IT'S BARBIE TIME!

03 June 2010

WITH high pressure forecast and a big sun symbol on the local weather map, Transition Black Isle members are looking forward to some summer fun this weekend.

The group's first Annual General Meeting will be held at Netherton Community Garden at 5.30 pm on Saturday - for papers click here.

The meeting - which will be short - will be followed by a barbecue and social evening at the garden.  All are welcome - bring some local food, refreshments and a musical instrument if you fancy a tune.

For anyone who wants to work up their hunger and thirst in advance of the AGM and barbecue, there will be plenty of things to help with at Netherton Community Garden on Saturday from noon.

Jobs needing done include: putting up the polytunnel, digging, then planting tatties, weeding, digging up the last of the leeks, thinning out the strawberries and getting things ready for the barbecue. Bring along a bag or two if you want to take any strawberry plants, leeks or the last of 2009's potatoes.

"Some summer sunshine should really inject energy into the proceedings, and we're looking forward to a good night," said TBI convener Wendy Price. "We're prepared for all contingencies though; there's a covered area at the community garden we can retreat to if needs be."

All are welcome to the meeting and barbecue, although only current members will be able to vote at the AGM.  Those interested in finding out more about work to increase resilience in the face of peak oil and climate change at local level will have an opportunity to meet members in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

The group will be joined by Emily Watts, the new Resources for Communities worker with Transition Scotland Support.

Emily's role is to support groups with re-skilling, mentoring, information and resources, and training.

She's going to be travelling by train and bike, so will be hoping too that the weather stays fair.

"My plan is to get to know as many groups as possible, find out what activities they are involved in and link people up with one another and resources," she said. "I'm really looking forward to coming to the Black Isle, meeting local group members and finding out all about what's going on in the area."