Follaton is an estate on the edge of Totnes. When a group of neighbours formed a Transition Street group many of them knew very few people in the community.
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After they’d completed the Transition Streets project, they wanted to find ways to socialise more with neighbours and bring the community together. With little other entertainment available in the area they set up a new community cinema in the local hall, run by the community for themselves: bringing people out of their houses, creating new friendships and connections and reducing the need for people to get in their cars.
One of the cinema founders Martin says
‘When that first Transition Streets leaflet came through the door we knew our neighbours and no one else on the estate. Now it’s impossible to leave the house without seeing someone we know.’
‘The idea came up following a shared meal for local Transition Streets groups. About 10 of us got together to start organising. We started using rented screening equipment, cooking homemade cakes and selling raffle tickets. Then we got a Lottery grant to buy our own equipment to do children’s shows and matinees for the older people and those who can’t get out in the evenings.
Our idea worked: it brought people out of their homes. People came to the community centre who had never been before, people new to the estate came along and made new friends.
When neighbours get together, amazing things can happen. Read about some of the streets that have taken part in the project. Let us know if you have a Transition Street story to share...
People who’ve tried it have found that it’s much easier to make the changes together- you keep each other going and enjoy the process much more. We’ll send someone who’s done it before along to the first meeting to help you all get started. If you find you really don’t enjoy it then you can leave at any time.
Six to eight households are ideal, but no more than 10 people.
Households who have taken part in Transition Streets have reported make changes which have saved them on average a third of their energy and water bills.
For more information call 01803 867 358 or email hello@transitionstreets.org.uk We can help put you in touch with others in your area who may be interested in joining a group and provide flyers to help you recruit others. Once a new group is formed we will provide materials for each household, and arrange for a facilitator to attend your first meeting to help get you started.
