Upcoming events and latest news

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Transition Events are marked with (TC) and have bold type. Other events are organised by a variety of organisations as indicated.

September

October

November

  • Saturday 4th November - Wednesday 6th December - apply by 8th October: Net Zero Now

News

Thursday 14th September - Tuesday 26th: 'How to run a repair cafe' training course

Online - two one-hour sessions 19:30-20:30 add to google calendar
These sessions are intended for people who are interested in running a Repair Cafe. Part 1 (14 September) - Is this for me? This session will give you an overview of what's involved in running a Repair Cafe. You'll meet existing Repair Cafe organisers, meet other people thinking of starting one up, find out about first steps to get you started and have the chance to ask any questions. Part 2 (26 September) Step-by-step guide: We'll take you through the various resources available to support you and go through a step-by-step example of how to organise a Repair Cafe. Again there'll be plenty of opportunity for questions. To book your free place for both sessions, please fill in this form. Both sessions will take place on zoom. Depending on interest, we may divide the group up by location and offer additional dates. We recommend that you find 2 to 3 people from your organisation/local area who are interested in running a Repair Cafe and all attend the training. More...
Source: Cambridgeshire Repair Cafe Network

Saturday 16th September - Sunday 22nd Oct: Open Eco Homes

homes in and around Cambridge, plus online 10:00
Every autumn Open Eco Homes runs tours and talks to give you ideas and information to get started with your own eco home. The tours are run by homeowners who show and discuss how their homes are low carbon. Some homes are new-build and some retrofits, so you can get ideas for what suits your particular home. This year sees ten home tours online and in person. The programme also includes six home improvement talks from local householders and experts - topics include 'Low Cost Home Energy Saving' and 'Low Carbon Heating'. There's also info from previous years and previous homes. You can view the Tours on Demand page to watch recordings, and see Case Studies for stories, descriptions, building professionals and supplier info of past Open Eco Homes. Get the best advice from local householders and experts! More...
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Sun 17th and Sun 24th Sept 11-4.30 pm, Online Tue 3rd Oct 7-8pm: Open Eco Homes: Architect's 1920's Passivhaus-inspired Haven

Garlic Row/online
Olly, an Architect and Certified Passivhaus Designer, set out to transform this once awkward and draughty 1920s gas-fired home into a delightful passivhaus-inspired haven suited to modern living. By carrying out energy modelling of the house and carefully sequencing the work to devise a step-by-step plan, Olly has been able to ensure that each stage of work is completed to a high standard and, where possible, has done much of the work himself. With phase 1 completed, Olly already feels much happier and healthier living in this renewed space.

Key Features of this home: Whole-house retrofit using Passivhaus principles, giving 89% reduction in carbon emissions - Woodfibre internal wall insulation - Deep loft insulation and deep suspended floor insulation - New roofing with integrated Solar PV and extended eaves - Whole house MVHR - 5kW output Air Source Heat Pump - Triple glazing.

Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Sat 23rd Sept and Sun 8th Oct 11-4pm; online Wed 11th Oct 7.30-8.30 pm: Open Eco Homes: 1950's Bungalow Retrofit for Sustainable Living

Guilden Morden/online
As NHS doctors, Emily and Alex regularly saw the impact of the climate crisis on health and were determined to create a home that embraced more of nature on their doorstep whilst providing their family with a healthier lifestyle. Retrofitting this 1950s bungalow has enabled them to experiment with a greener way of living, from significantly reducing their carbon emissions through the installation of an air source heat pump, solar PV and battery, and DIY MVHR system through to creating a permaculture garden that provides organic food for the whole family and a bounty for wildlife alike. They have even installed a composting toilet and solar shower in the garden for long family days spent outside. Key Features of this home: DIY MVHR installation - Solar PV and battery storage - Air Source Heat Pump - Direct air wood burning stove - Permaculture garden for nature and growing organic food - Rainwater harvesting and composting toilet in the garden.

Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Sun 24th and Sat 30th Sept 11am-4pm: Open Eco Homes: Family Focused Design

Cromwell Road
As an architectural designer, Emily is passionate about improving the spatial and thermal functions of homes, which she has now applied to retrofitting her own family home. In just 7 months, Emily and Shane's standard 1930s terraced house has been transformed into a joyous, spacious, low energy home, boosting both comfort and quality of life - their whole family can now all enjoy watching the birds from the bright kitchen extension!

Key Features of this home: Extension to rear, removal of load-bearing wall, re-planning of ground floor - Insulating under suspended floor - Insulated plasterboard to cavity walls - Reclaimed windows to extension - Triple glazed bifold doors - Air source heat pump and new pressurised cylinder to replace combi-boiler - All-electric house, including induction stove

Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Sunday 24th September - Saturday 28th Oct: Repair Cafes coming up

Cambridge & villages 14:00-16:00 add to google calendar
Repair Cafes are community events that match people who need stuff fixed with people who like fixing things. They're completely non-commercial, though donations to running costs are welcome. There are no promises or guarantees, but if something can be saved, repairers will do everything they can. Repairers are always keen to teach visitors how to do the repair themselves and at the very least watch while they do it. Successful repair rates are currently around 65%. NB you'll need to book your item in - bookings open a couple of weeks before. Autumn repair cafes include Burwell and Willingham (24 September), Eversden and St Ives (30 September), Barrington (7 October), Trumpington (8 October), Cottenham (14 October), Cambridge (21 October) and Soham (22 October). You can check future dates, book things in, check venues, times etc here. Supported by the Cambridgeshire Repair Cafe Network (CRCN) - a partnership between Cambridge Carbon Footprint, Transition Cambridge and others. More...
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Repair Cafes

Thursday 28th September: Weekly Healthy Walking

Wandlebury Country Park 10:00-11:00 add to google calendar
Weekly Healthy Walking every Thursday throughout the year: 10am and 10.30am. Each walk lasts around 30 minutes and covers about 1.5 miles. This social group meets all year round at 10am every Thursday morning, with the slower walk starting at 10.30am. Walks are well-attended, with 50-60 people joining most weeks. Some people like it so much they do both walks! Teas and coffees are available afterwards. NB: Free of charge and no need to book. If you want to take part for the first time then please arrive 10 minutes early to register. The meeting point is the Stables Education Centre. Donations towards the upkeep of the park are always welcome. Directions: Wandlebury Country Park is on the A1307, 2.5km south of the Addenbrooke's roundabout. CB22 3AE. Parking is available on site and costs £3 per vehicle, members free. For queries: email us or call 01223 243830 extension 207. More...
Source: CambridgePPF

Sunday 1st October: Empty Common Community Garden

Empty Common Community Garden 10:30-12:30 add to google calendar
ECCG is a magical meeting place for you and your friends, close to the centre of Cambridge. Enjoy chatting as you garden and relax. We meet as a group on Sunday mornings from 10.30 am to 12.30 or later but people can come individually or in groups whenever they like. We are just completing our 'Heads, Hearts and Hands' hut where we can learn, bond and do things together and have tea and cake too. Come and enjoy the space! More...
Source: Transition Cambridge - ECCG

Sunday 1st October: Dear Rivers: Stories, Soup and Thanks

Empty Common Community Garden 11:00-16:00 add to google calendar
As the nights draw in, let's fill our ears with stories, our bellies with soup, and our hearts with gratitude for the waters of the world that flow and nurture life for all beings. This event marks World Rivers Day with a nod of appreciation for our own River Cam and its tributaries. A mini-festival with Cambridge Storytellers, Water Sensitive Cambridge, sharing stories, talks and walks. We hope you can spend the day with us in this beautiful Permaculture garden. Free, by donation. Please book here. More...
Source: Water Sensitive Cambridge

