m RSA conf 013Unleashing Potential – Building a better society.

The RSA East of England Conference on 29th June, at the CMS in Cambridge, was a great day to engage with members of the community and with Fellows on how we can make a difference.

Over 100 delegates attended and the focus was on Urbanism, Education,Community and Sustainability.

A creatively laid out Market Place held stalls with information about a huge number of initiatives and activities taking place in the East. From Cambridge to Colchester, the activities are widespread and diverse. The RSA Catalyst fund is already supporting new ideas and initiatives such as Vertical Allotments and People’s Pantry.

Main speakers were Vikki Heywood Chair of the RSA’s Trustee Board and John Bird –Social Entrepreneur and leader of The Big Issue. The conference was introduced by East of England Chair, Malcolm Noble.

m RSA conf 002SmithMartin Partnership were part of the organising team and as part of our work presented a display of children’s book illustrations from MA students at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.

Our colleague and social entrepreneur Roger Fowles was part of The Market Place, demonstrating weaving and how to develop a craft into a sustainable business with an ethical dimension.

There was a buzz and a forward thinking enthusiasm about the day and the challenge now is to maintain and develop that into a network for the future of the Eastern region.

Sue Martin FRSA

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