There was me thinking I was being confident putting out 20 chairs when over 60 people turned out last night instead to watch new documentary Permaculture: The Growing Edge, directed by Starhawk and Donna Read. The Transition Glastonbury Food Group and myself were in awe as seats continued to fill and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came.

The film explored how permaculture is being used around the world from inner city gardens to cleaning up oil spills with mushrooms.

Following the film was a talk by local world-renowned permaculture designer, teacher and author, Patrick Whitefield. Patrick explored the definition and roots of permaculture and engaged the audience by inspiring us all to participate through the miracle of growing our own food.

Linda Hull from local charity Somerset Community Food then talked about the support available locally to actually help us get growing. She introduced the charity's Food Mapper website, where users can find their local growing spaces, such as allotments, as well as register their interest in looking for land. Users can also find local producers and growing initiatives all over Somerset. She also described some of the support available from Somerset Community Food, such as free growing training and their upcoming grants scheme.

Overall it was a fantastic night and truly inspiring to hear people leave talking about permaculture and discussing the film. For those that attended, some of the links mentioned through the evening are below. Pictures will follow shortly, but once again a massive thanks from the Transition Glastonbury Food Group to Patrick, Linda and everyone who came from across Somerset to hear about the positive, solutions-focused growing permaculture movement and all the local action taking place in our county. Also a big thank you to Tor Leisure for hosting us.