TTR Informal Meetings
The group meets around every six weeks at different locations.
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Our Next Meeting is:
On: At: From: 7.30-9.00p.m. Our Next Work Party at the Whitenap Community Orchard is: On: At: . From: Our Next Work Party at the Station Community Allotment is: On: Monday, June 22nd, 2026 At: Back of the Railway Station From: 6.30p.m. All are welcome to come along. Please email [email protected] if you would like to join us at any event, or if you would like more details.. |
ROMSEY FESTIVAL 2026 - Bottle Top Trail
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Who made the Mosaics ?
The mosaics were designed according to the types and colours of bottle tops collected. Each group was given a 1m 20cm x 80cm board with a design painted on it, along with enough bottle tops to complete the picture. The glue used was 'bathroom sealant' which is waterproof and will stick plastic.
Some of the workshops were run by members of TTR and other groups were instructed how best to do it and they then ran the workshops themselves.
The mosaics were designed according to the types and colours of bottle tops collected. Each group was given a 1m 20cm x 80cm board with a design painted on it, along with enough bottle tops to complete the picture. The glue used was 'bathroom sealant' which is waterproof and will stick plastic.
Some of the workshops were run by members of TTR and other groups were instructed how best to do it and they then ran the workshops themselves.
The groups which took part are:
1. Transition Town Romsey
The dragonfly, which is the logo for TTR, was the first mosaic to be made to try out the techniques involved - so if it hadn't worked, none of the others would have been made !! It is now displayed in the community allotment and starts the trail.
1. Transition Town Romsey
The dragonfly, which is the logo for TTR, was the first mosaic to be made to try out the techniques involved - so if it hadn't worked, none of the others would have been made !! It is now displayed in the community allotment and starts the trail.
2. Dimensions
Dimensions (UK) Ltd is a charitable registered society supporting people with learning disabilities and autism. Residents and staff from one of its supported-living houses in Romsey spent an afternoon making this mosaic with members of Transition Town Romsey. After the Festival they will display the mosaic at their house.
3. Cupernham Infant School
The butterfly was created by the children of Years R, 1 & 2 at Cupernham Infant School. Every child added a bottle top to make it unique. The children are incredibly proud of their finished artwork and hope everyone in our local community enjoys it as much as they do.
4. Romsey Family Support Group
The mosaic was created by a group of mums who attend Romsey Family Support Group, alongside a member of staff. The project provided a wonderful opportunity for the mums to work together creatively, share ideas, and enjoy spending time with one another.
Romsey Family Support Group supports parents of pre-school children who may be experiencing a difficult time and would benefit from friendship, encouragement, and practical support. Families attend our group to build confidence, reduce isolation, meet other parents, and access a welcoming environment where they can share experiences and develop supportive friendships. While the children enjoy activities in our safe and stimulating crèche, parents have the opportunity to take some time for themselves, connect with others, and access support when needed.
Taking part in community projects such as the Bottle Top Trail helps our mums feel connected to the wider community and gives them a chance to contribute to something positive that can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike.
5. Halterworth School Association
The Hungry Caterpillar was created by many small hands by pupils from across the year groups at Halterworth Primary School. Collecting and using the recycled materials allowed them to see that just like a caterpillar grows and changes, we can help our planet grow greener by reusing, creating and caring for our world together. They poured their artistic imagination, teamwork and eco‑friendly creativity into this beautiful Hungry Caterpillar mosaic — a colourful celebration of nature, storytelling and sustainable crafting. Soon, this joyful artwork will be proudly displayed in the Year R outdoor play area, where children can admire it every day — a reminder that caring for the planet and creating beautiful things often go hand in hand; recycled treasures can become something magical when little hands work together.
The Hungry Caterpillar was created by many small hands by pupils from across the year groups at Halterworth Primary School. Collecting and using the recycled materials allowed them to see that just like a caterpillar grows and changes, we can help our planet grow greener by reusing, creating and caring for our world together. They poured their artistic imagination, teamwork and eco‑friendly creativity into this beautiful Hungry Caterpillar mosaic — a colourful celebration of nature, storytelling and sustainable crafting. Soon, this joyful artwork will be proudly displayed in the Year R outdoor play area, where children can admire it every day — a reminder that caring for the planet and creating beautiful things often go hand in hand; recycled treasures can become something magical when little hands work together.
6. Romsey Young Carers
Members of RYC Friendship Club, aged 8-9 years, completed the ‘Snail’ mosaic at one of their after-school clubs.
Young carers are children and young people whose lives are affected by caring for a family member who has long term illness or disability, mental health problems or issues with drugs and alcohol. Romsey Young Carers is a charity which provides safe spaces for young carers to discuss concerns, get support and have fun.
7. Romsey Young Carers
Members of RYC ‘Stepping-Stones’ club, aged 10-11 years, completed the ‘Ladybird’ mosaic at one of their after-school clubs. Young carers are children and young people whose lives are affected by caring for a family member who has long term illness or disability, mental health problems or issues with drugs and alcohol. Romsey Young Carers is a charity which provides safe spaces for young carers to discuss concerns, get support and have fun.
