Archived news from 2018

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Thermionic valves (audio) - free

Free and delivered free in the Cambridge area as a job lot: I prefer not to subdivide. Put away a long time ago and I have no way of proving whether or not they still work. Total 22, as follows: DK96; ECC83 * 7 (+1 suspect); EF93/6BA6; EL34 (German) * 2; EL34/6CA7 (Mullard) * 2; GZ34; PCL86; 6EA8; 7199 * 2; 8JV8; 12X4 * 2

Please contact me if you are interested.
Source: Ken Warner 13 Nov 2018

Blue Tap reusable bottles now available in University cafes!

Blue Tap is a Cambridge start-up that is aiming to tackle two of the biggest issues facing humanity: access to clean water and plastic waste.

Blue Tap's core technology is a chlorine injector that allows communities in emerging markets to take sustainable control over their access to water. The team carry out capacity building on proper technology management with local stakeholders and communities. To fund their water enterprise, they sell reusable water bottles and thermoses, which have recently gone on sale in Cambridge University cafes. More...
Source: Blue Tap 04 Nov 2018

Can you help us with sewing repairs at the Sustainable Fashion Festival?

We're looking for more volunteers to help us with simple sewing repairs at the Circular Cambridge Sustainable Fashion Festival on Sat 17 November at St Barnabas Church, Mill Road.

We'll be helping people with their mending from 1.30 - 4.30pm.

Hand sewing and machine sewing both welcome. We're expecting all sorts of small repairs: hems, buttons, zips, tears etc. Just an hour or so's help would be really useful - thanks! More...
Source: Cambridge Repair Café 29 Oct 2018

Volunteer Opportunities: Transition Cafe Coordinators

Imagine a lovely venue with lively conversation, talks, films and presentations about all the things we're passionate about to build a great community in our city! A couple of new venue opportunities have appeared to make a monthly Transition Cafe possible... Could you join a coordinators' team to help organise cafe nights and bring a much needed sense of place to Transition Cambridge? Skills needed: Organising abilities, good networking and promotional skills. Time commitment: 1-4 hours per month plus cafe times tba. Contact:Liz for more information, or come along to the Volunteers Fair this Saturday 20th!
Source: Transition Cambridge 15 Oct 2018

Plastic project box (or audio oscillator)


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White plastic project box, 82mm high, 205 wide, 140 deep overall. Top & bottom halves, slots for front and back panels and two internal dividers. Presently occupied by an audio oscillator that wasn't a great success, but the instructions (Wireless World 1977) have survived and the major problem is understood. Free and delivered free in the Cambridge area. Contact Ken
Source: Ken Warner 11 Oct 2018

Three wooden project boxes (or kit-built hifi)


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Three smart, matching, wooden boxes. One piece sleeve top/bottom/sides: 73mm high (inc. feet), 390 wide, 171 deep overall. 48h, 372w, 160d internal. Intended to accept a slide-in folded tray and flat front and back panels. One is presently occupied by a stereo amplifier which was said to run hot, one is occupied by an FM tuner which looks a bit unfinished, one is unused. The kits were from Integrex, the designs perhaps from Wireless World in the '70s? Free and delivered free in the Cambridge area. Contact Ken
Source: Ken Warner 11 Oct 2018

240v to 117v (sic) 300vA transformer - free

The transformer was previously used for American HiFi, and is presumably suitable for other imported consumer goods.

140mm high, 110mm wide, 135mm deep, about 8kg.

Four apparently-similar windings, configured two primaries in series, two secondaries in parallel. Just the transformer: NOT in a safe enclosure.

Photos available on request. Delivered free in the Cambridge area. Please email Ken if you are interested.
Source: Ken Warner 03 Oct 2018

What do our local government representatives think about climate change?


Time to vote!

Newly formed organisation, Carbon Neutral Cambridge has published a poll on candidates in the recent Petersfield by-election. The poll gathered the candidates' views on climate change and its effect on our city and region, which you can read here. Kelley Green (Labour) won, so the composition of councillors on the city council is 26 Labour, 13 Lib Dem, 2 Independent and 1 Green.

