About us.....

Abingdon Carbon Cutters is a Community Action Group formed to help reduce the carbon footprint of Abingdon in response to climate change, and to promote a sustainable and resilient lifestyle for our town as fossil fuel stocks decline. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at St Ethelwold's House, which is here.

At some meetings, we have guest speakers to present various topics, and at others we discuss our own personal actions to address climate change. The group has a focus on encouragement, both of one another, and of the town community.

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        ..... or join us on facebook.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Carbon Cutters Meeting Weds May 19th - How to Run Our Own Eco-Fair


Dear all,
The Guildhall is booked for Saturday October 9th for Abingdon's first Eco Fair! Will you be there? Do you have a favourite group, business or charity you think should be invited? Can you make home-made bread or soup to serve at lunchtime? Are you a whizz at publicity and websites?
We will need everyone's skills to make this day a success. Do come to our meeting in St Ethelwolds House on Weds May 19th to hear how Kidlington's Eco Fair has been such a success, and to be in on the planning for our own. The keyword is Sustainability - how can we build resilience in our own community? How can we prepare Abingdon for a low-carbon future?

If you can't come, register your interest by emailing Pauline and Cliff MARSHALL on candpmarshall@btinternet.com
... Read this ...

ClimateX.org news

Dear carbon cutter,
Sorry for duplicating, but this message has so many inspiring things to get involved in! Mark Lynas AND David MacKay talking in Oxford! And so much more. Scroll down to see for yourself!
Sally

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: The ClimateX Newslist climatex@albion.red-redemption.com
To: "climatex@climatex.org" climatex@climatex.org
Sent: Friday, 30 April, 2010 16:59:52
Subject: [Climatex] (no subject)

Oxfordshire ClimateXchange update #59 – May ’10

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

With election reaching fever pitch, here’s a selection of news and upcoming events to keep your feet on the ground. There’s good news from North Leigh, and details of the new £99 insulation deal and upcoming trainings from the Energy Saving Trust, plus an increasing number of events. Happy reading, and I wish you all a relaxing May weekend.

jo

1. IN THE NEWS

1.1 EMAIL YOUR PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES RE CLIMATE CHANGE & HEALTH

Disappointed by the low profile of climate change in the election campaigning? Now you can contact your Prospective Parliamentary Candidates at a time when they might just listen. The Campaign for Greener Healthcare has teamed up with 38 degrees so that you can quickly and easily ask your parliamentary candidates about their views on climate change and what steps they will take to address this threat to health. It only takes about two minutes to do, click here http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/HealthcareClimat to go to the 38degrees website.

This campaign has been organised by the Green Health Coalition, formed of the Campaign for Greener Healthcare, Medact, Medsin and the Climate and Health Council *www.greenerhealthcare.org*

1.2 Over 170 Candidates from all Parties sign the Simpol Pledge

With only a week to go to the general election, a record number of candidates from all the main UK political parties have so far signed the Pledge to implement the Simultaneous Policy (Simpol), a range of measures to solve global problems like climate change, financial market regulation, global poverty, and other issues where global cooperation is needed. For further information visit www.simpol.org (global site) and/or www.simpol.org.uk (UK site)

1.3 Live blog: Ed Miliband and Franny Armstrong's green election road-trip

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/apr/29/green-election-miliband-armstrong-roadshow

1.4 Tiempo magazine – weekly magazine covering climate and development

http://www.tiempocyberclimate.org/newswatch/

1.5 Crowd-sourced energy

A London-based architectural research firm, Facility: Innovate, is developing an energy harvester for crowded areas such as sports arenas and shopping centres. The technology will be invisible to the people it feeds on: they will simply walk over what looks like a normal floor tile. But their steps will push down on a pneumatic device that drives air through a turbine to generate electricity. The company plans to install its first device later this year in a US shopping centre, with a UK site to follow soon after. See:

http://www.the-facility.co.uk/innovate/

1.6 Goldman Environmental Prize - videos

The U.S.-based Goldman Environmental Prize is the world's biggest award for grassroots environmentalism. The prize was begun in 1990 by philanthropists Richard and Rhoda Goldman to encourage environmental protection. Check out what this year’ s prize recipients have to say, by clicking on their profiles:

http://www.goldmanprize.org/recipients/current

  1. RESOURCES

2.1 Check out the new imeasure web-interface when you put in your meter readings this week! http://www.imeasure.org.uk/

2.2 Introducing: SMEasure www.smeasure.org.uk

SMEasure’s energy monitoring website is free and has been specially designed for small and medium sized businesses. The site comes from the Energy Research Group at the Oxford University’s Centre for the Environment so all data also contributes towards research undertaken by the University, whilst illustrating where businesses can save energy, reduce carbon emissions and essentially, cut bills.

SMEasure will provide you with an indication of your building's energy overuse/under-use and overspend/under spend and provide you with a free A-G rating which will provide an excellent indication of the rating you would likely receive with an official DEC, without the investment.

2.3 Travel planning

Going on holiday? See the LoCO2 10:10 travel planning tool here:

http://loco2travel.com/cutting-your-10-for-1010/

2.4 Oxford Cycle Challenge

The Oxford Cycle Challenge is a fun and free workplace based challenge that encourages people to give cycling a go! The CTC has selected a handful of cities to take part in the Workplace Challenge, and Dan from Oxford Cycle Workshop is coordinating the challenge for Oxford. The challenge is based on workplaces and departments signing up and their employees recording their cycling journeys as you all compete for some exciting prizes (including a beautiful bike worth £600). Organisations across Oxford will compete from Monday 7 to Sunday 27 June 2010 to see who can get the most staff to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more. See more: http://www.oxfordcyclechallenge.org.uk/

2.5 Beyond the Pole

A fun film which looks worth watching: http://beyondthepole.com/

2.6 Ecomodo

Ecomodo is a new online service that enables people to lend and borrow

everyday objects, skills and spaces. www.ecomodo.com . It's free to register and open to everyone in the UK. Please sign up and invite all your friends, colleagues and neighbours to join in too.

2.7 Go for the green quiz!

Take the green quiz here:

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/games-quizzes/tom-green-quiz-game.html?campaign=th_nav_quiz

  1. COMMUNITIES UPDATE

3.1 Challenge North Leigh scoops £20,000

If you haven’t already heard the fantastic news – North Leigh has reduced its energy consumption by 10% and met the target set by Challenge North Leigh. Scottish and Southern Energy have agreed to pay the £20,000 prize money. Well done to all parishioners and keep up the good work! Further info: http://www.challengenorthleigh.org/

3.2 Beechcroft Road DIY Streets

Beechcroft Road residents Association has been given the go-ahead to implement their DIY Streets scheme – including cycle racks and trees. Further info: www.beechcroftroad.org.uk

3.3 Green Communities newsletter

See the latest Green Communities Newsletter: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe

3.4 Sustainable Witney: Check out their website on: http://sustainablewitney.org.uk/

3.5 Transport Funding Available

An opportunity has arisen to secure £5000 of funding for a transport specific community based project. The judges are looking for original ideas in three areas: Vehicles and Fuels, Smarter/Eco Driving and Reducing Car Use.

If you think your community has some good ideas or projects I would encourage you to apply. Further info: www.lowcvp.org.uk/communitychallenge .

3.6 Garden Guardians wanted

Barracks lane gardens is looking for more Garden Guardians so we can ensure the garden is open every weekend from Easter to autumn. Could you offer 3 hours of your time, once a month? If so, contact Julieanne at barrackslanegarden@yahoo.co.uk or 01865 236 088 for further information Further info: http://www.barrackslanegarden.org.uk/

3.7 CALLING ALL LOCAL ENVIRONMENT GROUPS

Are you looking for more volunteers? v involved Oxfordshire can help you recruit volunteers aged 16-25 to help! We promote part time / full time and one off events to our volunteers county wide! + if you would like support to develop volunteering opportunities for young people FREE support & training is available. For more information contact Claire Jones - Youth Volunteer Development Manager - Claire.jones@ocvys.org mailto:Claire.jones@ocvys.org 07825 232 500 / 01865 600983 (from ONCF update)

  1. ECO-RENOVATION

4.1 £99 Insulation Deal

For a limited period, local homeowners and private tenants can get cavity wall or loft insulation fitted for a standard price of £99 each. At this low price insulation pays for itself fast in reduced energy bills.