Sunday 1st October: Permaculture Group

Empty Common Community Garden 11:00-16:00 add to google calendar
You're very welcome to our regular meet ups at the wonderful Empty Common Community Garden in central Cambridge, designed and run on permaculture principles, with ethics at the core (here's a map as it can be a bit tricky to find). This month the theme will be water and will coincide with a Water Storytelling Festival at Empty Common Community Garden, celebrating water in all its forms and including elements of permaculture in the garden. Whether you've always wanted to find out more about permaculture (social or land-based) or you're already a practising permaculturalist, we'd love to meet you. Come in the morning if you want to join in with some hands-on work in the garden too. There's plans for soup for lunch and stories and celebration all day (full info here). There will be a full Introduction to Permaculture Course later in the year. For more info, contact Charlotte or Meg. More...
Source: Cambridge Permaculture Group

Tuesday 3rd October: Transition Cambridge AGM - celebrating, reviewing and looking forward

Unitarian Church, 5 Emmanuel Rd, Cambridge CB1 1JW (entrance round left side of building) 19:30
Our AGM has evolved into an annual celebration of what we've been doing throughout the year, so it's a great way to find out what the rest of Transition Cambridge is up to if you're already involved, or to come and get a flavour of who we are and what we do if you might like to get involved in the future. We always keep the formal business extremely short, and the main focus will be on what we've all been doing over the last year, and then we'll take some time to look forwards and think about new directions or projects. So if you've got an idea that you'd like to try out, please come along to tell us about it! (Please let us know in advance (by 20 Sept) if you intend to do this so we can make sure there's a space in the programme for you.) The meeting will be in person, but if you'd really like to attend via zoom, please let us know and we'll send you a zoom link and do our best to make this work. We'll finish with a chance to chat over tea and cake. All welcome! More...
Source: Transition Cambridge

Thursday 5th October: Open Eco Homes: Low Cost Home Energy

Online talk 19:00-20:00 add to google calendar
You don't need to spend a fortune to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Small and simple changes can have a big impact on reducing draughts and mould and ensuring your home stays comfortable and cheaper to run. Gain valuable advice and inspiration from our DIY Eco Home expert, Bart Hommels, who will guide you through various cost-effective measures to put in place for the winter, including:

Taking control of your energy use and heating methods Insulating hot water pipes and tanks, loft, walls, etc. Draught-Proofing - a very cost-effective way to keep the cold out. Ventilation for healthy air and to avoid condensation and mould. Secondary glazing to greatly improve single-glazed windows, Staying warm even if the room's a bit chilly Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Thursday 5th October: Talk: 'Water Justice: why water is the issue of our time' with Leana Hosea

online 19:00-20:30 add to google calendar
What happens when water is marketised? Leana Hosea links this with contamination of US drinking water, and the implications for the UK.

Leana Hosea is a former BBC journalist and founder of Watershed Investigations. The talk will explore some of the key water stories she's covered and flag up the challenges we face in the near future. Over two years working as a producer and reporter in the Middle East, Leana saw how the lack of water bubbled under the surface of poverty and unrest in the region. For her documentary film 'Thirst For Justice' link here, she explored how the marketisation of water led to a shocking lack of clean water for many communities in the US.

Could it be happening in the UK? These questions led to an ongoing investigation into 'forever chemical' pollution here. Leana Hosea is an award-winning multimedia journalist and filmmaker. She's the founder of Watershed Investigations, a nonprofit investigative journalism unit focussed on water. . Book a ticket here.
Source: Friends of the River Cam

Friday 6th October: Utopia Reading Club

Zoom 12:00
We are exploring different visions of utopia through fiction, and are discussing what makes each work a utopia, for whom, and what work it would take to implement the best ideas in Cambridge.

We are taking September off, but resuming October 6 with Everything for Everyone: An Oral History of the New York Commune, 2052-2072 by M.E. O'Brien and Eman Abdelhadi. On deck for November 3 is Less is More by Jason Hickel.

The zoom link for our meeting is available through eventbrite. More...
Source: Cambridge Doughnut

Saturday 7th October: Open Eco Homes: Marmalade Lane 5 Years On

11:00
Join us in revisiting the innovative, award winning, and beautiful development of Marmalade Lane. Alice and Vincent will guide you around some of the well-loved homes and give an inspiring talk on the ideas around co-housing, and the key benefits and lessons learnt from this particular community in Cambridge.

