Welcome.

Ealing Transition is being formed now by ordinary members of the community concerned with adapting to the imminent challenges of peak oil and climate change. Join us (or contact us by email at steering@ealingtransition.org.uk or by using this form).

Saturday 12th May 10.30am - 2pm: Community Garden Open Day

Ealing Transition Community Garden goes from strength to strength, and the group is now managing the Village Park allotment site. Do drop by to see the transformation which is taking place! We will be firing up the pizza oven, exchanging seedlings and more. The entrance to Village Park allotments is adjacent to 14 Rose Gardens, South Ealing W5 4NT

Sunday 27th May 7.30pm: Transition 2.0: Film Showing & AGM

Transition 2.0 is an inspirational immersion in the Transition movement, gathering stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things from around the world. You'll hear about communities printing their own money, growing food, localising their economies and setting up community power stations. Transition is an idea that has gone viral, a social experiment that is about responding to uncertain times with solutions and optimism. In a world of increasing uncertainty, here is a story of hope, ingenuity - and the power of growing vegetables in unexpected places!

As usual the film takes place at St Mary's Church, St Mary's Road, Ealing W5 5RH, still Ealing's finest t cinema! Admission is free but as usual we will ask for donations at the end to help us cover the cost of screening and venue hire.

After the film, as well as our usual hot drinks, we will hold a short general meeting. The way we are constituted requires us to do this, and we like to use the occasion to gather your thoughts about the kinds of projects you would like to see locally and hopefully participate in. The film will give us plenty of inspiration!

We are always keen for new people to join the steering group and run initiatives. If you can't make the AGM but would like to help out, please don't hesisitate to contact steering- group@ealingtransition.org.uk

Monday 28th May 7.30pm: Matthew Frith Talk on 'Nature Deficit'

An increasing body of evidence demonstrates our disconnection from the natural world - a discoconnection which is not only physical but also psychological and metaphorical. As our world becomes increasingly 'virtual', what are the values we should ascribe to nature, and how should we choose to relate to it?

Matthew Frith is Deputy Director of the London Wildlife Trust. Do join us for this very interesting and thought-provoking talk, which will take place at St Mary's Church, St Mary's Road, Ealing W5 5RH. Again, admission is free, but we will ask for donations at the end of the talk. There will be time for questions and answers, and the usual refreshments afterwards.

Local Gardening Courses Starting in May

Catalyst Gateway www.catalystgateway.org.uk are organising two gardening courses in Acton and Southall from May to July. These will teach a range of horticultural skills to enable you to become more confident about maintaining a garden. During the course you will learn about tasks such as seed sowing, plant care, propagation and organic cultivation techniques.

The Acton course takes place on Wednesdays, 5.30pm - 8:00pm at Westcott Park Community Garden, 13 Ferguson Drive, Westcott Park Estate, Acton, W3 6YP. Anyone 17+ can attend. Start date: 16 May 2012, finish date: 25 July 2012. Registration day is Wednesday 9 May, 5.30-7pm, please bring passport and £5 Fee. If you are interested in the course but you cannot attend the registration date please call Nuria on 020 8832 3233 or email nuria.rodriguez@catalystgateway.org.uk

The Southall course takes place on Saturdays 10am-1pm at Jasmine Community Centre, Lancaster Road, Southall, UB1 1NR. Again, anyone 17+ can attend. Start date: 26 May 2012, finish date: 14 July 2012. Registration day is Thursday 10 May (10:30am - 12pm), please bring your passpo artnd £5 Fee. If you are interested in the course but you cannot attend the registration date please call Michelle Robinson on 020 8832 3208 or email michelle.robinson@catalystgateway.org.uk

2nd / 3rd June: Permaculture Gardening Courses

Naurewise www.naturewise.org.uk are running two courses at the Margaret McMillan Nursery School Hornsey Rise, Islington, London N19 3SF

On Saturday 2nd June 2012 (9.30am-4pm) there is a one day Introduction to Forest Gardening, which will explain the principles of managing a forest garden through a series of practical steps. Combining theory and practical exercises, there will be opportunities to practice forest garden design and learn about implementing and maintaining your own site.

On Sunday 3rd June 2012 (9.30am-4pm) there is a one day Introduction to Permaculture Gardening which will cover permaculture gardening, and focus on how natural systems can teach us to garden sustainably by "Working with Nature". The day will cover no-dig gardening, mulching, perennial food growing and polyculture food growing

The venue is a 16-year-old urban forest garden planted in the grounds of Margaret McMillan School, which is a wonderful example of how urban land management can support many beneficial relationships and produce many yields.

Courses are led by Claire White, cost £50 full, £25 cons. For Information and Bookings Contact: clairewhitegardens@gmail.com www.clairewhitegardens.co.uk