The Council’s £99 deal is subject to funding and is being managed exclusively by Cocoon, a long standing partner of the Council. You may have to pay more if your property is larger than average for the number of bedrooms, or access to walls or loft is restricted or extra vents are required.

To find out more, call 0800 8048 777 and ask for the ‘Oxon Deal’ or visit www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk

4.2 Energy Auditing for Old and listed Buildings

Sustainable Charlbury have arranged training by EST on Tuesday 25th May from 9.45 – 4.30 pm. You will need to be registered as Green Communities members before the course. You can do this by going to http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/Green-Communities/About-us/Become-a-Member-or-Update-Profile . There are a limited number of places available to external delegates and these will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Please fill out the application form which can be accessed here: http://climatex.org/articles/news/community-events-may/ and forward to greencommunities@est.org.uk. For further information please call 0844 848 0077.

4.3 Energy Auditing for Community Buildings

The Energy Auditing for Community Buildings will take place in Oxford on 26th May, led by an expert from EST Green Communities head office. There are 20 spaces available, and final details are presently being confirmed. Please email Mathew.Roberts@est-tvs.org.uk if you’re interested in attending, and he will email you final details and booking information

To subscribe to the Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Mailing List email jo@climatex.org with ‘Ecoren_subscribe’ in the subject line

4.4 Researcher seeks households who have considered renewables

Wanted: - Some who tried to put renewables in their house, began to think about it and then stopped because of several reasons. (I need to find around 5 to 10 households in this case)

-Households who did it while a refurbishment (those are the most important number in my research,that is to say around 20)

I would like to understand why they chose to put a renewable, what does it reveal from their interests, how they did and what happened before, during and after the installation. Also, I would like to understand throughout the process, who can have help them, or at the opposite, slow the installation.

It is possible for me to call them, or to see them wherever they want, I don't want to enter in their privacy so I would perfectly understand if they prefer me not to come in their house, but to see them in a public area.

If you care interested, contact: Marjorie FILLIASTRE mj.sorbonne@gmail.com 07500 805 800

4.5 The Ideal Green Home Show went well last weekend. You can check the details of exhibitors, and download the newly updated Oxfordshire Eco-renovation Directory here http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/ideal-green-home-show/

A big THANK YOU to all the volunteers and stall holders, and to North Aston Organics and Veg In Clover for help distributing info.

4.6 Sheffield's green roof safaris: audio slideshow

The Yorkshire city has started a programme of 'green roof safaris' to show how topping new and regenerated buildings can improve the environment and encourage biodiversity

See the video at:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/audioslideshow/2010/apr/08/sheffield-green-roof-safari

4.7 Ecoworkshops http://www.ecoworkshops.co.uk/

Going Green: Re-inventing Family Homes and Lifestyles

This workshop is perfect for homeowners undertaking their own home redesign or briefing builders or Architects. Use SEED-groups professional knowledge and years of experience to help inspire and inform your eco design. This is a unique opportunity to ask eco advisers questions; meet like minded people and build your network of sources and recommendations.

Price £65.00 Book this workshop by choosing a date below:

4.8 Renewable energy coalition releases 12 step manifesto

With the general election approaching, nine of the UK’s leading renewable energy trade associations have signed up to a joint Manifesto, outlining proposals for the timely delivery of 2020 targets and urging the Government to act now on the looming energy and climate crisis. The 12 proposals would help ensure Britain delivers 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020, fulfilling its EU obligations and building a thriving ‘green collar’ industry sector in the process.

