Carbon Cutters action groups

Dear all,

This is an invitation to join one of four small groups of people who are going to really make something happen in Abingdon, and about something you care about.

The BikeWeek Group did a fantastic job this summer of making us visible in town, and getting people to think about using their bikes more instead of their cars. The model that really worked was of a group which decides when, where and how often to meet to suit themselves, and keeps in touch by email in between.

If you have enthusiasm and/or expertise to bring to any of the groups below, (you don't need both!!), GET IN TOUCH WITH THE CONVENER to express an interest, and try to get to the first meeting, where the future meeting times and places will be decided. You are not committing yourself at this stage!

Energy Group: practical ways of helping people save energy; and how about a mini hydro in Abingdon?
Contact: Richard at richard.riggs@iee..org Ab. 521931

Schools Group: helping to bring environmental issues into the curriculum ..... ecoschools
Contact: Cliff at candpmarshall@btinternet.com Ab. 530480

Food Group: growing, harvesting, storing, eating, sharing, and not wasting food.
Contact: Susie at susiehoward1@googlemail.com, Ab. 533278

Bike Group: Bike week and encouraging bike use; reducing car use, using buses, walking.
Contact: Eleanor at eledanger@hotmail.com Ab. 531857


Come and get involved and join in the fun!

And a reminder of our Autumn programme:

Weds 21 Oct, “How to measure your carbon footprint”: practical help
Weds 18 Nov, “How to have an ecoChristmas”: practical suggestions
Weds 16 Dec, “Carbon Cutters Christmas feast”: bring and share

All at 7.30pm at St Ethelwold's House, 30 East St Helen Street.

Contacts: Susie on 01235 533278, or Sally at sallyreynolds@btinternet.com
... Read this ...

Oxfordshire ClimateXchange update

Check out the fantastic number of meetings, groups and initiatives happening in Oxfordshire this Autumn! It's truly humbling (and not a little overwhelming). Hopefully we can be represented at most - do let other people in this group know if you are going to any particular one, and give feedback to the carbon.cutters@googlemail.com address so that it can go on the blog.

The latest news and upcoming events from ClimateXchange. Also available on www.climatex.org

A proper autumnal welcome to the ClimateXchange update – featuring your opportunity to invest in Low Carbon West Oxford’s share offer, and introduction to the numbers game – featuring 10:10, 350 and tcktcktck – in the Countdown to Copenhagen. Talking of which, the meeting hosted by Oxfordshire Climate Alliance on 3^rd September saw an impressive turn out of 77 people representing over 35 groups across Oxfordshire – all discussing how we could work together to raise the profile of the importance of the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen and beyond. Some Action dates have been planned (see events below), and there will be further opportunities to come together and discuss throughout the autumn.

Happy reading, and if you would like to contribute please email jo@climatex.org by 12^th October

1. IN THE NEWS OVER THE SUMMER

1.1 Wind Turbine

Oxford City Council has earmarked a potential site for a wind turbine, and aims to submit a planning application by 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8210840.stm

1.2 Opportunity to invest in West Oxford Community Renewables Ltd (WOCR): A sister organisation to Low Carbon West Oxford (LCWO)

Residents in West Oxford have set up West Oxford Community Renewables Ltd (WOCR), a Green Building Society, to slash local CO2 emissions and help combat climate change. Shares cost £1 each and are available in groups of 10, 250, 1,000 or 20,000. All the share capital raised will be spent on community-owned renewable energy schemes in West Oxford.

The electricity generated by these schemes will be sold and the income used to fund community projects run by Low Carbon West Oxford, which will further reduce C02 emissions.

Anyone can buy shares for further info and to request a prospectus email lowcarbon.hotmail.co.uk, see www.lowcarbonwestoxford.org.uk or phone Lois Muddiman on 01865 203550. Come to the Event at Science Oxford on 23^rd September (see below)

1.3 10:10 – have you joined up?

