Transition Llambed (Lampeter)

Hub England & Wales

Number of people in group:

3

We have not had any events or activities this year (apart from the twice-monthly market).

Group started:

2008

Paid roles?

No

Legal Structure:

Unconstituted (a group of individuals)

How active is your group?

Somewhat Active

Live Projects:

• Community Growing
• Community hub or activities
• Share, Repair or reuse
• Other

Lampeter Transition Initiative is named “Transition Llambed”, a combination of the English word ‘Transition’ and the colloquialism ‘Llambed’ which is the informal Welsh name for Lampeter – formally, Llanbedr Pont Steffan.

Following a packed meeting in 2007 at which Rob Hopkins spoke, Transition Llambed was launched. Over the next 3 years, having gained an RDP grant, in partnership with Menter Llambed and Ymlaen Ceredigion, we developed an Energy Descent Action Plan – and put on numerous films and discussions, workshops and other awareness-raising events. Subsequently we applied successfully for funds to develop the Victoria Hall in Lampeter as a community hub.

As hoped, and in line with Transition principles of subsidiarity, initial meetings at the Hall became a springboard from which other local initiatives took off, such as Trawslink campaigning to re-open the Carmarthen-Aberystwyth rail line; Celf Llambed, bringing live and local music to Lampeter; and the Lampeter Food Project, where volunteers create a weekly community meal from local food surplus. A twice-monthly market in the Hall hosted and celebrated local food and craft producers, as well as Lampeter Seed Library.

As with many community movements and organisms, Transition Llambed has experienced periods of greater and lesser energy in building on community resilience, but it has always had a close connection with Lampeter Permaculture Group and has also aimed to work closely with the Town Council and University.

Prior to Covid-19 the active projects were: * the very popular monthly local newsletter Grapevine * the twice-monthly market * a well-established joint film group, showing films of hope to raise awareness and stimulate local action * a local seed library started in November 2017 by LPG, to establish a stock of locally grown and saved seed, which is affiliated to the Gaia Foundation’s UK & Ireland Seed Sovereignty Project * the launch of an Incredible Edible initiative in the town * the beginnings of a regular Repair Café to share and grow skills.

Covid and other developments had a major impact on Transition Llambed’s activities: the Hall came under different management and no longer has a direct link to Transition, although the new management team in 2024 espouse many principles aligned to Transition.

The Market moved to an outdoor venue in 2020 and was one of the earliest in the area to do so. After operating solely by post during lockdown, the Seed Library moved with the Market and is currently hosted by the University. The Food Project has moved to other premises and continues to support a large part of the local community. Incredible Edible is still present in town but desperately in need of new volunteers. Transition Llambed activities are now mainly information-sharing: there are plans to revive the Grapevine, as it is sorely missed.

Come and join us – ymunwch â ni! We actively welcome Welsh speakers and want to develop and grow bilingually.