Transition Derby

It was a lovely day when we went up to Broomfield for the Food Hub Open Day and a lot had happened since we were last there just over a year ago on February 23rd 2010 for the National Lottery assessment.

Then it was about asking for money to turn the Students Union into a Food Hub and what a difference a year makes. In that time not only have they created the Food Hub with cooking facilities, a café, a shop for fresh vegetables, relishes, sauces and also a place for plants and seeds.

When we got there just after midday the car park was almost full and the café was doing a roaring trade in Sunday lunch and the Shop was full as well and I saw various people buying a whole range of goodies - eggs, Brussels sprouts, cheese and flapjacks. What a range and the food in the restaurant smelt delicious.

 Unfortunately as part of the development programme the local planners demanded that the drive had to be double the width and for this to occur Broomfield has had to cut down some magnificent trees. No doubt there are problems with the exit and entrance being down the single width drive but to have to cut down these fabulous trees must have felt like cutting off one of your arms to the Broomfield staff.

As well as the new Food Hub there is also a magnificent new teaching block, with lecture rooms and state of the art laboratories for the larger classes that Broomfield is attracting. Also at the back with its own car park is a brand new nursery. They have thought of everything and well worth a visit.

 No doubt about it, Broomfield has taken on a new lease of life and Transition Derby has got a great visit coming up when we visit it on Saturday April 9th at 3pm for our AGM and Broomfield talk with Louise Curd. Best to put it in your dairy now, and make sure you are at the Friends Meeting House at 2pm for a lift up there.

©William Barron - Transition Derby - March 20th 2011