10:10 is a national drive by individuals and organisations to cut carbon emissions by 10% during 2010. 10:10 is a project from the team behind the climate blockbuster The Age of Stupid. Anyone can sign up to 10:10, from ordinary people, schools and hospitals to councils and government departments, from corner shops to high street banks and from scout troops to premiere league football clubs. Recent sign ups have included ClimateXchange, Oxford City Council, the NHS, the Cabinet…. Sign up today: www.1010uk.org

1.4 350.org - have announced October 24^th as a Global day of Action http://www.350.org/ - there will be events in Oxford

1.5 tcktcktck is another global campaign focusing on Copenhagen – their Day of Action is 21^st September – see Oxford events below, and check their website http://tcktcktck.org

1.6 IIED adaptation costs report
The International Institute for Environment and Development published research to suggest that the global costs of adaptation may be 2 or 3 times greater than previous estimates. The report can be viewed at http://www.iied.org/pubs/display.php?o=11501IIED, and some of the media coverage is at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8224823.stm

1.7 Lightbulb campaigner in Witney - Richard Mackenzie has launched a one-man campaign to turn the lights out in Witney.

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/4554835.Bright_idea_for_shops/

1.8 The wisdom of crowds - Climate change is inherently a social problem — so why have sociologists been so slow to study it? Kerri Smith reports.

Article in Nature:

http://www.nature.com/climate/2009/0908/full/climate.2009.73.html

1.9 And a question from the ClimateX website:

How do perceptions of Climate Change differ between age groups?

A researcher posted this question: Do you think younger or older people are more likely to take action to tackle climate change problems. It would be really interesting to hear you views and experiences? Thanks

Responses welcome here: http://climatex.org/forums/climate-change-in-media/58/

2. RESOURCES

2.1 The Eco-transport resource: www.oxoncarts.com have just revamped their website – take a look – then take a ride!

2.2 New Movie: "In Transition 1.0"

We have high aspirations for this movie. We're hoping it can stand alongside movies like "Power of Community", inspiring people with stories of transition work going on right now in many places around the world. This is the solution-orientated movie to follow the films that do such a good job at identifying the problems, such as "Age of Stupid" and "Inconvenient Truth". http://transitiontowns.org/TransitionNetwork/TransitionMovie

If you think you’d like to screen it, contact jo@climatex.org – we could purchase a group licence.

2.3 New book: The Carbon Diaries 2015
<http://www.amazon.co.uk/Carbon-Diaries-2015-Saci-Lloyd/dp/0340970154>
It's January 1st, 2015, and the UK is the first nation to introduce carbon dioxide rationing, in a drastic bid to combat climate change. As her family spirals out of control, Laura Brown chronicles the first year of rationing with scathing abandon.

2.4 OXFORDSHIRE'S PERSPECTIVES ON THE FUTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Joost Vervoort from the ScenarioCommunities project is conducting a short
bit of research on Oxfordshire's perspectives on the future and the
environment. It's a short test that should take people no more than five
minutes to complete, and it uses some interesting visual metaphors.
Participants can win a creative ZEN mp3 player.
There's also a trailer on the scenario storylines we're developing.
http://www.scenariocommunities.com

2.5 Oxford Garden Project: has now consolidated and formed a
social and community (not for profit) company with the aim of high
quality education concerning local food, its growing, distribution,
cooking and allied sustainability issues, offering training to
individuals, groups, social groups, volunteers and trainers.

To achieve this we plan to upgrade our established acre garden and 2,500 sq. ft. building in Longworth, Oxfordshire to provide a fully equipped multi-purpose teaching facility. Further info: Robert Longstaff: 01865 820206

2.6 Design teachers ahoy!

Interested in joining a Teach In about Ecological Literacy in design on the 12th October at the V&A. The Teach-In intends to function as a catalysing force within design education. .. and challenge institutions to use their
resources, expertise and skills to respond to environmental imperatives and work towards embedding ecological literacy in design education by 2012."
http://www.teach-in.co.uk/ please contact Jody Boehnert email: Jody@eco-labs.org

3. COMMUNIITES UPDATE.. there are so many events put on by the fantastic arrays of groups across Oxfordshire this autumn. Here’s a taste of past and future activity:

3.1 New Group in Fulbrook –

A small group in Fulbrook (near Burford) met recently to consider what practical steps we could take to focus attention on climate change in the village, and outlined three areas for the group to

1. Act as an information forum to help evaluate information about the causes and impact of climate change and potential remedial actions

2. Explore and comment on the efficacy of measures that might be adopted both individually (e.g. household insulation, waste recycling, etc.) and collectively (e.g. periods of reduced street lighting, possible formation

3. Seek to influence decisions made by outside agencies, public and commercial, that can affect the level of ‘energy use’ at a local level

Further info: Molly & David Woolley d.woolley@lineone.net

3.2 Sustainable Wallingford – Greening Wallingford

On October 10^th Sustainable Wallingford is going to launch their ‘Greening Wallingford’ Campaign.

This involves getting as many households as possible, in Wallingford, to agree to undertake five simple Co2 reduction challenges for a year.

