Despite the ongoing challenges of Covid, Transition Northwich have been able to adapt to changing circumstances. Some of the challenges we faced were lockdowns and other restrictions where there was no opportunity to meet in person. Making the most of digital alternatives, we used Zoom and apps like Trello to keep in touch and keep practical projects ticking over. As we are aware that some of our volunteers have mental health problems, as soon as we were able to, we recommenced practical projects to enable our volunteers to meet up, albeit with restrictions on numbers and maintaining social distancing. Whilst we wish to give as full a report as possible, we are aware that there will be many reports to read and have therefore given an overview of some of our key projects, rather than reporting each project in minute detail. A list of projects, large and small, can be found below this report. We are very fortunate to have the use of an amazing garden which was created over many years by a keen gardener, the late Rod Inwood. Rod's family have kindly offered us use of the garden as a base where we can maintain and develop the garden, including using the space for regular and one-off events run by ourselves and other local groups. The garden is at the rear of a row of terraced houses and we have been able to develop close ties with the neighbours, for example, by inviting them to join us in the garden for events, helping improve the garden of a neighbour with disabilities and creating an oral history account of neighbours who had lived in the street all their lives. Another key site we are involved with is the Dane Valley Community Orchard which was created some years ago and had fallen into a state of disrepair and neglect. With well thought out development plans and support from the local Police officers concerned with anti-social behaviour in the area, the orchard has been brought back to life with activities being used as opportunities for volunteers to learn new skills they can use at home and pass on to others. Activities are continuing with financial, professional and practical support from Groundwork CLM In the broader remit of a Transition group, helping communities to embrace changes in the face of climate and eco emergencies. Following a successful series of discussions based on ways in which the effects of climate change could be reduced, a weekly Climate Café has been held in a local café to provide further opportunities for discussion, education and action, for example letter writing and protest marches. A co-ordinated approach meant that time and effort were not wasted by reinventing the wheel. Awareness raising talks and activities have also been held in local schools. Tai chi sessions have been held between a shopping area and the river in Northwich. These have been arranged in such a way that passers by are encouraged to join us. The sessions have also been suitable for people who have physical limitations by providing adapted ideas for people in chairs. During one of the lockdown periods, a book club was launched in conjunction with Northwich Library. IPads were distributed to those who had no pc, for example, so that they were able to access books online. The joint sessions involved people talking about a book they had read, rather than a more prescriptive approach where all participants read the same book. There are other projects listed below. Transition Northwich is pleased to have been able to continue working with local people in both practical and awareness raising projects. Finally we would like to wholeheartedly thank all our volunteers, partner organisations and those who have participated in events. We couldn't have done this without you! ## **TN: Activities completed in 2020** Ongoing: Maintenance of Rod’s Secret Garden Weekly volunteer sessions Regular shared lunches Plant sharing with neighbours Maintaining and planting up a communal area of rough ground Developing the garden behind Northwich Library Restoring Dane Valley Community Orchard Regular maintenance and repairs + demonstrations and hands on sessions such as growing cordon fruit Weekly Climate Cafe to raise awareness of environmental issues Termly sessions of Tai-Chi provided free of charge (sponsored by Magic Grants) Online Art Workshops Post Covid - Thank you event (Sponsored by Virgin Media) Oral history recordings (with Oak Street residents) Installation of a new boundary fence and improved access to Rod’s Garden ## **Transition Northwich** Registered office: c/o 19 Britannia Drive, Northwich, CW9 7XW. www.transitionnorthwich.weebly .com email: transitionnorthwich@gmx.com. Banking address: 132 Walnut Drive, Weaverham, Northwich, CW8 3DX ## **End of year accounts 9 December 2019 – 8 December 2020** ## **Opening balance: £1136.51** ## **Closing balance: £8715.85** ## **Income: £11,685.86** - 1) Funding: £11,400 Bright Ideas : £10,400 Cheshire Community Trust: £1000 - 2) Local Giving donations: £84.32 - 3) Compensation from Co-op bank: £150 - 4) Transfer from petty cash: £106.04 ## **Expenditure: £4736.16** - 1) Fees to TN Coordinator: £3879.88 - 2) Insurance: £266.56 - 3) Subscription to Local Giving £96 - 4) Fees to other contractors: £687 - a. Donna Burston, Tai Chi classes, £370 - b. Patreon, on-line art classes with Beth Barlow £217.28 - c. Cheshire Wildlife Trust, crowdfunding for fencing to new beaver enclosure at Delamere £100 - 5) Other: £16, Frames for donated art sketches, from Patreon ## **Ring-fenced Funds held** _**£500 Local Giving (Tai Chi 2020-2021)**_ ## **Balance of income over expenditure for year 2019-2020** ## **£6949.70** Paul Mathias, Treasurer and Trustee 13 March 2021