Fossil Fools Day! (first meeting) 6/3/09

These posts are about a placement I was involved with throughout March (2009), with the final event on the 1st April 2009.

About Fossil Fools Day: (Totnes- South Devon)
" We will be using the day to draw attention to the escalating and insane use of fossil fuels despite the possibility of runaway climate change and imminent peak oil. We are planning a fun street event to catch the eye of shoppers and the media. Ideas include marching 'Old King Coal' up the hill for a public trial for climate crimes before a public execution (or locking in the stocks if the pacifists get their way!)" Chris Bird- Director of Transition Town (Totnes)


I got involved in this event as I am very passionate about the environment, and believe that everyone should do their bit towards making this world a better place for other generations. If you don't believe me- watch the film "WALLIE", although, hopefully we will not end up like that! I am also a good organiser when it comes to getting things done.

Aims and Objectives of this placement:

1. To be involved in a community project, and with my skills, bring it to a conclusion.

2. To test my organisational skills when things might go wrong on the way.

3. To communicate on a professional level with people of authority whom I dont know.

4 To understand the planning that comes from planning a community event.

I have uploaded the meetings before the event (4 in total) and an conclusion/evaluation.



6th March 2009
(Next meeting- 20th March 2009)

Working alongside Transition Town, Totnes. www.totnes.transitionnetwork.org/central/bulletin/home
Caz Martin-Brown, Laura Harrison, Hannah Nutbeem (from South Devon College), Chris Bird (organiser), Michael Hughes, Gionno Rose.

This was an initial meeting to discuss our ideas for the ‘Fossil Fools Day’, held on the first of April at around midday in Totnes. (see details below.)
We (those listed above), had a meeting to discuss how we were going to set up the day, get the media involved, and try and get our point across in the most informative and entertaining way possible.
Many suggestions were past round, and these were then formulated into a plan of action.
The main aim: Create a striking image of coal as a major cause of climate change – and have fun!

On April 1st, around midday, Transition Town would like to display a parade and put ‘Ole’ King Cole’, (coal) on trial for crimes against nature and the environment.
One of our ideas, was to get the primary schools involved, if there some children, we could dress them up and they could be parading next to Cole. Possibly dressed in colours of the elements (?). We also thought about having a town crier, to get some of our audience (passers-by) to take notice. Once we have paraded up through the centre of the town, we will put ‘King Cole’ on trial and accuse him of crimes against the environment. For this section, we came up with the idea of making headbands of the various elements, (sun, sky, sea, nature ect) made of felt (or something) and then having a speech, already prepared of what those elements are going to say. We thought about getting some of the passers-by to stand up on the podium and say them. This is purely for interaction. Then the audience can have their say about what should happen to ‘King Cole’, possibly to be put in stocks, or a verbal public apology, it depends.

A list of tasks to do before the next meeting:

-Contacting schools to participate

- Script ideas for 'trial'

- Look at and develop costume ideas

-Write 'Ole' King Cole' chant

- Looking into sponsorship

Looks like we have alot to be getting on with!!

(last year's poster)

Initial thoughts after this meeting:

Before this meeting, I was slightly apprehensive as to what the organiser's expected out of us. I wanted to take part because of my passion for the environment, and to help with my organisational skills. I realised as soon as we started the meeting, the organisers were literally leaving it up to the volunteers to come up with all the arrangements for this event to go ahead. I'm hoping the other volunteers are reliable, because I don't see how this can work with less than a month to plan it!