8. Romsey Men's Shed
In addition to making the backing boards for the mosaics, some members of the Romsey Men's Shed also had a go at making the 'Swan'. Over the past decade, Romsey Men’s Shed has provided friendship, companionship, practical activities and support for many local men, becoming an important part of the Romsey community. Activities include walks, talks, making items to sell, community projects and fixing items at their monthly ‘Repair Shed’. Members contributed to this project by making the boards to display the mosaics. Some members also learnt a new skill—and made the swan mosaic.
9. Greenbuttercup Dementia Services
The ‘Forget-me-Not’ is the recognised global flower-symbol for Dementia awareness—representing remembrance, hope and support for those affected. This mosaic was made by members of Greenbuttercup Dementia Service’s ‘Arts & Crafts’ Group. 2026 is the 10th year that low-cost activity groups for those living with Dementia and their relatives/carers have been run on Friday mornings. Groups are held throughout the year and are open to those with any stage of Dementia.
10. Romsey Methodist Church
The sunflower was made by those attending a half-term holiday craft session at the church. Romsey Methodist Church offers crafts, activities and play space for families during every school holiday. Sessions run on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings alongside the Beacon Café. There’s no need to book—just drop in and enjoy creative activities for the children, along with homemade cake and snacks. Each holiday brings a new theme, so do look out for what’s coming up on our website and social media.
All are very welcome—whether you’re looking for something to do with the children or missing regular groups during the holidays.
This is the week that all the mosaics will be put up around Romsey. From Saturday July 4th you will be able to follow the trail from the community allotment at the back of the railway station (alongside the slope leading from Platform 1) to the Romsey Methodist Church on the Hundred.
The project has turned out to be a real community event with local people being involved at many different stages by:- acting as a collection point; collecting bottle tops; washing & sorting literally hundreds of bottle tops; making the backing boards; painting the designs; running workshops to make the mosaics; making the mosaics; acting as a venue on the trail; putting up posters; and distributing leaflets.
A big 'Thank-You' to everyone who has been involved at whatever stage.
29 June 2026
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Most of the mosaics have now been completed and just need a few 'touch-ups'. Here's a sneak preview of some of the amazing creations: |
The appeal for bottle tops has been very successful and no more are now needed.
8 May 2026
For this year's Romsey Festival, Transition Town Romsey are organising a series of workshops to make mosaics from plastic bottle tops.
Plastic has become a bit of a hot topic due to the huge amount of waste that is ending up in the oceans and in turn entering the food chain - as fish and other animals come across it and eat it directly, or as small parts contaminate their food.
This project addresses the issue of plastic recycling, by making the public aware of just how many plastic bottle tops go to waste. Those collecting the tops will become aware of how many are now securely attached to bottles which, along with advancements in recycling technology and improved sorting processes, means the chances of plastic escaping into the environment have decreased significantly.
The aims of the project are:
- To demonstrate how plastic waste can be turned into something beautiful;
- To involve the general public in collecting bottle tops which they can then discover as mosaics later in July
- To increase the inclusivity of the Festival by inviting community groups to take part, who will then visit Romsey to view their work
- To make is accessible as possible to all – no cost to view/walkable trail for those with no mobility problem and several close together for those with mobility issues
A Test Valley Borough Council Councillors' Community Grant was successfully submitted to cover the costs of the materials needed to make the boards and display them.
The following groups have confirmed their interest in taking part:
- TTR
- Greenbuttercup Dementia Services
- Romsey Family Support Group
- Romsey Young Carers (2)
- Dimensions Supported Housing
- Men’s Shed
- Cupernham Infants School
- Halterworth School
A Poster has been distributed on social media (TTR and Romsey) with collection points at:
- Library
- Appletree Centre
- Community Pantry
- Royal British Legion
- Golden Gecko
- Halterworth School
- Cupernham School
- Romsey Town Hall
- Curves Gym
March 2026
'SMALL WORLDS'
As a follow-on from the Climate Unity Project run by HCC in previous years, community art from Romsey will be displayed this year at Winchester Gallery's Small Worlds' exhibition.
Three community groups from Romsey have made contributions towards an installation which will be on display at Winchester Gallery from 11th July to 16th August 2025. The large-scale installation of hundreds of 3D ‘Globes’ created by artists, communities and schools explores how we connect to nature, how we feel about climate and how we can use creativity to collectively express themes and issues that affect us all. The project has been run in conjunction with Hampshire County Council. Romsey Young Carers, Greenbuttercup Dementia Services and Transition Town Romsey made ‘Globes’ during May and June for the installation.
