FFN May 2024 Update
About time I updated the wider network on what’s happening in 2024.
This update will cover:
Where we’re at with the residency and communal eating project
An invitation to view the residency proposal
What support’s been offered so far?
How to keep abreast of the project
Linking the FFN with the medical practice via the Green Voice
Improve filming skills and confidence with a free workshop
Just to recap, the FFN is entering into its second residency with Future Shed, with the objective of creating a temporary (if not more permanent!) communal eating space for Frome. Inspired by The Long Table, it will most likely resemble a canteen serving delicious, affordable, familiar, and nutritious food.
The network’s currently at the discussion stage to work out what this might look like more logistically – where could it be held (the football club is looking like a good candidate), who would like to support it, and what facets would be good to have as part of the scheme to help it fulfil its objectives?
The residency proposal
In order to be considered for a residency programme with Future Shed, I drew up a proposal outlining why Frome could benefit from it, especially from a climate and health perspective (these being the non-negotiable tenets of entering into a residency).
It also helps provide a bit of context as to where the idea came from, and what kind of research / understanding we have to date. You can read it, sans the rather confidential budget, here.
Though now approved, please note the proposal is largely still in its original form and as such is subject to changes.
Support offered so far
At the network’s spring social in April, a dozen people met to learn about the plans for the project, and comment on how it might progress.
There were some great suggestions, which included: making sure dishes are recognisable; surrounding the eating tables with pop-up community stalls; and focusing on holding the project at one venue rather than several (as was part of the original proposal).
Support was also offered from an admin and costing side, and in helping develop a delivery option, should that turn out to be appropriate.
Additionally, it’s likely help is needed on the marketing / social media front. Cheffing, too.
Other expressions of interest as to how you might like to support the project are greatly welcomed. We want to fund people’s time as well as possible – the budget has been set to account for both paid and voluntary roles.
Next opportunity for discussion
Keep June the 5th 7:30pm as a date for your diary. There will be a summer social of sorts, with the aim that by the end of it, we’ll have a name, roadmap, and a better idea of additional support for the project.
More details on that to come.
Ongoing opportunity for discussion
The role of the Mighty Networks channel is evolving into one more specific to individual projects. If you’re interested in contributing to or keeping tabs on the communal eating project, I thoroughly recommend making sure you're in there – it’s about to get a lot busier.
‘Green Voice’ needs a voice
The ‘Green Voice’ – a role established as a go-between between the medical practice and community networks – needs someone to take up its mantle to link in with the FFN. Could you be that person? There’s a £150 fee to cover someone’s time, which should take no more than a day. If that’s of interest, send me an email for more info.
Need to brush up on video storytelling?
The Green & Healthy programme is offering free tuition to help people up their filming and editing skills. Mostly, the offer is suited to those looking to contribute to Green & Healthy storytelling – whether through their own channels or as part of a network affiliated with Future Shed.
The workshops, led by filmmaker Alex Doe, take place on May 23rd and June 21st.