All the challenges have been given a Co2 and money saving allocation, by the Energy Saving Trust. We are providing every household with a Challenge Card, which they display in their window if they are undertaking the challenges & then we can count the cards & work out how much Co2 we have saved as a community. We have the town council, school, churches & several other community groups supporting us and each has taken on a challenge to promote at the Launch.

For more info see www.greening-campaign.co.uk

The Launch will be in the Regal Centre Wallingford from 2 -4 on Oct 10^th. – other groups welcome to attend

***

3.3 Goring wins Oxfordshire Village of the Year

Goring won the Oxfordshire Village of the Year for 2009 last week, winning the Sustainability prize and the overall prize. It was the sustainability activities of GSSG including thermal imaging, removing plastic bags, allotments, car sharing, talks etc., and the clincher was the hydro-power project with the working Meccano model of it.

***

3.4 Transition Eynsham Bring and Share

On a warm and sunny Sept 5th Transition Eynsham Area held a bring&share local produce picnic at the Sports Pavilion. Approximately thirty people turned up, most bearing tasty dishes made mainly from local produce. The has recently formed four working groups: Waste; Coping with Change; Food, and Energy. These groups have started looking into how we as a community will cope with the changes brought about by climate change and by increasingly expensive fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal).

***

3.5 Brightwell Cum Sotwell’s Apple Survey

Brightwell cum Sotwell have conducted an apple survey of the village, finding approximately 250 apple trees. The village lies within 1 mile of Waitrose in Wallingford and 3 miles of Tesco in Didcot and we have 34 different varieties of apple; something the supermarkets could never compete with. They’ve got an apple day coming up on Sunday 18^th October – see events below for further info.

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3.6 JOIN AN ABINGDON CARBONCUTTERS ACTION GROUP ON ENERGY, FOOD, ECO-SCHOOLS OR BIKES!

Abingdon Carbon Cutters are launching four groups – aimed at practical action:

• Energy Group: practical ways of helping people save energy; and how about a mini hydro in Abingdon? Contact: Richard at richard.riggs@iee.org Ab. 521931
• Schools Group: helping to bring environmental issues into the curriculum ..... ecoschools Contact: Cliff at candpmarshall@btinternet.com Ab. 530480 Food Group: growing, harvesting, storing, eating, sharing, and not wasting food.Contact: Susie at susiehoward1@googlemail.com, Ab. 533278
• Bike Group: Bike week and encouraging bike use; reducing car use, using buses, walking.Contact: Eleanor at eledanger@hotmail.com Ab. 531857

***

3.7 UPCOMING COMMUNITIES EVENTS:

Sat 17^TH October, West Oxford Community Centre – What could a sustainable Future Look Like? A packed agenda of talks and workshops: http://www.thrivingsustainably.org.uk/ - see info below.

And Sat 7^th November – Oxfordshire’s Big Climate Event – where you can meet and learn from inspirational climate change groups in Oxfordshire.

Further info in the next update, organised by Oxfordshire ClimateXchange, CAG Oxfordshire, with the support of Oxfordshire Climate Action Network.

4. ECO-RENOVATION

4.1 The Eco-buildings Open Days in Oxfordshire have been and gone. Details about the homes can be seen on www.ecovation.org .

4.2 Oxfordshire Eco-renovators Club

The Oxfordshire Eco-renovators Club will be launched at the beginning of October. Joining the club is free – all you need to have is a wish to progress on eco-renovation and a willingness to measure your energy savings as you do so. In return we’ll provide events, tools and access to expert info.

Want to find out more or sign up? Contact jo@climatex.org or see www.climatex.org/ecorenovation

4.3 Oct 23-25^th – Big Green Home Show at National Self Build and Renovation Centre, Swindon. Full details: www.buildstore.co.uk/green

For budding self-builders, renovators or home improvers it brings
everything green together under one roof, enabling them to learn more about
making homes more sustainable - both in construction and day-to-day living.

Visitors can bring their plans to life with the help of a CAD design team,
take a tour of the EDF Energy Renovation House, get hands-on with product
demonstrations, check out hundreds of products, find out about project
financing and benefit from exclusive offers. They can also consult a raft
of experts to get tips and advice from architects and planners to eco
consultants, project managers and other self builders. They'll all be here
to share their experience, expertise and enthusiasm on every aspect of
sustainable building....and it's all for free.

4.4 A plug: – for more detailed Eco-renovation info and events, join the Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Mailing List. Email jo@climatex.org with ‘Ads to Eco-ren list’ in the subject heading.

