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DORSET communities are approaching one of the most exciting and radical times in their history as they make changes to go green.

Delegates returning from a conference say that the time is now to respond to the challenges of the rising price of oil and climate change.

Towns including Weymouth, Dorchester and Shaftesbury are preparing to make changes to become more sustainable, or transition towns.

People joining the movement are learning there has to be a shift away from fossil fuels and more of a focus on growing food and producing electricity locally.

Leading the pack is the Dorchester group which was launched in January at a public meeting attended by 170 people.

Now members are inviting people to an event this weekend to share ideas and information.

Sally Cooke from the Dorchester group is among Dorset transition town representatives who have just returned from the 2nd Annual Transition Network Conference in Cirencester, Gloucestershire.

They met partners from across the world and attended a workshop which included a live video link with Maine, USA.

Ms Cooke said: "Transition towns look peak oil and climate change squarely in the face.

"Locally it means getting our whole community involved in finding out how to live without the oil-based products that we used to take for granted."

The conference was told that nations depend on oil not only for 90 per cent of their transport needs, but also for 95 per cent of their food and 95 per cent of goods in the shops.

Green MEP Caroline Lucas described the transition movement as "the most exciting, the most inspirational, the most hopeful movement happening in Britain today."

The 'bring and share ideas for action' event is open to all and will be held this Saturday at the United Church in South Street, Dorchester, between 10am and 1pm.

Admission is free and free cups of Fairtrade tea are on offer.

For more information email: transitiontowndorchester @yahoo.com

8:24am Thursday 24th April 2008

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