Talking Tree Welcome to the Launch of Talking Tree Online - 23rd February 2021

Talking Tree
Welcome to the Launch of
   Talking Tree Online

    23rd February 2021

Talking Tree
A welcoming space for people to meet and
share skills, ideas, and information on the
issues that affect us all, including
   ●
     the climate and ecological emergency
   ●
     building stronger, more resilient
     communities
   ●
     access to food that is good for us and
     the planet.
   ●
     how we can protect our local
     environment and ensure future
     development meets the needs of the
     community.

Talking Tree Principles
●
  be welcoming and accessible to all.
●
  actively uphold both human rights and Earth rights.
●
  work for social, environmental and economic justice
  for all.
●
  work in a spirit of mutual aid, support and co-
  operation, building networks of autonomy within our
  community.
●
  have a clear and transparent decision making system.
●
  support direct/participatory democracy.
●
  value reflecting and learning, from others as well as
  from our own experiences.
●
  have transparent and open accounts.

Talking Tree Organisation
CIC with 3 Directors (Vanessa, Tony and   Chris)

Working Groups with Co-ordinators
    ●
         Cafe - Vanessa
    ●
         Marketing and Media - Suzanne
    ●
         Volunteers - Annie
    ●
         Events - Tony
Weekly meeting of Co-ordinators
Monthly open meeting for everyone

Progress
●
    A growing team of volunteers and links with
    other local groups.
●
    A lot of work done on the venue.
●
    Furniture and equipment donated.
●
    Funding raised and healthy bank balance.
●
    Organisational structures in place.
●
    Developing online presence.
●
    Have prepared & distributed vegan meals.

Challenges arising from Covid
●
    We have not been able to hold face to
    face meetings.
●
    Restricted numbers able to work on the
    refurbishment.
●
    Needed to find other ways to engage
    with people.
●
    We may be able to open the venue
    on12th April.

●
    The initial group
    met first in May
    2020

●
    In November we
    agreed a two
    year lease for the
    former betting
    shop in the
    centre of Staines

Since then
we have
been
working to
convert the
building
into Talking
Tree

Original interior

                    Progress to date

The cafe area

The new stage for live music
and other events

Exhibition wall

Cafe and Food

●
    Serving area being fitted out.
●
    Hiring the catering kitchen at St
    John’s in Egham, to use surplus
    food to prepare and distribute
    meals for people in need.
●
    Planning the Community Fridge
    to operate in Talking Tree.

Volunteers
●
    Now have increasing numbers signing
    up as volunteers.
●
    We have already delivered hundreds of
    volunteer hours.
●
    7 volunteers have completed food
    hygiene training.
●
    Volunteer application via website.
●
    Volunteer induction programme being
    developed.

Talking Tree Media and Marketing

●
    We have developed a website
    www.talkingtree.org.uk.
●
    We have Facebook and Instagram
    accounts.
●
    There have been 2 interviews on local radio.
●
    We are using the shop window to publicise
    Talking Tree and promote events.

Talking Tree Online

●
    Launched today.
●
    Promoted through the Talking Tree window,
    website and other social media channels.
●
    Zoom for discussion groups, book club, film club,
    live performances, with booking through
    Eventbrite.
●
    Website for exhibitions, displays, articles and
    posters.

Next Steps
●
    Complete the
    refurbishment of the
    venue.
●
    Continue the Talking Tree
    Online programme.
●
    Prepare and deliver food
    to people in need.
●
    Build partnerships across
    our community.
●
    Engage with campaigns
    to preserve and enhance
    the local environment.

Questions?

Keep in touch through www.talkingtree.org.uk

              Talking Tree