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Hello Steve,


Time has certainly flown by this year, and we’re pleased to bring you updates of some activities that have been taking place.


It was a busy start to the year for those behind the scenes at the Eco-Centre but first we would like to say a big ‘thank you,’ to our longer-term members and offer our newest members a very warm welcome; you have joined us at an exciting time!


The summer has arrived in a typically British fashion with a spell of hot weather followed by days of rain making us all feel decidedly autumnal, but at least the water butts are full again! At the Eco-Centre we are sure the sun will be shining again before too long and the harvest will begin in earnest, after the hot and wet weather.


Firstly, we are very excited to announce our website is now live and can be found at www.ecocentresw.org. This will be our virtual base, from which we can start to achieve the primary aim of the Eco-Centre – enabling everyone in Somerset to live more sustainable lives. The website has lots of information and, as it develops, will become vital in sharing our message across Somerset and the South West. We are planning some informative Q&A sessions, using social media and the website so check back often as we are frequently updating with news and articles.


We are also establishing an 'Eco Business Network' through which we can offer networking opportunities, training and other services to eco businesses or businesses in Somerset that are seeking to become more sustainable. If you are involved in a business in Somerset and think the network would be useful, please get in touch to find out more. We are keen to hear what businesses would like to see in a network like this so that we can serve the community in the best way possible.


We have even more plans and ideas in the pipeline that need a little more thought and fine-tuning before they go live! We will, of course, keep you updated with every new development, or you can find the information on the website or our social media.


Whilst the development of the website is exciting and essential, particularly at this time, the search is still on for a physical space in which to call home. It will form this new base that sustainable living will be showcased. The vision is that it will become a beacon where people of all ages and backgrounds, will be able to come and see what is available and have conversations, share tips and, hopefully, participate in courses about living sustainably.


If you know of any property or land that you think we might find suitable, do let us know!


Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic everyone has spent more time at home and in our local environments. It has forced us to take more notice of our surrounding environment and to find joy in the small wonders around us. We have all been affected in some way by the pandemic and as we move forwards through 2021 and beyond, let’s work to build a better, sustainable future together.


Wishing all our readers a wonderful summer,

from the Eco-Centre Team



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Taunton Pride


We were pleased that after 18-months of restrictions, we were once again able to attend an event to promote the work of the Eco-Centre. On Saturday 17th July, we attended the Taunton Pride event. Our stall was positioned in the Wellbeing section and three of us (Sarah, Alison and Sue) from the Eco-Centre team were positioned to talk to the locals of Taunton about all things eco!


Our gazebo had been set up to display images of our vision for the future and taking inspiration from other centres around the world.


During the event we wanted to ask visitors to make an eco-pledge for the future, alongside this we want to be able to help our communities to make these changes and so we asked our visitors ‘what they would need’ to live their lives in an eco-friendlier way.   


We were able to provide our visitors with information about what the Eco-Centre is planning to do and the eco business network. We were also pleased to grow our network and meet the Taunton Climate Emergency Group.


We met many people during the day, all of whom had a positive response to the eco centre plans. It was a great first event, everyone very relaxed and happy.

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Membership


Five reasons to become a member of the Eco-Centre:

1. I want to see a centre of sustainability for  Somerset.

2. I’d like to see education about sustainable living taught in schools, to the public and rooted within people’s working life.

3.  I’d like to see more green community enterprises in my area and make sustainable products and services more affordable and within reach of more people.

4.  I want to see a community outreach scheme that promotes and supports sustainability projects in communities across Somerset.

5.  I would like to show my support for eco projects like these.


If you like any of these initiatives, why not show your support and have a say in the future of the Eco-Centre by taking out a membership?


The Eco-Centre is a charitable Community Benefit Society, it owned by the community it serves. Through buying a £1 share, (a one-off lifetime payment), you will have the right to elect the board of directors and have a say on the plans and direction of the Eco-Centre – making sure it’s a success. As a member, you could also stand for election on the board.

Join here

AGM


Our AGM will be on Wednesday 18th August from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, via Zoom:


The AGM is open to all, however only members can vote.


During the AGM we will elect the board of directors and vote on key issues. The AGM will be an opportunity to hear first-hand about the Eco-Centre and its plans. There will also be time for questions and answers, and to put forward ideas.


   
   
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Could You be a Director?


We are seeking for directors to sit on the Eco-Centre board. As a director you can play an active role in making the Eco-Centre a success.


The Eco-Centre plans are developed and put into action by its board of directors, and the AGM is an opportunity for members to put themselves forward to join the board. We’re not currently up to our optimum number of board members at the moment, so we do have vacancies.

This year we hope to make big strides in our plans for Somerset’s first Eco-Centre, this is an exciting time to join.


What's essential for board members?

  • Balanced approach and thoughtful
  • Able to work as part of the team
  • A commitment to the aims of the Eco-Centre
Presently there is a need for people with financial skills and experience of business or project management and strategy development. However, if you don’t have these, don’t let that put you off. Enthusiasm, commitment, and other work experience as well as voluntary or lived experience are just as important.


Email Steve to arrange an informal chat, we’d love to hear from you. 

Email: steve@ecocentreSW.org



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Our mailling address is:

10 East Reach, Taunton, TA1 3EW

 
The Eco-Centre Somerset | 10 East Reach, Taunton, TA1 3EW