The setting of the old agricultural college at Seals Hale in Devon was beautiful and spacious. There were over 350 people; half from the UK but half representing Hub projects in every corner of the globe: North and South America, Asia, Scandinavia, Europe, Latvia, New Zealand, Australia.

I realised how well established we are in Lewes. Having our main activities and enterprises working independently as entireties – such as CIC s in their own right – brings more strength, expertise and flexibility. It validated, for me, the role of the Steering group as the connector of these activities; not needing to do the projects themselves. We are also able to strengthen TTL’s connection by joining  with others working towards similar goals in the community. Trying to organise diverse activities centrally seemed to create tensions and funding concerns in other Transition Towns, as well as huge pressure on the steering group doing the organising.

I came away feeling grateful to be able to play a small part in the Lewes group and amazed to be part of a now worldwide Transition. To be surrounded by an international connection of people all working towards a more positive, creative future is an inspiration.  Sue Fleming