I don’t normally write about my work, but today I’m making an exception after a brilliant day in Droylsden  ( if you know Manchester, you’d have to agree it wouldn’t your first choice for a day out – no offence – I used to live just down the road and love going back). I was at an event for Third sector organisations (voluntary and community groups) as part of Tameside’s 10:10 Community Outreach. I love it when organisations “get” what the 10:10 Campaign is all about (it makes my job easier), and today was the perfect example of how to “do” 10:10.

The day kicked off with a superb post Copenhagen presentation from two old friends of mine, Jonathan Atkinson and Pete Abel called “What’s Going On and Why I should be Bothered”. They filled us in on the latest news about Manchester’s own plans and achievements and spoke about how “we”, that is individuals. community groups, businesses etc all need to step up a gear and promote our achievements. I tried to tweet it as they went along, but was too keen on taking part. The session was filmed and Jonathan has promised me a copy, so hopefully I’ll upload it here soon.

Next up was Tameside Council’s Energy Officers who ran a session on taking the first steps to reducing your energy demand. This was a lively session, full of great ideas from the participants and a perfect introduction to 10:10, even better because I didn’t need to say anything or do anything apart from say thanks for promoting the campaign so well – and with such enthusiasm!

Special mention must go to the team from MERCi, who already run a scheme to promote sustainability and carbon reduction to third sector organisations in the region called Sustaining Change and to Tanya and Andrew from GMCVO who did a good job of handling the post lunch “graveyard shift” with a quick run through their own experiences of having an energy audit and drawing up an action plan.

Unfortunately I didn’t stay for the quick audit of the building, instead I headed home.

Thanks to all the organisers for a great day, a delicicious lunch and some great inspiration for community carbon reduction.