For the full text of the manifesto, see:

http://www.scottishrenewables.com/admin/Application/DocumentEditor/MultimediaGallery/64ee4adb-0286-45c0-b807-ba408359d85a-1.pdf

4.9 Build Your own wind turbine Oxford, 14-18th June

An introductory, hands-on course for anyone thinking of building their own turbine, as well as some hands on fun for anyone interested in wind. Delivered by www.v3power.co.uk

Further info: http://climatex.org/media/attachments/early_2010_courses.pdf

  1. JOBS

5.1 New post: Energy Officer at Cherwell District Council.

Closing date 6th May, full details here: http://www.environmentjobs.co.uk/job.cfm?id=7934 or contact jo.colwell@cherwell-dc.gov.uk

  1. UPCOMING EVENTS

More events on www.climatex.org/ and a full list of Environmental lectures available here: http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/oxfordenv/index.php

6.1 Mayday Plant Swap, Saturday 1st May


1pm-4pm. This Local food event is for novice and expert gardeners alike. Please bring excess seeds, seedlings or plants to exchange. Don’t worry if you have no plants to swap, just make a donation. There will be a presentation about some methods for plant propagation at 2pm. Entry by donation. There will some refreshments available.

6.2 Feeding Oxford - Tues 4th May

Come to a debate on food supply: Feeding Oxford: Investing in a Food Supply Fit for the Future. Speaker: Mark Winne

Tuesday 4th May, 8pm at Vaults and Garden, Radcliffe Square, Oxford

Admission is Free, but space is limited, so RSVP to: Ruth West info@CampaignForRealFarming.org (see attached flier for more details)

6.3 SCIENCE OXFORD LIVE CLEAN AND GREEN FESTIVAL

Events on Thursday evenings, further full info on:

www.scienceoxfordlive.com/

Thurs 6th May 7.30 pm – An ABC of the Climate

Thurs 13th May 7.30 pm – Earth’s Changing Climate

Thurs 20th May 7.30 pm – Climate Change and the Developing World

Thurs 27th May 7.30 pm – The Future of Farming

6.4 Wolvercote Wander – Sun 9th May

On Sunday 9th May, come with neighbours & friends on the Wolvercote Wander. See http://www.wolvercote.org/LowCarbonWolvercote/LCW.htm . It's a celebration of the small, low-tech things, as well as the big projects so if you have any ways you're living a lower carbon life, tips, stories, etc - please tell Michael Buck (tel: 515777; e-mail: sheilabuck@btinternet.com ) so that they can be mentioned, and perhaps pointed out, during the Wander. http://bit.ly/awolvercotewander

6.5. 7th - 9th May 2010 Power – Up London: 2010, A training weekend on the planning system and your legal rights
For full details go to: http://www.foe.co.uk/community/news/power_up_22627.html

Power Up is a weekend of workshops and networking to empower people to make a difference.
Find out how to use the system effectively. Learn how to confidently use legal and planning knowledge and share your ideas with others. Gain
the tools, confidence and contacts to help make your community a cleaner, healthier, fairer place to live.

6.6 Monday 10th May 2010 Book Launch: Requiem for a Species: Why We Resist the Truth About Climate Change, by Clive Hamilton

Location: Blackwell’s Bookshop Oxford, 48-51 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BQ (map) Time: 6:45 for 7pm Speakers: Clive Hamilton and Chris Goodall

Tickets: £2*

Full info: http://www.earthscan.co.uk/Portals/0/pdfs/Oxford_10th_May_2010.pdf

A talk by CLIVE HAMILTON will be followed by a live interview of Clive by CHRIS GOODALL (author of How to Live a Low-carbon Life – now in its second edition), and then Chris will chair a Q & A with the audience.

Are we all climate denialists...?

It’s easy to ridicule the conspiracy theories of denialists, but how many of us have truly faced up to what the scientists are telling us? If we accept what the experts say then it’s the end of progress as we know it and we are heading into a very unpleasant future...So what are we doing about it?