5. JOBS

5.1 10:10 director London

Are you an inspired, original and highly organised strategic thinker with a passion for fighting climate change and experience running a major campaign? 10:10 is looking for a DIRECTOR to capitalise on its hugely successful launch that saw thousands of individuals and hundreds of businesses and organisations pledge to cut their carbon emissions in 2010.

Applicants should send a cv plus 500 words memo on what 10:10 should do next to jobs@1010uk.org

Job URL:http://jobs.guardian.co.uk/job/907541/director-1010/

10:10 Deadline: 20 September www.1010uk.org

5.2 VOLUNTEERS WANTED AT CLIMATEXCHANGE

We’ve got loads of events coming up in the next 12 months.. and we need some helping hands. If you can offer between 2 hours – 1 day on a regular basis we’d love to hear from you.

Here are particular roles that need filling:

1) Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Project assistant

2) Big Climate Event assistant – to help coordinate the event and compile follow up materials.

3) One day only! Volunteers for the Oxfordshire Big Climate Event on Nov 7th

4) Plus eco-renovation Facilitators – see below

5) Events calendar updates – Uploading events onto the ClimateXchange website calendar – can be done from home in spare time

We can cover some expenses, and provide a workspace.

Contact jo@climatex.org / call 01865 275 856

UPCOMING EVENTS

also available on www.climateX.org/events

**

Sept 16 – 23^rd Oxford Streets for People events: Plenty of events happening around the City including Divinity Road Area Residents Association - Close the street and show open-air films Evening of Saturday 19th September.. and Low Carbon Headington’s Car Free Day on Tues 22^nd Sept Full list: http://oxstreets.org.uk/ (you’ll need to click on open Streets 2009, then Participation 2009 )

***

Sat 19^th September The Low Carbon Community Network conference – Birmingham. The last conference in Wales was inspiring, this one looks set to be the same – and is much closer. For more info and booking, see their web page: http://lowcarboncommunities.net/2009/06/29/conference-booking-2009-now-open/

**

Sept 21^st Worldwide Wake Up Call

The organisation Avaaz.org which campaigns on climate change and many other issues is organising a world wide 'wake-up call on Monday September 21 at 12:18 PM Place: Bonn Square, Oxford, OX11LQ, Oxford, United Kingdom Host: Paul Swift

Please think about attending. More info at http://www.avaaz.org/en/sept21_hosts/?cl=315222893&v=3912

The Global Wake-Up Call is a joint effort of the TckTckTck Campaign -- an alliance, named for a "tck"ing clock, of organizations and individuals around the world working for an ambitious, fair, and binding global climate treaty. More info: www.tcktcktck.org

**

Wednesday 23 September 7.30 pm
ARCHIMEDES SCREWS, WIND TURBINES AND PHOTO VOLTAICS IN WEST OXFORD With Low Carbon West Oxford

£3/Free to Science Oxford Live members

For the last year the residents of West Oxford have been competing to win £1
million of government money, by reducing their community's CO2 emissions.
Come and find out how they've got on so far. There will also be an
opportunity to buy shares in the project. Booking is recommended. For further information please contact:
rebecca.salvesen@scienceoxford.com 01865 810016
Science Oxford Live, 1-5 London Place, St. Clements, Oxford, OX4 1BD
www.scienceoxfordlive.com

***

Tues 29th Sept – Screening of ‘a time comes’
7pm – 8.15pm Oxford Town Hall
Contact:Pete Barker (Oxford Greenpeace)
Contact email: pbdelphiee@hotmail.com
Website: www.greenpeace.org.uk/groups/oxford

'A Time Comes' - The story of the Kingsnorth Six. An inspirational Nick Broomfield film about the Greenpeace action at Kingsnorth power station and the subsequent landmark trial and acquittal.
We plan to start the event with a short but hard hitting animation (10 minutes) about climate change and then the main film (20 minutes) followed by a short talk from our local group about taking action and what we can do.
Opportunity for Q&A and discussion after.

**

Weds 30th September, 7:00-9:30pm Age of Stupid showing in Kidlington
Following on from their recent eco-fair, Kidlington vs climate change are
now organising a showing of the new climate film starring Pete
Postlethwaite.

At Exeter Hall, tickets for £3 (£2 concessions) including complementary
glass of wine. Limited places available - to book please contact
kidlingtonvsclimatechange@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01865 841146 (evening).
There will be an expert for Q&A afterwards for those who wish to stay
briefly.

