Transition Derby

From EcoFest 2009

It appeared like a very positive experience for Transition Derby's first Ecofest appearance. Trying to be objective about it I thought the general presentation and ideas were clear and positive (and great soundtrack Dave). I think a big round of applause is due to all those who committed time in the organising prior to the event - thanks!

From EcoFest 2009

I really enjoyed been part of the event and very happy to be part of the Transition group stand. I was rather preoccupied with my Cob build model, slightly frazzled by the unseasonal blistering sun beating down on the back of my head, and didn't allow much time for a pleasant stroll around unfortunately. I think the Cob build model drew attention - though from different sectors of public for different reasons but generally acted as a hook to begin conversation. However this occasionally got somewhat dissipated by kids grasping lumps of clay and grappling my Cob house and wanting to make their own model! Nice to have the kids attention but I imagine some of this was due to inadvertently been cited as an activity, whereas it was a practical demo. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of awareness of Cob, Straw, and alternative/sustainable building methods..... there has been a fair amount of exposure on TV (Grand Designs and so on).

From EcoFest 2009

Sometimes I just had pleasant conversations about peoples dreams of self-build eco and the lovely images of eco-houses that I had displayed. Had a brief conversation with a woman who had helped build a straw bale house in Mongolia! Talked about energy efficiency, domestic energy use, and group /community co-operation that inevitably is needed on such projects. If I did this again I would benefit from having the thing almost completed so public could see what it is and I would have more time to talk, though they do like seeing the squigy stuff! ..Didnt always manage to segue into talking about the urgency of Transtion and its accompanying positive approach - this is where I realised an info leaflet was needed to hand to people also including some facts I'm aware of to do with oil/ energy use in the built environment. However, some thoughts to how I'd do something similar on another occasion.