South West England Regional Assembly

A time to gather, reflect and make exciting plans for 2023. Let’s reconnect, rejuvenate and revel in the beauty of land, people and food.

OVERVIEW

We welcome members in the depths of January to gather with fellow landworkers at this year’s South-West Regional Assembly. Regional Assemblies are part of the LWAs democratic calendar for members, to provide a chance to share information from both the Organiser’s Assembly (OA) and AGM, so regional members can reflect on the year gone and think about their plans for the year ahead, in the context of the national picture. It’s a chance to make your voice heard, highlight any specific focuses for your region and strengthen your local networks over delicious food and drink. But most importantly it’s a time to come together, meet, catch up and hang out!

In the morning, we’ll meet at Schumacher College for a tour of Henri’s field (the main food-growing site for the College). There at two tours staggered by 30 mins so the group isn’t too big – you’ll be asked to opt into either hte 10.30am or 11am tour when you reserve your space. Then we’ll gather at the New Lion Brewery for a shared lunch and some workshops and break-out discussions in the afternoon. If there is anything you would like to contribute to the day, do get in touch and we’ll do our best to include it.

SCHEDULE

We are organising the regional assembly on the Sunday but feel free to make a weekend of it yourself and come early on Saturday to explore local projects and sites (see bottom of page for more info). Some of us will be meeting informally for food and drink on Saturday evening at the Barrel House pub in Totnes. Contact Jimmy on 07774911836 for details.

Sunday 22nd January, 10:30am-6pm

10.30am– Meet at Schumacher College

10.30am-11.30am – Tour 1 of Henri’s Field

11am – 12pm – Tour 2 of Henri’s Field

12.45pm – 2pm – Mystica and Lunch @ New Lion Brewery (we will provide lunch)

2pm – 4.30pm – Discussions and break-out groups – general reflections, feedback, looking forward

4.30 – 6pm – Closing remarks, music and chill

TICKETS

Tickets are free but we are asking for donations from those that are able, to help subsidise those who aren’t. Main costs include venue hire and lunch. We would also like to be able to support those who need it with transport and accommodation. If cost is a barrier in any way, please do reach out to us and we will help as best we can – email southwestlandworkersalliance@gmail.com.

TRANSPORT

Here is a lift share spreadsheet that people can use to arrange their own lifts.

If arriving by train: it is a 30 minute walk from Totnes train station to the New Lion Brewery; there is also a bus number 88 or 165 from near the train station that stops very close to the New Lion Brewery.

Please note: Schumacher College is a 10 minute walk from the New Lion Brewery.

If travel cost is a barrier to attending, please reach out to us and we will do what we can to support you with this – email southwestlandworkersalliance@gmail.com.

ACCOMMODATION

For those coming from further afield or those who would like to make a weekend of it, there are several accommodation options.

Here is a sleeping/crash share spreadsheet for those that can host people nearby and those looking for a place to sleep. If you are able to offer a place please do share it here.

Dartington hostel offers rooms from £35 per night but has a minimum of a two night stay.

A night at Darlington Hall is from £47 – if booked through booking.com

There is a Travelodge and a PremierInn nearby in Paignton which cost from £29.99 (Travelodge seems to be the cheaper).

Various other small scale hotels and b&bs can be found, again they all seem to be cheaper in the neighbouring towns of Buckfastleigh and Paignton.

If anyone has information on places for vans to park-up for the night do let us know.

FOOD

We will be providing lunch. If you have any dietary requirements please let us know via the Eventbrite registration form.

We hope some members can bring cake or other to satisfy those sweet teeth post lunch 🙂

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Weather suitable clothing for the tour.

Thoughts, ideas, feedback for your region.

Something for the LWA hearth and contributions to mystica if you would like – this could be some seeds, some produce, a poem or song, something you’ve crafted or found, or anything at all you’d like to share!

Cake for after lunch 🙂

A CALL FOR HELPERS AND IDEAS DURING THE EVENT

If anyone is available to help with odd jobs on the day please get in touch. Similarly if anyone would like to lead a short session or break-out group in the afternoon or have any ideas for stuff you would like to see happen please get in touch at southwestlandworkersalliance@gmail.com

ACCESSIBILITY

If you have any access and inclusivity queries or needs please do get in touch at southwestlandworkersalliance@gmail.com

Want to make a weekend out of it?

As there are so many incredible land-based enterprises and fascinating places to visit, we’d encourage anyone to make a weekend of it and come down on Saturday 21st. A list of suggested places to visit is below.

We’ll also be meeting at the Barrel House pub in Totnes on Saturday evening if anyone wanted to meet for some pub grub and pints. Please get in touch with Jimmy if you’d like to join – 07774911836

Things to do over the course of the weekend:

Dartington has a range of amazing tenants who farm the land in innovative ways that benefit the community. Check out some of the projects available to visit here.