"Knocks spots off An Inconvenient Truth" The Ecologist "The first
successful dramatisation of climate change to hit the big screen" The
Guardian,
Watch the trailer here www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dTyTTFgluk

**

30^th Sept 7.45pm Wantage Area Climate Action

Wantage Area Climate Action will be holding a short AGM on 30 September at 7.45pm in the King Alfred’s Head, Wantage, in the upstairs meeting room. All are welcome to attend. We will be electing new officers: Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, have a quick review over the activities over the last year and then have a brainstorm on ideas to focus on next year and play a climate change game!

Further info: culshaws@talktalk.net

***

Sunday 4^th October 2009 1-6.30 pm Be the Change Workshop

Hopeful new perspectives and possibilities.

Join us for a workshop on Climate Change, Sustainability and Social Justice.

Attend the Be the Change Workshop and look at the biggest challenges and opportunities we face today:

• The state of our industrial world.

• Our impact on the developing world.

• Where we go next.

Featuring video insights from inspiring philosophers, scientists, community leaders and input from local people.

At: North Moreton Village Hall, High Street, North Moreton, Oxon OX11 9AS

Please register in advance with Sarah Mook: Email: sarah.mook@btopenworld.com 0780 829 4669 or 01235 516654

It’s free but a contribution for afternoon tea would be very welcome.

**

Sat 10^th October, 2-4pm – Greening Wallingford Launch

Regal Centre Wallingford . See item 3.2 above

**

Sat 17^th October Event: What could a sustainable future look like?

at West Oxford Community Centre OX2 0BT

A wide variety of expert speakers as well as local people engaged in sustainable initiatives will provide information, inspiration and practical advice on Peak-Oil, Energy descent, Transition and the Re-ruralisation of Britain.

* An inspiring and visionary community event towards co-creating our sustainable future.*

Lectures, workshops, stalls, information, organic wholesome food, music and more. Further info here: http://www.thrivingsustainably.org.uk/ or contact Michael Soth: thrivingsustainably@gmail.com 01865 725 205

****

Sunday 18 October Apple Day in Brightwell cum Sotwell –

12noon- 6pm Red Lion Pub

Each October many villages and communities take part in an Apple Day, a celebration of apple, orchards and local variety distinctiveness. Brightwell cum Sotwell, in south Oxfordshire, plan to hold an Apple Day at their village pub, the Red Lion, on Sunday 18 October.

Brightwell cum Sotwell, just one mile from Wallingford, lies in a fruit-growing line just north of the Berkshire Downs from Harwell in the west to Thame and Chinnor in the east. The Apple Day will showcase the impressive range of apples and orchards in the village. There will be a Sunday menu with an apple theme as well as an opportunity to taste traditional ciders, different apple varieties grown in the village, this season’s apple juice pressed locally, jams, chutneys, honey and more.

There will also be fruit swaps. Apart from apples, the village has many other fruits such as figs, pears, walnuts, quince, damsons, plums, medlars and cobnuts.

Contacts

Orchard survey - Alison Bloomfield – acbloomfield@googlemail.com – 01491 835408 Apple Day – Sue Robson - Red Lion - www.redlion.biz – 01491 837373 – sue@redlion.biz

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350.org International Day of Climate Action – For Oxford events contact communities@ousu.org

***

Sat Nov 7^th – Oxfordshire Big Climate Event, Oxford Town Hall

Further info coming soon, but will involve workshops, skillshares and networking for the 40+ climate community groups.

********

For further info and to get involved, contact info@climatex.org

Email upcoming events to info@climatex.org or upload them yourself: http://climatex.org/whats-new/

Subscribe to this update by sending a blank email to: climatex-subscribe@climatex.org

Jo Hamilton
ClimateXChange Coordinator

Environmental Change Institute
Oxford University Centre for the Environment
Dyson Perrins Building
South Parks Rd
Oxford OX1 3QY

t: 01865 275 856
e: jo.hamilton@ouce.ox.ac.uk
www.climatex.org

See our latest update: www.climatex.org/whats-new/

Subscribe to our fortnightly email updates : send a blank email to: climatex-subscribe@climatex.org

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Artworks bike ride - 27th September

Art Works Cycle Ride - Sunday 27th September - 2p.m. - starting at St Nicolas Arch by Abbey Close, Abingdon.

