Transition Leytonstone
In the autumn of 2009, with the support of the now dormant Transition Waltham Forest, a small group of local people screened 3 films, including the Power of Community, an inspirational film about the extraordinarily creative response of the people of Cuba to the oil embargo in the 1990s.
After the films we had a lively discussion about what we could do locally to bring our community together and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. We decided then and there to start Transition Leytonstone.
The future
We celebrated our 10th birthday in 2019 and are now looking forward to the next 10 years.
As well as continuing with our existing projects we hope to increase our activities and inspire more people to take action in our local community.
We will offer support to initiatives that are in line with our aims, and continue to work together with local organisations, businesses, places of worship that would like to contribute towards a more sustainable future.
Our structure
As of February 2020 we have a steering group of 11 people that meets once a month. The person leading on each of our projects reports to the steering group and brings any issues needing discussion to the meetings. At present we are an Unincorporated Association with a constitution, and we hold an AGM each year in June.
Steering Group
Ros Bedlow
I've been involved in Transition Leytonstone since we launched in 2009, and I'm on the steering group. I have a background in teaching, including permaculture and energy awareness. I love walking, especially in the hills and on the coast.
The projects I'm working on at the moment are mainly The Library for Change, and the Green Directory. You can contact me on library@transitionleytonstone.org.uk or directory@transitionleytonstone.org.uk
Lily Lowe-Myers
Lily is committed to using her skills as a film and theatre creator to build a sustainable and nourishing future. As a member of Transition since 2022 and member of the lay-Buddhist network for social transformation, SGI, Lily blends her spiritual values with her artistic practice to nurture community resilience.
Her short film about Transition Leytonstone is featured on the group's homepage, celebrating the power of local action and creative collaboration in Leytonstone.
Andy Green
Andy is passionate about self-sufficiency, regenerative systems, and preserving local artisanal skills. His interests include gardening, cookery, music and metaphysics.
He can often be found in the Community Garden, and he helps out with the Green Directory and newsletter too.
Shannon Thaden
The coordinator of Transition Leytonstone’s Church Lane Community Garden is also an organic vegetable farmer, food waste rescuer, natural builder, amateur mycologist, high-altitude hiker, vegan baker, and pumpkin carver.
Diana Korchien
One of the two founder members of Transition Leytonstone in 2009 (Ros Bedlow being the other), I was closely involved for many years with the promotion and communication side of our work: regular documentary film screenings on climate change, farming, fishing and social rebalancing; also performing with our very own ecopoetry group, E11 Eco. Since 2018 my main focus has been on talking a bit less and fighting the food waste mountain via the Leytonstone Community Fridge. None of our activities would be possible without the enthusiastic collaboration of local, committed volunteers! Contact me on fridge@transitionleytonstone.org.uk
RoseMary Warrington
RoseMary has been involved in Transition Leytonstone from the beginning. She is the deputy to Diana on the Community Fridge project in both collecting and distributing food.
Some of our dedicated volunteers
Dominic
Dominic is 8 years old and attends Davies Lane Primary School. He recently received a Citizenship Award for his volunteering work at the local food bank, showing kindness, generosity, and a strong sense of community.
Dominic has a big love for animals and a passion for sports. He's been boxing for almost 3 years and looks up to his favourite boxers - Anthony Yarde from East London, Chris Eubank and David Garcia.
Fun fact: Dominic didn't need any practice to ride his bike without stabilisers - he just got on and off he went! He also doesn't like butter and prefers sparkling water over still.
"Dom is our youngest volunteer. He is bright, strong, and organised beyond his years. We love him."
Roy Crawford
Originally from Scotland, Roy has travelled widely in Europe and the Far East during his time in the Royal Navy and in Technology, settleing in Walthamstow in 1985. A keen cyclist, he retired in 2022 and spent 6 months as a cargo bike courier in Central London before volunteering with Transition Leytonstone at the Community Fridge. Roy says: "I just love being practical, engaging with different people and messing about on bikes. The fact that it all helps recycle food is a real bonus."
We say: "We love Roy. Why? Because he's so knowledgeable about bikes. Because he always goes the extra mile. Because he's punctual, reliable and self-directed. Because...oh, just because."
Ann Williams
What does an aging hippie and lifetime eco-social warrior do when she's too old to hobble after the protest marchers or attend sit-down demos because she can't get up? Volunteer at Leytonstone Community Fridge! Fresh air, moderate exercise, good company, the chance to meet and chat to all kinds of people from every group in the multicultural society in which we are so fortunate to live. Simple!
"We have to say also that Ann is not only the oldest volunteer, but also the most reliable and meticulous record keeper that the Community Fridge has ever known. We love her."