Report on Transition Town Weymouth and Portland 2025-6 

Jon Orrell – Chair 

This has been a year with several projects moving ahead, some running their course and ending, and several changes of member roles. 

Firstly a big thank you to Graham and Jacki Lambert.  Graham has been treasurer for many years and has performed the role quietly and efficiently. Jacki has been very helpful too with minutes for meetings. The pair of them have also worked together running an organic food outlet called “ Feed the birds”. 

Secondly, thanks to Mairi and Pete for fulfilling key lead roles in TTWP during recent times. They have both kept the charity on the right track. 

A summary of this past year’s activities includes the following: 

Portland Community Fridge. This brings together collections from local supermarkets like LIDL, the COOP  and Tesco. Food is weighed and saved from going to waste. In four months 3740kg of food was distributed. 

Wesley Street Growing area.  This quirky collection of on street containers continues to brighten up a narrow terraced housing location in central Weymouth. 

France Quarry. Catherine Bennett continues to make progress towards purchasing this valuable site for community use. Pledges now meeting the asking price. 

Portland Community Allotment. Laura has continued to develop this area of ground with several strands of growing spaces. Allotment “working bees” bringing expertise to struggling plot holders. Portland Homeschool kids and a local scout group are active. Community suppers and breakfasts bring in people. Lottie’s larder is set up for excess produce. 

Portland Shed.  Support is given to this project which derives from the “men’s shed” model. 

Circular shop. This project on Lennox Street in Weymouth was supported by TTWP. It was in a deprived community and sought to provide organic food, tools for hire and paint recycling alongside a seaweed operation and spreading of sustainability and resilience ideas. It ran for over 6 months but has now drawn to a close.