Tripping out in Totnes

Tuesday 31st January..........

In Totnes Town Hall Square

 Countryside has its problems too you know? So the question is what to do? Making a success out of a market town which is going through a period of transition. The day started with a bumpy journey to the transition town Totnes, courtesy of some excellent driving. We explored the town and some of the strategies used to rebrand it. The 'Incredible Edible' which was a herb garden in the street planter next to the Steamer Quay. It was interesting to see and taste the variety of herbs and salad leaves, bringing the community closer to where their food is grown and encouraging the people to participate in community activities.

All at sea with Caterham Geographers

 Small businesses trying to keep the cash flow within the town, started up their own currency called the 'Totnes Pound'. Interviews with local traders suggested that the currency was used by tourists as well as locals. However by interviewing the general public we found that it was not used in all shops which made accessibility to the currency hard. We all found Totnes to be a unique town and a general welcoming which shows a sense of community.

Incredible edibles - community food supply in Totnes.

 The day finished with a visit to Riverford farm which has grown from a local farm into a national organic supplier. We looked inside the shop and tried to compare the goods to those in Totnes. Riverford supply a wide variety of local produce available through its vegetable delivery scheme. Overall we learnt that rebranding can vary from place to place and can itself create challenges for the communities involved.

This video explains the way Totnes involves its inhabitants in the transition town way of living.

Darren and Hassan