TTWK update

Some updates on recent and upcoming events.


Coronation Park Orchard

The incrEDIBLE Transition Town WK food growing group and Friends of Coronation Park have collaborated to plant a small community Orchard in the corner of the Park.  The Bardsey apple trees are a local, hardy variety which is known to withstand seaside locations. (See www.bardseyapple.co.uk for an interesting history of this amazing apple)


West Kirby Community Fire Station Bicycle Hub

The last 8 weeks have seen approximately 300 people attending the Bike Hub to get free cycle maps, free cycle security marking, and information about adult tuition, guided bike rides, and bike maintenance, (all free sessions) locally, as well as information on racing, tiathlon and mountain biking.

The hub was a great collaboration between TTWK, the fire station, Sustrans, CTC, Wirral Cycle Campaign, Merseyside Police and others.  Sharing information has given us the opportunity to set up a webpage in an effort to summarise all the local cycling opportunities.  Please have a look if you're interested in getting out on your bike this summer - www.wirralgroups.org.uk/cycle_hub.html


An Apple Avenue Micro Festival

This took place on the 28th April at Gilroy Community Allotment Site. The event - one of song, poetry, tea (and cake!) - ran from 2.30-4pm and was attended by about 30 local people.

Transition Town West Kirby, Crass Routes and Gilroy Road Community Allotments had together planted the avenue of apple trees lining the lane leading to the allotment, and a special sign sculpture by local artist Steve Gent, made from reclaimed materials, had been erected to mark the partnership’s achievement.
Craig and Rosemary from local folk band Shindig, led the singing and music, songs, poems and stories were shared. The Apple Avenue is intended to promote the Incredible Edible message, encourage us all to reduce food miles, support local shops... and being nice to each other.


incrEDIBLE Transition Town WK food growing group
Friday 24th May, 11.30-12.30 pm

Drop in and join our meeting in WK library to plan and coordinate present and future incrEDIBLE projects.
Regular community orchard maintenance sessions are in partnership with the Friends of Grange community Park (below Grange cemetery - between Black Horse Hill and Lang Lane ), normally on
 - the 2nd Saturday of the month 3-4pm and
 - the 4th Friday 10-11 am.(weather permitting)

Everybody welcome.  To find out more contact: Tel.625 9974 or Carola: 07724175779, email: ttwk.incredibleedible@gmail.com


West Kirby Farmers' Market
Saturday 25th May, 9am to 1pm

Come down and enjoy the great local food and fantastic atmosphere at the market in St Andrews's Church Hall, Graham Road this Saturday, and on the 4th Saturday of every month. We're always on the lookout for more volunteers to spend half an hour at the market from time to time - get in touch if you can help.  ttwk.food@gmail.com
www.westkirbyfarmersmarket.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/groups/westkirbyfarmersmarket
https://twitter.com/wkfarmersmarket


Free Family Cycle Ride
Saturday 1st June 11.30am - 2pm

Along the Wirral Way from West Kirby to Thurstaston & back. Approx 6 miles off road, return, at a leisurely pace, with a stop off at Thurstaston Visitor Centre for your picnic.
Meet on the grass outside the Swimming pool. Please ensure your bike is in working order, and bring spare inner tube, pump & tools in case of puncture.
Good idea to carry a drink & waterproofs. Helmets, very good idea but not obligatory.  No unaccompanied children under 14

Places limited - booking essential - contact Janet of CTC Two MIlls - twomills@ctcchesterandnorthwales.org.uk or tel:0771 928 2243


Tip Lane Apple Avenue
Saturday 8th June 1-2.30pm

Come and see our fantastic Apple Avenue in Tip Lane (by Gilroy Allotments/Nature Reserve), and join in with the incrEDIBLE Transition Town WK food growing group, mulching and staking apple trees.  Everyone Welcome.


Wirral Bikeathon
Sunday 9th June

Organisers are looking for more marshals to assist with the Wirral Bikeathon.
The Wirral Bikeathon, held annually in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, offers a route of 14 or 28 miles, starting from Arrowe Park. Acting as a marshal just entails standing on a corner to encourage and direct those taking part. There is no requirement to direct motor traffic. The presence of the marshals is much appreciated by the riders, many of whom are beginners and children with their parents. If anyone is able to help, then please would they contact Mike Waring by e-mail at mike@devicemark.co.uk  Information about the Bikeathon, also details regarding registration can be found online at www.wirralbikeathon.org.uk


Homegrown Bananas
Monday June 24th 5.30-7.30pm

Back by popular demand! We are developing our Songs on Toast and Sweet Dreams gatherings under the new name of Homegrown Bananas, involving more venues and meeting more often.

 Are you a budding musician, poet or storyteller who would like to share your talents in a friendly, family-orientated community venue? Then bring a song, poem or story to our next gathering at Toast (West Kirby Station) on Monday June 24th 5.30-7.30pm and at Sweet Pea Cafe (Acacia Grove) on Friday 19th July same time.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Homegrown-Bananas/454380174650721?fref=ts


Theories of Change Workshop
Saturday 6th July, 10:30 - 2:30pm

A workshop hosted by TTWK to introduce the Theories of Change approach to achieving a long term goal.  The workshop is open to anyone involved in a community group that would be interested in learning this technique for designing, planning and monitoring activities that will bring about the changes they are wanting to achieve.  Places are limited, however, and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.  Lunch and refreshments will be included.

In brief, Theory of Change asks:
1. What do we understand about how change happens?
2. What are the changes we want to achieve?
3. What are the steps we need to take to make these changes happen?
4. What indicators (visible/measurable signs) can we use to monitor how successful our work is?

Please email sue.povall@gmail.com if you want to join us.


What else is on locally in the next month?

Concerts, walks, talks, more bike rides, Spring Bank Holiday Seaside Fair in Coronation Gardens, children's events, Hoylake Community Cinema, Mad Hatter's Tea Party Big Lunch at Hoylake Community Centre, Wedding Fair at Melrose Hall, Craft Fair, Wirral Open Studio Tour and lots more.  See the What's On diary at  www.wirralgroups.org.uk for more details.