SALISBURY’S new Transition group got off to a flying start at the Guildhall on Saturday.

The launch event attracted a stream of visitors interested in living a greener lifestyle and eager to find out more about subjects ranging from building a carbon-neutral house to hydro-energy, creating a wildlife garden, and community car-sharing clubs.

Transition groups from as far afield as Totnes in Devon and Kingston-upon-Thames showcased what they have achieved and local organisations taking part included the Allotment Holders’ Association, the Greenspace Partnership, South Wilts Bio Diversity Group and the cycling group COGS.

Among the visitors were MP John Glen and the Mayor, Andrew Roberts.

Forty new members were signed up, and chairman Cheryl Hill said: “I am over the moon. We had some great speakers and people seemed really excited by what they saw and heard. There was a real buzz in the air.”

The next meeting will be on Wednesday at the Avon Brewery pub in Castle Street. People can turn up from 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

n Salisbury’s community car share club hOURCARS was present at the launch to promote its expansion plans.

The club has been operatinged for a decade and has recently won funding from the Department for Transport and the Salisbury Area Board to enable a further vehicle to be based near St Paul’s roundabout.