Carbon Neutral Cambridge's aim is to help the Cambridge region transition to being greener, cleaner, healthier and carbon neutral by the 2030s. They are keen for people to join in. Visit this link to sign up to their mailing list to be kept informed and help with campaigns. More...
Source: Anne Miller Carbon Neutral Cambridge 17 Sep 2018

Camcycle Cycling Survey

Do you travel in and around Cambridge - by cycle or otherwise? We want to hear from you. Please complete this survey about cycling in Cambridge. More...
Source: Camcycle 01 Sep 2018

Volunteer Opportunity: Bulletin Writers

Our fortnightly e-bulletin has been published continuously since 2010 and is much appreciated as one of the best round-ups of sustainability-related activities in and around Cambridge. We are seeking one or two volunteers to help edit and publish the fortnightly bulletin and upload it onto the website. The editor writes a short introduction, makes a few web links, then publishes to our list, the Transition website, and finally posts links on our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Some clever web wizardry collates all the listings for you. Commitment level: approx 1 hour per bulletin, on a rota with 3 others, over a time frame to suit you. Skills: basic knowledge of Wiki mark-up language and social media (Twitter and Facebook) Full training offered, please contact the Bulletin Writers' Team to find out more.
Source: Transition Cambridge 26 Jul 2018

Allotment plots available in Romsey

If you'd like to grow your own fruit, veg, herbs and flowers, there are currently plots available at Stourbridge Grove, off Coldhams Lane. Taking on an allotment plot can be a satisfying and fun learning experience, and it needn't be expensive. A map of the location is here and you can check the website here. To find out more, contact the membership secretary .
Source: Romsey Town and District Allotment Society 09 Jul 2018

Call out for gardening volunteers

Are you interested in learning how to garden using permaculture principles and helping others do the same?

Headway Cambridgeshire are offering a limited number of spaces on their next Growing Together gardening course for volunteers who want to learn alongside people who have experienced a brain injury.

It doesn't matter how much gardening experience you have - as long as you come with an open mind.

The course is free and will take place at a community garden in Cambridge and one in Peterborough from Thursday 13 September 2018 until mid-March 2019, after which there will be 3 months of practical application of the ideas we have explored on the course. You only need to volunteer at one of these locations for two hours a week on a Thursday.

Contact Simon Lacey on 01223 576550 or by email for more information. More...
04 Jul 2018

Low-carbon holidays...

If you're planning your holidays, here's a quick reminder about the wonderful "The Man in Seat61" website that has helpful advice about how to get just about anywhere without flying. And if you like being in the great outdoors, WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a great way to learn about food growing by helping out on a farm in exchange for food and accommodation (UK website here).
26 Jun 2018

Cambridge Car Free Day Petition

Cambridge can be a beautiful place to live in and enjoy. But the menace of air pollution is unseen. Studies show that almost 40,000 people die prematurely a year from air pollution in this country. Cambridge Commons has started a petition for a Car Free Day on Saturday 22 September 2018. It will be a day of community celebrations and street parties, when people gather outdoors and breathe fresh air. it could be a catalyst for a better urban future for all. Please sign and share the petition! More...
Source: Transition Cambridge 19 Jun 2018

5-month paid internship at Cambridge Sustainable Food

Cambridge Sustainable Food are are currently looking for a paid intern for 5 months between July and November 2018. For more details about the opportunity and how to apply, click here.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13th June at 5pm! More...
Source: Cambridge Sustainable Food 31 May 2018

Empty Common on Cambridge 105

Cambridge 105 featured the Empty Common Community Garden on their Flavour program recently: - hear the birdsong, imagine the burgeoning exploding cucumbers (!) and listen to Charlotte et al explain how the garden grows on this podcost of the program. ( Transition Cambridge and ECCG start 17:30 minutes in.) More...
Source: Transition Cambridge 13 May 2018

Petition for a car free day in Cambridge

Traffic pollution is estimated to cause 40,000 premature deaths every year in UK. Cambridge Commons have started a petition for a car free day in Cambridge,as a way of alerting people to these danger. It will be a day of community celebrations and street parties. It will be a day when people gather outdoors and breathe fresh air. It will be a day to demonstrate a shared vision of a healthier, cleaner and greener future. We propose 22nd September, the same day as in London (see Facebook @carfreedayLDN).

