Transition Town Worthing - The Early Stages - by two of the founder members Rod Thick & Lisa Leach

In the early 2000’s Worthing Green Drinks used to meet in what is now called the Grand Victorian Hotel about once a month to discuss environmental issues.

There was a mixture of people from green groups, NGOs, political parties, and local businesses. It was a great way of catching up with people you knew and also for making new contacts. It was an organic, self-organising network. Different speakers and events were held each time with an environmental theme.

At one of these meetings a speaker talked about Transition Towns - this was something few in the group had heard of. The talk generated great interest and after some conversations it was decided to set up Transition Town Worthing. A group of about six started meeting at Beechwood Hall Hotel discussing how to bring this forward; there was much lively debate on what to do.

They started by studying “The Transition Handbook” by Rob Hopkins – the founder of the Transition movement - which was then in its infancy, and from there a committee was set up to come up with ideas. It was agreed that a steering group should be formed, a constitution written and officers such as Chair, Secretary, Treasurer appointed. Other members with various skills came on board - i.e. environmental, legal, and representatives of local community groups. By October 2009, Green Drinks had grown into Transition Town Worthing, the steering group meeting regularly at The Ardington Hotel.

One of the group’s first actions was a stall at the Rotary Fair in Steyne Gardens, this brought in many new members. Then groups were formed that included Energy, Transport, Food and Wellbeing. During the early stages there were many events with films, speakers & social events. One social event that was very popular was Tea with Transition where members could meet for tea and cakes at St Paul’s and discuss any issues related to Transition; also, non-members could come to find out more. Popular workshops included re-skilling, including tool sharpening, and knitting blankets for the homeless.

A daytime group for those unable to make evening events was formed, those attending were older people plus young mums and dads who would also bring their children. In a short space of time over 500 people were involved with Transition Town Worthing. Another popular event was a whole month of activities at the Heene Rooms with displays, information on the various groups, films, and social activities such as Open Mic Evening

The Food Group was very active and sociable, and included things like how to preserve harvest, fermenting and local food mapping - showing where all the local producers were, and where to buy their produce. Apple tree pruning workshops ran each spring but maybe the most successful thing to come out of this group was the Seed Swap Sow and Grow Spring Fair, that still runs every year and is one of TTW’s best fundraisers, as well as being a lovely family event, showcasing not only everything that TTW is doing but also projects from other local groups, so everyone can see what an impact they are having on the local community.

The Transition Movement is primarily about exploring and demonstrating the positive actions we can make ourselves as individuals or as communities, rather than campaigning for others to make positive actions. As many of us believe that action on the part of government and business is also vital, another organisation was formed - Worthing Climate Action Network - with many of the same faces among it, creating a platform for the people of Worthing to campaign on climate change.