Ystradgynlais & District
Transition Town

Ystradgynlais and District Transition Town was set up by a small Steering Group, with the aim of helping increase the awareness of local individuals and existing groups of both Climate Change and Peak Oil, and to help the community to become more resilient and self-reliant in the face of the problems which the future may bring. Much time has been spent on establishing a firm foundation for the dissemination of knowledge and the setting up of sub-groups. Mutually beneficial contacts have been made with, among others, Ystradgynlais Communities First and Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre.

A showing of the film 'Age of Stupid', in conjunction with the local Miners' Welfare Hall, was very successful and gained potential members and organisers for sub-groups. Monthly evening meetings have now been established for the showing of environmental films, followed by discussion. Most recently we have shown 'The Story of Stuff' and Jann Arthus-Bertrand's 'Home'.

A 'Frock Swap' at the International Women's Day, was organised in conjunction with Communities First and the Volunteer Centre, both to encourage re-cycling and to further raise awareness of Transition Towns. This was very popular, and the next venture we are involved in is a 'Reduce, Re-use, Recycle' Day at Ystradgynlais Welfare Hall, where YDTT will give a talk and have awareness-raising material to hand out.

A Permaculture sub-group was set up and it is hoped to organise a training in Permaculture in the near future. Other future possible sub-groups include: Food; Health and Well-being; Alternative Energy and Fuels; Green Inventors and Investors; Local Economy Trading Scheme (LETS); Eco-Housing; Rural Skills and Handicrafts; Zero Waste – Zero Energy. A meeting will be held about LETS in the near future, to work towards setting up the scheme locally.

A Bank Account for the group has been set up and various grants are being applied for. Glasu has been working in concert with Powys Transition Towns to create and provide posters, pull-up banners and publicity materials for local groups.

It is hoped that YDTT will go from strength to strength and involve ever more members of the local community. You can also follow Ystradgynlais and District Transition Town on Facebook and on Twitter. And don't forget to read our blog which is updated every week!