A group of 30 Romsey Young Carers and their families were asked to think about the effects of climate change on the weather. ‘Weather’ was chosen as a topic as it is one of the most visual aspects of climate change, which the Young Carers can see daily. We talked about how little rain there has been this Spring, and many had already heard talk of a ‘hosepipe ban’. In contrast they agreed how much hotter the sun had been. Although most of the children considered ‘snow’ to be their favourite kind of weather, in recent years little has been seen in this area, and many of the children had never experienced playing in the snow. We acknowledged that all these observations are linked to climate change. Snow, ice, sun, drought, rain, hailstones, thunder & lightening and clouds are all represented. The most popular theme, however, was a mix of several kinds of weather with many suggesting that climate change meant we had no idea what the weather was going to be like, and that we could easily have several kinds of weather in one day and sometimes all at one time. The individual globes made by the Young Carers represent the different forms of weather and are made with natural or salvaged materials. We used two clear yoghurt pots to make the ‘sphere’ and then filled them with recycled and salvaged materials. Any ‘new’ materials used had have been left over from other projects - nothing was bought specifically for this project.
As a follow-on from the Climate Unity Project run by HCC in previous years, community art from Romsey will be displayed this year at Winchester Gallery's Small Worlds' exhibition.
Three community groups from Romsey have made contributions towards an installation which will be on display at Winchester Gallery from 11th July to 16th August 2025. The large-scale installation of hundreds of 3D ‘Globes’ created by artists, communities and schools explores how we connect to nature, how we feel about climate and how we can use creativity to collectively express themes and issues that affect us all. The project has been run in conjunction with Hampshire County Council. Romsey Young Carers, Greenbuttercup Dementia Services and Transition Town Romsey made ‘Globes’ during May and June for the installation.
A group of 30 Romsey Young Carers and their families were asked to think about the effects of climate change on the weather. ‘Weather’ was chosen as a topic as it is one of the most visual aspects of climate change, which the Young Carers can see daily. We talked about how little rain there has been this Spring, and many had already heard talk of a ‘hosepipe ban’. In contrast they agreed how much hotter the sun had been. Although most of the children considered ‘snow’ to be their favourite kind of weather, in recent years little has been seen in this area, and many of the children had never experienced playing in the snow. We acknowledged that all these observations are linked to climate change. Snow, ice, sun, drought, rain, hailstones, thunder & lightening and clouds are all represented. The most popular theme, however, was a mix of several kinds of weather with many suggesting that climate change meant we had no idea what the weather was going to be like, and that we could easily have several kinds of weather in one day and sometimes all at one time. The individual globes made by the Young Carers represent the different forms of weather and are made with natural or salvaged materials. We used two clear yoghurt pots to make the ‘sphere’ and then filled them with recycled and salvaged materials. Any ‘new’ materials used had have been left over from other projects - nothing was bought specifically for this project.
Greenbuttercup Dementia Services is represented by a group of people living with Dementia and their carers/relatives, who regularly attend a monthly ‘Arts & Crafts’ activity group in Romsey. Participants were asked to think about their connection with nature and the environment, and where they felt most ‘at one with nature’. This could be somewhere that they could no longer go, for example, up mountains, or somewhere closer to home like their garden. The group members were then given magazines to look through and asked to find pictures which showed their chosen place. This part of the workshop enabled group members to reminisce about things they had done, places they had been, and things they had seen. Participants selected pictures from the magazines and then used clear circular lids to ‘frame’ the part they wanted to cut out. Each person cut out several circular pictures and then stuck them together to form 3D folded paper spheres. The spheres made range in diameter from 7 to 14 cm.
As part of the worldwide ‘Transition Movement’, volunteer-run Transition Town Romsey (TTR) was formed in 2009 to address the twin issues of peak oil and climate change. Over the years, the approach has changed from one of helping to increase awareness of these two issues, to suggesting ways that local people can personally help combat climate change. One of the ways in which TTR has been able to engage with the residents of Romsey, is the promotion of the importance of pollinators and other beneficial insects. On a number of occasions in recent years, workshops have been put on to make bee and bug hotels - to encourage the general public to help the insects. It has proved to be a successful way to get people involved – especially children – and there must now be many gardens around Romsey with a home-made bee hotel. So, for this project, TTR’s sphere is a bug hotel. It is made from two old hanging baskets filled with natural material found in and around the house and garden. Surplus plant pots hold the plant material in place. These would ideally be clay pots rather than plastic, but this would have made the sphere heavier and harder to hang. The chicken wire is reclaimed, and nothing has been bought to make this bug hotel.
Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to view banners and posters about climate justice and look at examples of Climate related research by university of Southampton. There will also be a ‘creation station’ where anyone can drop in during opening times and create a globe to add to the exhibition.
The exhibition is open Tuesday – Friday 12-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm at Park Avenue, Winchester School of Art, Winchester. SO23 8DL
Further information is available from the Gallery E: [email protected] F: The Winchester Gallery I: @the.winchester.gallery
June 2025
The exhibition is open Tuesday – Friday 12-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm at Park Avenue, Winchester School of Art, Winchester. SO23 8DL
Further information is available from the Gallery E: [email protected] F: The Winchester Gallery I: @the.winchester.gallery
June 2025