Key Features of this home: Large triple glazed windows and doors in all buildings - Built with manufactured insulated panels - Air Source Heat Pumps to all homes - MVHR in all properties - No mains gas on-site - Shared garden, workshop, and common room for all residents

Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Saturday 7th October: The Big Sit

Grafton Centre (outside main entrance) 14:00-15:00 add to google calendar
A monthly event witnessing to the climate and ecological crises and the damage done by over-consumption. We sit or meditate in silence for an hour in a busy shopping area. Leaflets are given out. Everyone is welcome and often passers-by join us. It's a surprisingly powerful way of saying 'things are not OK' and a heartwarming way to be together with others in solidarity. From Cambridge this has now spread to several other cities. Please check the website as sometimes the venue changes. More...
Source: The Big Sit

Sun 8th Oct 11-4 pm, online Tues 17th Oct 7-8pm: Open Eco Homes: Addressing Homlessness: small, sustainable modular homes - SoloHaus

Ickleton and Online
The SoloHaus has been designed as an innovative and complete approach to short term tenancy needs for people with a risk of homelessness. Built to last a lifetime, each home can be made, delivered, and fitted quickly, providing residents with extremely affordable, comfortable and energy efficient living.

"The UK has a housing emergency as well as a climate emergency and these homes contribute to helping solve both. There are a record 105,000 households in England living in temporary accommodation, 10% up on last year." - BBC

In 2019 housebuilder, The Hill Group, launched Foundation 200, pledging to raise £15M to provide 200 modular homes by 2025 for people who have experienced homelessness. Hill developed the SoloHaus in 2020 in partnership with Volumetric Modular.

Jimmy's Cambridge, a charity dedicated to reducing homelessness, is a key partner. Jimmy's provide tailored support for SoloHaus residents helping them prepare to move on to more permanent housing.

Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Monday 9th October: Open Eco Homes: Low Carbon Heating

Online talk 19:30-21:00 add to google calendar
Heat pumps and other low carbon heating options Heat pumps are not the only option for low carbon heating, though they are good for many situations. If you are wondering what is best for you, come and hear what our panel has to say. Between us we have personal experience of: heat pumps (air to water and air to air), Zero emissions storage boilers (Tepeo), radiant heating panels and wood stoves for space heating, Sunamp and Mixergy for hot water storage solutions.

On our panel: John Somerville talking on Air to Air Heat Pumps - Peter Bates talking on Tepeo - Paul Kershaw talking on radiant heating and mixergy - Andy Ranking talking on Sunamp - Nicola Terry talking on Air Source Heat Pumps - Dave Jackson on Wood Stoves

This event will be online only. Each member of the panel will briefly explain their view on the advantages and disadvantages of their particular solution(s) and then we will take questions. Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Sunday 15th October: Film: Planet Local: a Quiet Revolution

Whittlesford Memorial Hall Mill Lane, Whittlesford, Cambridge, CB22 4NE 19:00-21:15 add to google calendar
This uplifting 50-minute film from the organisation 'Local Futures' celebrates the power of community and gives voice to a growing number of people building a more beautiful world. The film features grassroots activists from every continent alongside internationally known figures like Noam Chomsky, Vandana Shiva, Russell Brand, Naomi Klein, Jane Goodall, Gabor Mate and Helena Norberg-Hodge - all of them bringing inspiration and clarity to a world full of dark news.

We hope you will stay for an informal discussion after the film. Refreshments provided.

All are invited; there is no charge but donations welcome.

This event is organised jointly by 2g3s and Eco Whittlesford More...
Source: 2G3S and Whittlesford Eco (joint event)

Wednesday 18th October: Open Eco Homes Retrospective

Online talk 19:00-20:00 add to google calendar
Join three hosts from some of our most popular properties over the last 10 years, to hear what they have learnt, what they would do differently and about their successes in carbon and energy reduction.

