Totnes’ First Community Assembly a Buzzing Success!

22nd October 2025 Larch Maxey

There was a real buzz in Totnes Methodist Church Hall last Wednesday (15th October), as the area’s 1st Community Assembly saw more than 80 residents turn up to share food, build friendships and have their say on what matters most to them. Attendees of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives deliberated on the town’s biggest priorities — from local NHS services and youth provision to affordable housing, food, and climate.

Different perspectives were raised

Two Assembly Members voting on the questions to be taken forward

Totnes Area Community Assembly is a chance for everyone to come together, meet neighbours, listen and be heard, so that residents can really shape what happens locally. Despite the wide range of opinions, on Wednesday, voices were only ever raised in response to the volume of enthusiastic chatter in the hall thanks, in part, to the team of trained facilitators who ensured all voices were heard. Fiona Green, 82, a Totnes resident for 67 years and renowned artist said the event had ‘a buzz of energy that didn’t subside until the end, two hours later. I learned so much about our town and what the folk here see as vital to wellbeing.’

At the other end of the age spectrum, Mika Cassingham-Tourell, 21, a Poet who lives in Totnes said: “I was really excited to see the breadth in knowledge and questioning that we each brought to the assembly. The issues became more whole once they had been discussed. Different perspectives were raised that were vital for a better understanding of each topic. I left happy and hopeful to see how many people care and are ready to work to be heard”

The Assembly had a real community feel helped in part by volunteers bringing food to share

The top 3 questions identified by Totnes’ first Assembly were:

How to empower communities to secure affordable, sustainable housing
How to change power structures to build a resilient, inclusive local food system
How younger people can be supported and contribute to decisions.

The first two assemblies will identify what the key questions people wish to address, what topics matter most to them and therefore what future issue based assemblies should focus on. The next Community Assembly will be on Sunday, 26th October, 2-4 pm at St John’s Church, Bridgetown TQ9 5AB Doors, drinks, food to share from 1.30 pm. All welcome. Tickets available free here on Eventbrite.

The First topic based assembly, with expert input will take place 2-4pm on Sunday December 7th

To book your place on any forthcoming Assembly or find out more visit www.timetoassemble.org/totnes

Those unable to attend in person can also have their say with the Totnes Community Assembly survey

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScsg9R9TvoTlGvxU_nIQzPL0NKcNSd08wYKbw7SUXDRS2RcJw/viewform

There is also a Totnes Community Assembly Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/share/1GXw66suwb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: TotnesCommunityAssembly@gmail.com