This circular cycle ride will take us around the art works and sculptures of Abingdon. Find out who made these art works and when and why they were made. A leisurely ride with plenty of stops for viewing and explanations.
Contact Eleanor on 01235 531 857, e-mail eledanger@hotmail.com
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
You are responsible for your own safety.
Helmet wearing recommended. ... Read this ...

Apple recipes fron meeting on 17th September

Recipes....







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APPLES AND HELP STILL NEEDED FOR THIS SATURDAY!!

Dear all,
Do you have any windfalls on your lawn, or do you know a neighbour who does? We need as many as possible this Saturday 19th as we are in the Market Place from 10am - 2pm with the splendid apple press loaned by Robert Longstaff of Longworth. Any apples can be used, the brown bits can be cut out!

If you can bring them on the day that's ideal, but if not, let us know and we will be round to collect them!

And if you can spare an hour or so to help with the juicing, even better! Please contact Cliff Marshall if you think you can, on candpmarshall@btinternet.com . It's great fun! And a good way to capture people's imagination about wasting less food, thus helping to cut our carbon footprint.

A photo of our really successful stall at the Fun in the Parks day is on the Abingdon Blog - http://www.abingdonblog.co.uk look at Monday 14th Sept.
there are more photos further down this blog entry.

Recipes from our wonderful "How to use all your apples" evening last night will be posted here shortly. A big thank you to all who contributed food - especially Richard for his heavenly blackberry and apple (and orange and lemon and cherry cordial!) crumble, and Susie for the most scrumptious Tarte Tatin I've ever tasted. Those who came had a real treat...



< ... Read this ...

Low Carbon West Oxford & West Oxford Community Renewables.

Please see the email below from fellow CAG Low Carbon West Oxford. It’s an innovative way of local communities reducing their carbon emissions and funding future projects. Feel free to pass around those you know.

Opportunity to invest in West Oxford Community Renewables Ltd (WOCR):

A sister organisation to Low Carbon West Oxford (LCWO)

Residents in West Oxford have set up West Oxford Community Renewables Ltd (WOCR), a Green Building Society, to slash local CO2 emissions and help combat climate change.

Shares cost £1 each and are available in groups of 10, 250, 1,000 or 20,000.

All the share capital raised will be spent on community-owned renewable energy schemes in West Oxford .

The electricity generated by these schemes will be sold and the income used to fund community projects run by Low Carbon West Oxford, which will further reduce C02 emissions.

You don't have to live in West Oxford to be eligible to buy shares. You can request a prospectus by emailing us at lowcarbon@hotmail.co.uk and one will be sent to you.

Further details available on our website
www.lowcarbonwestoxford.org.uk or phone Lois Muddiman on 01865 203550.



Renewable Energy Projects

The share capital will be spent on:

Large-scale solar photovoltaic roofs

WOCR has already begun development and installation of 196 kWp of solar PV cells on large buildings in West Oxford .

A micro hydro to make power in the Thames at Osney. WOCR has a full design study for a 49 kWe installation at Osney Weir. The Environment Agency has committed to working with us to make it happen.

Small-scale wind turbines (15kW) on Cumnor and Harcourt Hill

WOCR has quotations and is about to start taking readings of the windspeed at the site to make sure that they tally with predictions based on the national wind energy database.


WOCR expects to generate a 10-11% return on investment

Returns to Investors

Investors in WOCR will receive

· Reductions in carbon dioxide and other environmental benefits achieved which will be presented to members in an annual carbon account

· 6% of the reductions in carbon dioxide emissions will be available for allocation amongst members.

· Social benefits arising from sustainable living projects run by Low Carbon West Oxford which will be presented to members in an annual social account.

· Financial benefits in the form of possible future interest rate payments, if any. The directors do not expect to make interest payments for the first 5 years. Thereafter it is expected that a rate of up to 5% will be paid depending on the performance of the society.


Every investor will have a vote at WOCR AGMs which will operate on the ‘one member, one vote’ principle whereby all investor members will have one vote regardless of the size of shareholding.



Forecast carbon savings generated this year are:


· 155 tonnes from 38 local households – a 30 % reduction on the previous year

· 64 tonnes from tree planting over their life time

· 170 tonnes from two PV roofs installed in August over their 25 year life


Notes

West Oxford Community Renewables Ltd was registered as an Industrial and Provident Society on 16th June 2009. It has a set of rules for governance approved by the Financial Services Authority.

It’s sister organisation, Low Carbon West Oxford was formed in November 2007 and is currently registering as a charity.

