Newsletter Archive
Click on the issues below to download
past newsletters (Adobe pdf)
2011
Issue 20 - Summer (356 KB)
Issue 19 - Spring (332 KB)
AGM minutes - 13 June 2011 (32 KB)
Chairman's Report 2011 (48 KB)
2010
Issue 18 - Autumn (328 KB)
Issue 17 - Summer (384 KB)
Issue 17 - Questionnaire (92 KB)
Issue 16 - Spring (380 KB)
AGM minutes - 14 June 2010 (48 KB)
2009
Issue 15 - Autumn (328 KB)
Issue 14 - Summer (324 KB)
Issue 13 - Spring (396 KB)
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News
The law concerning invasive non-native plants in England & Wales has recently been updated to include over 50 species. Previously only Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and some seaweeds were included.
> Click here to read Peter Burgess-Allen's full article about the new law on invasive non-native plants. A link can also be found on the Estate page.
Members' Events
Make Friends with your Digital Camera (Session 2)
2-4pm, Saturday 24 September
Education Room, Poole’s Cavern
In this session Arthur Packham will focus attention on corrections and changes that can easily be made to pictures on a computer. Please bring your own camera and instruction book.
Members only - maximum 20 places - free
Bookings: 01298 26978
Transition Buxton Talk:
Preparing to make the transition to a low
oil, low carbon society
7.30pm, Thursday 20 October
Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre
Please phone the Visitor Centre office on 01298 26978, by 17 October if you wish to come so that we can arrange refreshments. No charge.
Members of the Buxton branch of the Transition Movement will present their ideas on this very important topic and invite a discussion on how BCA and our members could help. Charles Jolly has kindly written this article for us.
"Our comfortable way of life based on cheap oil is about to change. Transition Buxton believes, however, that together we can make this a change for the better. Organisations like the Buxton Civic Association, which understand how human behaviour impacts on the environment, have a particularly important role to play.
"Oil is being pumped from the ground much more quickly than new deposits are being discovered. Oil (and gas) won't run out completely for a long time, of course, but world oil production is probably near its peak and will start to decline rapidly within one or two decades. That's allowing for oil under the oceans, oil under the Arctic and tar-sands. If world demand continues to climb, the price will go through the roof. Every aspect of civilisation from plastics, through home heating and transport to fertilisers and manufacturing depends on oil and gas.
"There are, of course, many proposed alternative technologies for producing energy. Some may indeed have long term potential, if the associated environmental problems (and public opposition) can be overcome, but widespread application is many years away – and nothing will replace the ease and convenience of mineral oil. With smart thinking and sensible adaptation, however, we can prepare for fuel price hikes and shortages – and cut our carbon footprint into the bargain.
"We cannot just leave it to national and local government. Action is needed at the grass-roots. Perhaps that should be 'at the tree roots' given the woodlands round Buxton and the community orchards we are now planting.
"Transition Buxton raises awareness and generates ideas. Our meetings are open to everyone, but mostly we work through action groups. Our groups include local food production, saving and producing energy, improved public transport and cycle-ways, recycling, reskilling and working with schools. See our web-site: www.transitionbuxton.co.uk for more details.
"Our community needs to work together to tackle the challenges following peak oil, and to reduce green-house gases and other environmental problems. But a 'transition town' is much more than a collection of projects. We believe that together (like every community) we must adapt and tackle the challenges. This cooperation can result in life-styles that are more fulfilling, socially connected, equitable, and in harmony with the natural world on which we all depend."
Charles Jolly, for Transition Buxton Coordinating Group