Solar-powered trains and art made from scrap at Transition Cafe

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Event organizer Mark Beardmore, left, with Bebbie Bloch, Bart Ives and Solly Ives, two.ks1500410-5 SUS-150830-182233008 — ks1500410-5 Chi Transition Clock House phot kate Event organizer Mark Beardmore, left, with Bebbie Bloch, Bart Ives and Solly Ives, two.ks1500410-5 SUS-150830-182233008

The Transition Café took place at the Time Machine in Funtington on Sunday, and people flocked to sample some ideas for how to live a more sustainable way.

Among the many attractions was a solar-powered train ride, a display of art made from recycled materials and workshops showing how to repair clothes and household items easily rather then throwing them in the bin.

The event was staged for all the family by Transition Chichester, an eco group dedicated to showing people a path towards a more resilient and sustainable life.

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Paul Strickland with his scarecrow robot.ks1500410-1 SUS-150830-182416008 — ks1500410-1 Chi Transition Clock House phot kate Paul Strickland with his scarecrow robot.ks1500410-1 SUS-150830-182416008

Mark Beardmore from the group said: “The idea behind it was to give people not just the problems we face but some solutions for how they can live a more sustainable life.

“We all live in a material world but we want to show people how to use less energy, recycle things and how a more simple existence can actually benefit them.

“That doesn’t mean living in caves and nor does it mean causing fear about climate change and global warming, but events like Sunday are supposed to provide uplifting visions of the future in a fun way.”

Those who came along on Sunday also watched an inspiring film about the materials economy, waste and pollution which taught a few simple steps which can reduce these things.

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Penny Hammilton with her children Bella, ten, and Rosa, two, trying on a hat..ks1500410-4 SUS-150830-181939008 — ks1500410-4 Chi Transition Clock House phot kate Penny Hammilton with her children Bella, ten, and Rosa, two, trying on a hat..ks1500410-4 SUS-150830-181939008

Advice was given about living a more sustainable, green and therefore frugal life and though the weather was mixed, it still proved a successful event.

Mark added: “There wasn’t quite as many as we’d hoped for, the bad weather didn’t help but everyone who came along seemed to be having fun.”

Transition Chichester undertakes a number of green projects in the area, including at the Bishop’s Palace Gardens and at Oaklands Park community garden.

The group meet on a number of nights of the week and invite people to come along to find out what they get up to.

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Conor Gaucheron-Land, 16, carrying out electronic repairs.ks1500410-2 SUS-150830-182437008 — ks1500410-2 Chi Transition Clock House phot kate Conor Gaucheron-Land, 16, carrying out electronic repairs.ks1500410-2 SUS-150830-182437008

For more information email  [email protected] or phone 01243 527435 or text 07788 641926.

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