Ian Cray - Ian's new build home on Aberdeen Square showcased in our OEH tours 10 years ago. As an early adopter of Air Source Heating, EV charging and home battery storage he has gained valuable experience.

Shaun Lindsay - Shaun and his wife first featured in 2018 after completely renovating their 1960's home in Impington, from a D to very high B EPC rating. The family has benefited greatly from the improvements, in terms of health, economy and environmental impact.

Ian Collins - Our most popular property over the years has been that of Ian Collins on Madingley Road. Built as a low carbon, comfortable and modern home Ian will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of living with the innovative technologies used, and what he will take with him on his next adventure.

Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Saturday 21st October: Open Eco Homes: Human Library on Home Energy

Let's Go Circular, First Floor, Grand Arcade, Cambridge 10:00-16:00 add to google calendar
So how does a human library work? 'Books' in the Human Library are subject matter experts that you can borrow for a chat on their area of expertise. Borrowers can browse the available 'books' and select who they would like to speak to in advance, there will be space for drop-ins on the day too but you may have to wait. 'Books' each have their own area with a couple of seats for lenders to sit down and talk. There's no minimum time for borrowers to spend with a 'book', but 10 minutes is the maximum for one person.

This is a free event, all welcome. Book now
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint - Open Eco Homes

Sunday 22nd October: Reimagining Community Energy Together

Whittlesford Memorial Hall 14:00-17:00 add to google calendar
An in-person opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for sustainable energy solutions. There will be: expert speakers from Octopus Energy's community energy project, Younity; CCC's Head of Energy Services, Eithne George; and Grantchester Heat Project organiser Josh Newman; Stalls from Transition Cambridge, Cambridge Carbon Footprint, SCDC's Action on Energy, local people at various stages of actual community energy projects and more; Plenty of time for questions and discussion with people from other communities to explore how can work together.

Community Energy programmes often start with reducing energy needs in the first place, so we'll also have local retrofitting experts on hand who can answer your questions about transitioning to comfortable, cost-effective homes that are good for us and the planet.

The event will start at 2 sharp. Drinks and snacks provided.

More info and booking here More...
Source: Haslingfield and Harlton Eco, 2G3S and Cambridge Carbon Footprint/Net Zero Now

Sunday 22nd October: Toy Swap (A Toy's Life and Beyond)

Storey's Field Centre Cambridge 14:00-16:00 add to google calendar
Do your children have toys they never use any more? Would they like some new toys. Come to the toy swap and have fun.

Swapping toys instead of buying new ones saves money and cuts waste. This reduces emissions (from making them) and reduces the amount of plastic in landfill.

We will also be doing a Toy Drive to send toys to the Ukraine. If you have toys in good condition that do not want to swap but instead donate, please bring them along. More...
Source: A Toy's Life and Beyond

Monday 23rd October: Energy Group - Battery strategies

Downing Place United Reform Church CB2 3EL (and zoom) 20:00
The topic this month is carbon and bill savings with home/EV batteries. How do you get the most benefit from your home/EV battery? How much can it save you, on bills and on carbon emissions? How big a battery do you need? At this meeting, Ian will present the strategy he uses to manage his home battery - alongside an ASHP, PV panels, an EV and time of use tariffs. Ian installed the battery in early 2022 and is keen to hear from others on their experience both practically & theoretically. This blog post will give you a taster - Using a battery to save carbon emissions. Your situation might be a bit different - what is your strategy, what controls are you using - are they 'smart'? Please do come if you have experience to share or would like to hear from others on this subject.

All welcome. Please let Nicola know you want to come and ask for the zoom link.
Source: Transition Cambridge Energy Group

Saturday 4th November - Wednesday 6th December - apply by 8th October: Net Zero Now

Online


Applications are now open for another Net Zero Now course for South Cambridgeshire residents. This free, 6-week community climate action course is designed to help you support your community on its journey to net zero. The challenge to net zero is a unique opportunity to build communities that are not just more sustainable but also healthier, happier, and more resilient.