"We the undersigned ask the Mayor, Mr James Palmer, the Combined Authority and local authorities, to declare a Car Free zone in Cambridge on Saturday 22 September 2018 as a sign of their resolve to eradicate poisonous fumes from our urban areas"

Please show your support by signing it. More...
Source: Cambridge Commons 26 Apr 2018

Missed the Cleanwheels launch? See the slides.

Thanks to everyone who came to the Cleanwheels survey launch on 9th April and contributed to the thoughtful discussions. In case you missed it, you can download some of the slides here: James' on how you can convert a lamppost to a charging point, and Alistair's on the benefits of car clubs generally.

Also, if you haven't already done so, please do fill in the survey.. It will only take a minute.
Source: Transition Cambridge 22 Apr 2018

Do you live in an eco home?

Do you live in an eco-home? We are currently looking for homes and hosts to take part in Open Eco Homes 2018. We are specifically looking for homes that have been renovated to a high standard of energy efficiency and environmental consciousness but would love to hear from owners of new builds too. Open Eco Homes 2018 will take place on September 30th and October 6th. Visit our website by April 6th for more information and to let us know if you would like to take part. More...
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint 16 Mar 2018

Proposed waste incinerator for Waterbeach

Resource use and energy are key Transition issues, and here's something on our metaphorical doorstep.

Amey Cespa are proposing to build an 'energy from waste' facility at their Waterbeach site. You can read more on their website here. Such waste incinerators have a number of controversial aspects including health, emissions, environment, traffic (truck movements to bring in waste and remove residues). A local group (Cambridge without incineration) has formed to raise concerns. See their website here.

Nicola Terry has blogged her personal view here.
16 Mar 2018

Cambridge Carbon Footprint seek a new Treasurer

We're looking for a new Treasurer - an essential role in our work engaging and supporting people in choosing low carbon living. You would:

  • oversee our finances and advise trustees
  • help prepare budgets and accounts
  • help update our systems, with support from staff and trustees

You'd also be a Trustee, helping plan and steer CCF's work. We're jointly responsible for ensuring the charity is well-run - from producing a clear vision to good management of people and finances.

You'll already have had relevant experience and responsibility, maybe in a business, charity or other organisation. If this suits you (or someone you know), welcome! More...
Source: Cambridge Carbon Footprint 10 Mar 2018

Please fill in our Car Club survey

Car clubs are a way to provide sustainable transport options, taking cars off the street and making electric or hybrid cars affordable. So please take a few minutes to fill in our survey - we need your views on what sort of car clubs we want in Cambridge, where, and how much difference they can make. The city and county councils are currently preparing new contracts for use of car club bays in the city and surrounding areas so this is a critical time - your views can make a difference. More...
Source: Transition Cambridge 26 Feb 2018

Funded PhD - 'Future cities: governing low-carbon energy transitions'

This fully funded PhD at the Global Sustainability Institute in Cambridge will explore the critical conditions for enabling local low-carbon energy transitions, particularly through networks of city local authorities (LAs) across Europe. It is in partnership with Energy Cities - the European Association of LAs in Energy Transition - which is a network organisation with a membership of 1,000+ LAs over 30+ countries. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Chris and Rosie to discuss further. The annual stipend (paid quarterly) will track RCUK levels across the three years, which is set to be £14,777/year (tax free) for 2018-2019. Only EU/UK nationals are eligible to apply. Deadline for all paperwork is 5th March. More...
Source: Rosie Robison 12 Feb 2018

Camcycle: Communications and Community Officer

Camcycle (Cambridge Cycling Campaign) are looking for a Communications and Community Officer. Are you passionate about cycling as a means of sustainable transport and skilled in social media, digital and print communications, event management and volunteer coordination? Then this might just be the perfect career opportunity for you. Salary £24 - £27 K. Flexible hours. Applications close 23 Feb. More...
Source: Camcycle 01 Feb 2018

New fact page on Windows

See out new fact page for advice about double and triple glazing, condensation, vents, managing solar gain and even recycling potential for windows. More...
Source: Transition Cambridge 05 Jan 2018

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