The Transition Movement started in Totnes, Devon in 2005 when Rob Hopkins and Naresh Giangrande initiated a series of talks and film screenings to raise awareness about the issue of peak oil. This rapidly began to build momentum for some kind of a community response, and thus Totnes was launched as the first Transition Town in September 2006. The concept quickly spread across the UK, with hundreds of towns, villages and cities declaring their desire to relocalise services and transition to a lower energy future. It is now an international movement and is supported by a Transition Network.
In April 2008 a number of Kingston residents had been 'mulling' over the idea of starting a Transition Initiative. Through the 'mulling' contact list on the transition network website a dialogue was started and the word spread amongst existing community groups. It was decided that a get-together was in order, and those interested in learning more were invited to a public meeting in a local pub. So many people turned up that we had to move to a University room to continue discussions!
Since then TTK have held numerous film screenings, discussions and debates to raise awareness of peak oil and climate change. A Steering Group has been created, themed groups have formed to address specific issues and practical projects are being implemented to achieve our vision of a healthier, happier, relocalised Kingston.
Below is a timeline of main TTK developments:
Date |
Title |
Details |
17.04.10 |
TTK's Big Launch Party |
After two years of awareness raising, TTK comes of age! |
20-21.03.10 |
TTK hold largest visioning exercise in the UK |
TTK in partnership with Artgym run 4 creative intergeneraitional learning workshops to share stories and envisage a better future. |
13.03.10 |
trial of TTK's veg box scheme |
TTK Food Group trials their 'From the Ground Up' organic veg box scheme with 8 families |
26.02.10 |
TTK win best green group in South London |
TTK win 'Green Group of the Year' award at the Regional Green Guardian Awards. Steering group member Shaun Chamberlain is also 'Highly Commended' in the Green Champion Category. |
25.01.10 |
TTK win Kingston Green Group Award |
TTK win best Green Group award in the local Green Guardian Awards. |
26.11.09 |
The Power of Alliances |
The Power of Alliances event brings together local community groups to see how we can work together to achieve our aims and objectives. |
16.11.09 |
1st Business Action Group event |
The first BAG public event "greening Business" takes place, with a panel of local businesses addressing the topic of green consumerisman |
01.09.09 |
TTK Food Group Launched |
The Food Group is established, conducting a survey of members priorities relating to food. |
05-07.06.09 |
TTK invited to Oldenburg, Germany |
TTK members, Elise Toogood and John Fellowes are invited to Oldenburg, Germany to share ideas and discuss the responsibilities and scope for action local communities have in sustainable development. |
30.05.2009 |
Visioning the Future |
TTK's biggest event yet, with over 250 local residents getting involved in creating positive visions of Kingston's future. |
05.03.09 |
Transition Timeline Published |
TTK Steering Group member, Shaun Chamberlain's new book the Transition Timeline is published and available for sale in all major bookstores. |
16.02.2009 |
TTK meets with our local MPs |
TTK members are invited to Westminster to meet local MPs Ed Davey and Susan Kramer. |
09.12.2008 |
Council approve Sustainable Communities Act |
Following our petition Kingston Council's Executive approve opting in to the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. |
04.12.2008 |
David Fleming celebration |
Dr. David Fleming gives a fascinating talk on the importance of celebration to mark six months since our steering group formed. |
21.11.2008 |
Green Champion |
Regional Green Champion Dr. Martin Birley follows up his earlier success with the regional Green Champion award. |
07.11.2008 |
Action planning event |
50 attendees, who form six action groups to raise awareness of peak oil, climate change and TTK. |
31.10.2008 |
Over 100 signatures on petition |
TTK collects 102 signatures in three weeks on an online petition asking Kingston Council to 'opt in' to the Sustainable Communities Act. |
18.09.2008 |
Guardian interview |
Feature interview about Transition in the Kingston Guardian. |
26.08.2008 |
Granted official status |
The Transition Network recognise TTK as an official Transition Initiative. |
08.08.2008 |
Kingston Informer article |
Feature article on TTK in the Kingston Informer. |
09.06.2008 |
End of Suburbia film screening |
TTK's first public event with around 30 attendees. |
02.06.2008 |
TTK Steering Group created |
Inaugural meeting of the TTK Steering Group. |
29.05.2008 |
Kingston Green Radio |
Five TTK members attend a studio interview for Kingston Green Radio. |
26.05.2008 |
Geodesic dome at Green Fair |
TTK had a base at the Kingston Green Fair, along with the local permaculture group, to raise local awareness. |
21.04.2008 |
First TTK meeting |
First informal meeting of Kingston residents interested in starting a Transition Town. |
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