowing anyone, but when I started working from home I needed to build local connections. I met Joe standing at a school desk at the Overground Festival in 2011 and was excited to learn about Transition Town. I went to a film screening not long afterward and heard what the various groups were working on. I joined the Local & Fair group and helped with several projects and events. I am now more involved with the food market and Patchwork Farm community gardens.
I have really appreciated how flexible the projects are, as I could still be involved despite an erratic work schedule that took me away for weeks on end. There are many levels of involvement, and people are happy to see you whenever you can join. This group have strengthened the sense of community in the area, which has been very important for me. I'm pleased to see familiar faces each time I walk around the Triangle. I never thought I'd get that when I moved to London!
I have really appreciated how flexible the projects are, as I could still be involved despite an erratic work schedule that took me away for weeks on end. There are many levels of involvement, and people are happy to see you whenever you can join. This group have strengthened the sense of community in the area, which has been very important for me. I'm pleased to see familiar faces each time I walk around the Triangle. I never thought I'd get that when I moved to London!
Sylvia
The Transition Town movement is a great way to get to know your neighbours with the common purpose of bringing the community together towards a sustainable future!
I lived for several years in a country whose economy collapsed into chaos & bankruptcy just after the fall of Communism.
At the time it was too poor to buy oil for transport, industry and heating and was largely unprepared for the major consequences of the loss of this energy source such as inability to transport food into towns and maintain energy sources for public services such as hospitals. Having experienced first-hand these food shortages and the damaging impact on friend’s daily lives, health and ability to survive I fully support a transition towards a future which is not reliant solely on fossil fuels which are rapidly depleting. What was noticeable at this time though was the strong community spirit and shared purpose in helping each other through action which is what Transition Towns are doing!
The Transition Town movement is a great way to get to know your neighbours with the common purpose of bringing the community together towards a sustainable future!
I lived for several years in a country whose economy collapsed into chaos & bankruptcy just after the fall of Communism.
At the time it was too poor to buy oil for transport, industry and heating and was largely unprepared for the major consequences of the loss of this energy source such as inability to transport food into towns and maintain energy sources for public services such as hospitals. Having experienced first-hand these food shortages and the damaging impact on friend’s daily lives, health and ability to survive I fully support a transition towards a future which is not reliant solely on fossil fuels which are rapidly depleting. What was noticeable at this time though was the strong community spirit and shared purpose in helping each other through action which is what Transition Towns are doing!
Veryan Wilkie-Jones
I'm a big community supporter and I love the vibe at the food market. I was a trader when the market first started and suggested running kids activities, with the aim of making it even more of a fun place to visit with children.
Since then we've had simply loads of brilliant contributors providing free or low-cost activities such as craft, drama, storytelling and face painting, in return for the exposure the market provides them. We have also loved hosting kids performances, including music, singing, dance and even gymnastics.
The market also encourages children to get directly involved by running 'swap stalls' of their own, with items such as books and football stickers which have been a great success. Kids just love the responsibility and being a part of the market.
I feel so lucky to have this very special and unique market at the top of my road, and really enjoy making a contribution.
If your child would be interested in performing or running a swap stall, or if you would be interested in running an activity, please drop me a line at marketing@crystalpalacefoodmarket.co.uk
I'm a big community supporter and I love the vibe at the food market. I was a trader when the market first started and suggested running kids activities, with the aim of making it even more of a fun place to visit with children.
Since then we've had simply loads of brilliant contributors providing free or low-cost activities such as craft, drama, storytelling and face painting, in return for the exposure the market provides them. We have also loved hosting kids performances, including music, singing, dance and even gymnastics.
The market also encourages children to get directly involved by running 'swap stalls' of their own, with items such as books and football stickers which have been a great success. Kids just love the responsibility and being a part of the market.
I feel so lucky to have this very special and unique market at the top of my road, and really enjoy making a contribution.
If your child would be interested in performing or running a swap stall, or if you would be interested in running an activity, please drop me a line at marketing@crystalpalacefoodmarket.co.uk