Low Carbon West Oxford is one of the ten finalists in The Big Green Challenge, a £1 million pound climate change competition run by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) which aims to encourage community-led organisations to slash CO2 emissions and show how local schemes can grow or be replicated across the UK .

www.biggreenchallenge.org.uk



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Thriving sustainably

This sounds a very energising and creative day - just what our group needs! What about a going as a group? - add comments to this blog post if you're interested

Thriving Sustainably is a visionary community event that brings together more than 40 expert presenters to address the questions ‘what could our next 50 years on this planet look like?’ and ‘how can we thrive sustainably and end up with healthier, more fulfilled lives and with more harmonious and stable communities that work better for everybody?


Taking place in West Oxford on October 17th, the day will be packed full of activities, including lectures, workshops, stalls and practical demonstrations for all ages.


The event is free, though donations on the day will be very welcome.


Please visit www.thrivingsustainably.org.uk

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CLIMATE RUSH is coming to Oxford this weekend

Dear Carbon Cutters, Please see below for exciting events in Oxford this weekend! Guardian report http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2009/sep/04/climate-rush-horse-cart
Climate Rush on the Run, is a horse-and-cart tour designed to raise awareness and get people involved with campaigning to reduce emissions for climate change.. At least two of the campaigners – Tamsin Omond and Deborah Grayson – have form. Tamsin was one of the five up on the Houses of Parliament last year, while Deborah is still awaiting trial after supergluing herself to a statue inside the Houses of Parliament. They have the support of plenty of other campaign groups too,

Dear all,

Please send this far and wide:

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CLIMATE RUSH is coming to Oxford this weekend - excitement includes a
protest at Oxford Airport, Mark Lynas's 6 degrees - the opera and much much
more. It promises to be everything from fun to angry to factual to
entertaining so please do come along.

SATURDAY SEPT 12th OXFORD

1pm PICNIC AT DEPARTURES at OXFORD AIRPORT

Join us as we protest against the proposed airport expansion in style. To
include an interactive audience-participation rendition of David Mackay's
'Sustainable Energy: Without Hot Air'.

8pm CLIMATE CHANGE IS NO JOKE at the BARRACKS COMMUNITY GARDENS

Climate Change Improvised Comedy, Jo Smith from the OU and all manner of
mish-mashed entertainment/deeply serious factual climate change stuff.


SUNDAY SEPT 13th OXFORD

12-4pm STREET ENTERTAINMENT on CORNMARKET

Climate Rush gives Oxford's Sunday shoppers an unexpected welcome.

7pm WAKE UP WIND DOWN DINNER PARTY, at the EAST OXFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE

Interactive eating experience.

9pm ENTERTAINMENT, at the EAST OXFORD COMMUNITY CENTRE

Various, to include '6 Degrees: The Opera' with Mark Lynas

Email: oxford@climatecamp.org.uk
Tel: 01865 243 121
c/o Room 1, EOCC, Princes Street, Oxford, OX4 1HU. ... Read this ...

We need your apples

Dear Carbon Cutters,
At the Carbon Cutters stall at Fun in the Park next Sunday 13th September, in the Abbey grounds in Abingdon, we are going to have fun making juice from windfall (or otherwise surplus) apples. We have been lent a mincer and apple press, so all we need now is LOTS OF APPLES.

If your garden ( or your neighbour's garden!) is full of apples, and you were wondering what to do with them, worry no more!

Ideally we would like you to bring them to the Abbey Gardens on Sunday between 12.30 and 2.30 (we'll be there from 12.30 and Fun in the Parks is from 1.30 to 4). If you bring a clean bottle you can take some fresh juice away with you - but be warned, a pint of juice needs several kilos of apples! We are talking industrial quantities here.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU HAVE APPLES YOU ARE WILLING TO GIVE. If you can't bring them on Sunday, please contact me to arrange where to drop them off, or when we can collect them from you.

If you can help on the stall, even for an hour, that would be even better! Please let me know if you can.

Hope to hear from you this week..

Sally Reynolds
01235 526265
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New book by local author

The Alternative Kitchen Garden, an A-Z is a new book by an Abingdon author.

Full details of the book can be seen here, along with details on how to order a copy.... ... Read this ...