"Really enjoyed the course and found it very beneficial ... Great speakers and interesting, inspiring participants." - Participant.

Run by Cambridge Carbon Footprint and funded through the Zero Carbon Communities Grant and the National Lottery Community Fund, Net Zero Now will give you the opportunity to connect with others working on community climate action in the area and discuss a range of themes including: how to communicate climate action effectively; engaging with volunteers; working towards a clear goal; and what support is available locally to you.

Applications close on Sunday 8th October.

Unsure if this programme is right for you? Join us on Wednesday 27th September for an online, informal Q&A to find out more. Find out more and apply now. More...
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint

River Cam CAN Project launched

Cambridge Past, Present & Future are delighted to announce the start of a new project to help nature and climate in Cambridge thanks to a £495,000 grant award from The National Lottery Community Fund's Climate Action Fund. The River Cam CAN (Climate Action through Nature) Project will support communities near the river to work on initiatives that will benefit them and the environment. More...
Source: Cambridge Past, Present & Future 21 Sep 2023

Job vacancies with River Cam project - closing dates early October

The River Cam CAN (Climate Action through Nature) Project will support communities near the river to work on initiatives that will benefit them and the environment. It's a new 2-year project to help nature and climate in Cambridge funded by a £495,000 grant award from The National Lottery Community Fund's Climate Action Fund. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the River Cam and inspire and support people to take action to help. The project will be delivered by a partnership of local organisations including Abbey People, Cambridge City Council, Cambridge Past, Present & Future, CoFarm and Water Sensitive Cambridge. They will be supported by the national charity Climate Outreach. More info about the project here. Details of the Project Officer role (full-time) with Cambridge Nature Network are here, and details of roles with Abbey People - Sustainability and Greenspaces Coordinator (full-time) and Programme Manager (part-time) are here. More...
Source: Cambridge Nature Network/PPF 18 Sep 2023

Job: Veg and Fruit Quality Control Packer - Haslingfield

Farmaround is hiring! If you are passionate about fresh fruit and organic veg, and enjoy working in a dynamic and energetic environment, this job might be just what you want. At Farmaround, we are currently looking for a veg/fruit quality control packer to join our established team. You will play a vital role in ensuring that only the finest and highest quality produced reaches our valued customers. The work will keep you physically active and you will learn about various kinds of fruit and veg, their unique qualities and best ways to preserve their freshness. The job is 3 days a week (Tues, Wed, Thurs, sometimes on Mondays), from 2pm until 8-10pm depending on the day. The salary is £10.50 per hour, and the location is Haslingfield, start date as soon as possible. Interested? Send your CV to Alina. If you know someone who would be interested, please share! More information about Farmaround Organic. More...
Source: Farmaround 11 Sep 2023

Vote Climate

Maximise your vote to save the planet. Do you want the government to take real action on climate change? There is hope. By voting together as a block we can make that happen. "Vote Climate" (https://voteclimate.uk/) has been set up by local activist Ben Horton to incentivise the mainstream parties to improve their climate policies. He writes: "When you join VoteClimate, we'll tell you at the next general election which of the parties that could win in your area has the best climate policy. We take the membership list to the political parties before the next general election so that the parties will see how many votes and seats they will gain/lose based on their manifesto climate policies." On the website, tell them which constituency you're in, agree to be contacted before the next general election, then switch your vote to a party with a better climate policy. Find out more here. You can also like/follow VoteClimate on social media, and please tell your friends. And there are lots of ways to get involved - read more here. More...
Source: Vote Climate 05 Sep 2023

Climate Majority Project

Most people sense that we're in deep trouble with climate change, and they want to do something. Welcome to the climate majority. The Climate Majority Project is working to accelerate citizen climate action towards system change, and help a mass movement to see its own power. In particular, we support promising initiatives organising citizen action in local communities, workplaces and professions. The Incubator helps them to grow, connect with funding and build their networks. Find out more here, and donate to the crowdfunder here. More...
Source: The Climate Majority Project 05 Sep 2023

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