Oxfordshire Eco-buildings Open Days Thurs 10th-Sun 13th September 2009

Twenty-four homes and buildings across Oxfordshire will invite the public to see, experience, and share the techniques and vision of eco-renovation. The eco-buildings look like ordinary houses, offices (and even boats) on the outside. But looks can be deceptive: from simple and affordable to sophisticated, these buildings use the latest ideas and technology of green design to cut their energy and water use and lower their carbon footprints. Homes and buildings around Oxfordshire demonstrate wood pellet boilers, solar electric and solar hot water systems, low energy lighting, rainwater harvesting, green roofs. Featured Oxford buildings include the stylish conversion of a former Jericho pub into four highly insulated houses with a large solar photovoltaic and solar hot water array; and the ‘Solar Electric Victorian Terrace’ in Howard Street, who’s solar photovoltaic roof makes the house a net exporter of electricity.


Visitors will be led round by home owners or other ‘experts by experience’. This is an inspiring way to share the excitement, challenges and sometimes frustrations they encountered in creating their green building. In past years’ events over 1,000 visits have been made to the eco-homes, with over 99% of visitors saying they were pleased they came.


Full information on the buildings, locations, and opening times can be found on www.ecovation.org

The Eco-buildings Open Days will launch the Oxfordshire Eco-renovators Club, which will help you to take the next eco-renovation step. Club members will receive:



* A one- to-one assessment of their current energy consumption, identifying their quick wins, and medium term opportunities for eco-renovation (delivered by ClimateX and trained Eco-renovation facilitators)

* Loan of current cost meters and low energy light bulb libraries

* Regular updates about events, offers, grants, workshops, services and resources

* Tailored events to share their experiences, and talk to those who have eco-renovated their properties

* Discounted professional eco-renovation advisory consultation

* Discounted micro-generation installation

* Technical information about home eco-renovation..

* Signposted to case studies of similar properties.



For further details and to register your interest see http://climatex.org/ecorenovation/

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The Greening Campaign

On October 10th Sustainable Wallingford is going to launch their ‘Greening Wallingford’ Campaign.

This involves getting as many households as possible, in Wallingford , to agree to undertake five simple Co2 reduction challenges for a year.

All the challenges have been given a Co2 and money saving allocation, by the Energy Saving Trust. Sus Wall are providing every household with a Challenge Card, which they display in their window if they are undertaking the challenges & then they can count the cards & work out how much Co2 they have saved as a community. They have the town council, school, churches & several other community groups supporting it and each has taken on a challenge to promote at the Launch.

The Greening Campaign originated in Petersfield & so far about 120 communities across the country have taken it up. Is this something that your CAG might like to get involved in?

For more info see www.greening-campaign.co.uk
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Stop Climate Chaos Internship in Oxford Oct-Dec 09

Is there anyone out there with 1 day a week to spare this Autumn? Read on!

City Mobiliser Internships

http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/city-mobiliser-internship


Help build The Wave, the UK's biggest ever demonstration on climate change!


Do you live in Oxford?

Do you know your local climate campaign scene?

Are you happy talking to people, organising meetings, publicising events, networking with a range of local organisations?

Then Stop Climate Chaos would like to hear from you!


On Saturday 5 December 2009, ahead of the crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen, tens of thousands of people from all walks of life will flow through the streets of London to demonstrate their support for a safe climate future for all.

This is a chance to work in your local area, towards a national event, putting pressure on the international process. We're looking for volunteers who can commit at least 1 day a week from October to December.

To apply:

Read the complete job description and download the application form:

http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/city-mobiliser-internship

Deadline: 5pm, Wednesday 16th September 2009.

If you’d like to discuss the role, please telephone 0207 324 4622 and ask to speak to Lucy, or email jobs@stopclimatechaos.org ... Read this ...

New Campaign follows up "The Age of Stupid" film

Everyone's looking for something to do about climate change. What’s needed is something straightforward, immediate and meaningful. I think I've found it.
Today I joined thousands of individuals and organisations from across the country to unite behind one simple idea: that by working together we can achieve a 10% cut in carbon emissions during 2010. It’s called 10:10, and everyone can be a part of it.

Cutting 10% in one year is a bold target, but for most of us it’s an achievable one, and is in line with what scientists say we need right now. By signing up to 10:10 we’re not just promising to reduce our own emissions – we’re becoming part of a national drive to hit this ambitious goal country-wide. In our homes, in our workplaces, our schools and our hospitals, our galleries and football clubs and universities, we’ll be backing each other up as we take the first steps on the road to becoming a low-carbon society.
To find out more and sign up go to www.1010uk.org
To read coverage of the campaign from the Guardian go to www.guardian.co.uk/10-10

Abingdon Carbon Cutters have signed up to the campaign: What are you going to do?

NB Our October 21st meeting will show you how to measure your current carbon footprint. Put it in your diary now!
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