This event is with tickets only. Please quote ‘Requiem event’. Tickets cost £2 and can be obtained by visiting the Customer Service Department on the Second Floor of Blackwell Bookshop, by phoning 01865 333623, or e-mailing oxford@blackwell.co.uk.

6.7 Wednesday 12 May CAN NUCLEAR POWER SAVE THE PLANET?

Blake Lapthorn Solicitors, Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford, OX2 0FB

Free 7.30 am reg for 8am business

Speaker: Mark Lynas, climate change specialist.

The aim of the Green Breakfasts is to encourage a discussion of environmental issues and opportunities surrounding climate change in a lively and relaxed forum. For bookings, contact kelly.benfield@bllaw.co.uk or call 01865 253268

6.8 Lubbock Lecture & Open Day
Professor David MacKay FRS
The Department of Engineering Science is delighted to announce that its 36th Maurice Lubbock Memorial Lecture entitled "Sustainable Energy - without the hot air," will be given by Professor David J C MacKay FRS, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The Lecture will take place on Thursday, 13th May 2010.

Further info: http://www.eng.ox.ac.uk/events/lubbock/

6.9 Climate Reach 14 MAY and 21 MAY 9.15am - 12.15pm

The Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road, Oxford

What is it? Climate Reach is a crash course in climate change using creative learning approaches to engage people, increase awareness and support positive action on something that affects us all.

Call ReachAbility on 01865 403 129 or email us at info@reachability.co.uk. We need to receive your payment at least one week in advance. These 2 sessions are linked so we encourage you to attend both if you can. However, it’s still OK to take part if you can only make one morning.

See directions on the Contact Us section in our website www.reachability.co.uk

6.10 22-23 May NURTURING HOPE IN A TIME OF FALLING LIGHT

Weekend workshop facilitated by Nick Totton , Grove House in Iffley. Further info: http://www.grovehouse.info/

How do we accept the unacceptable? How do we come to terms with the imminence of irreversible change facing our world? Suddenly it feels as if time is running out, and that no one knows what to do – or rather, it’s obvious what to do, but we seem unable to do it. This workshop, at a brightening time of the year and a darkening time for the planet, is a space to think, feel and talk about these issues that are so close to our hearts. A space to grieve, rage, feel terrified, immobilized; to find creative energy and to move forward. See event flier: http://climatex.org/media/attachments/Nick_FallingLight_72.pdf

6.11 Fri 28th May: Oxford Nappy Free Baby Workshop:

Create a unique bond with your baby learning how to recognise and respond to baby's toileting needs. Find out more about this eco -friendly ( and baby-friendly) alternative to full - time nappies. Last Friday in month at Barracks Lane Community Garden. For more info see www.oxfordnappyfreebaby.co.uk or contact Amber Hatch at amberkhatch@yahoo.co.uk

6.12 Oxford Energy Futures

11 June Rewley House, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JA

A conference focusing on cutting-edge energy topics given by researchers at Oxford University and with contributions from scientists and practitioners at other organisations and businesses. Cost: Full fee £75, students £40. Free places available to Oxford postgraduate students who present a poster (poster space limited). Fees include refreshments and lunch.

****

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

Come to the Ideal Green Home Show 23-24th April 2010, Oxford Town Hall. Full details: http://climatex.org/articles/eco-renovation/ideal-green-home-show/

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

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


______________________________
_________________
This is the Oxfordshire ClimateXChange Newsletter and Update Mailing List, moderated by Jo Hamilton and led by the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University.

http://www.climatex.org

To subscribe to this list please send an empty email to:
climatex-subscribe@climatex.org

To unsubscribe from this list please send an empty email to:
climatex-unsubscribe@climatex.org
... Read this ...

CAG DISCOUNT: Wood Festival, 21st - 23rd May

Hello All

Some of you may or may not be interested in this offer from the Wood Festival organisers (see below). The CAG Project has helped to organise a number of workshops at the event including DIY Wormeries, Intro to Bee Keeping and Growing Food in Small Containers. Please pass to any of your members that might be interested.

Best wishes

Simon

WOOD FESTIVAL 21st - 23rd May

Brazier’s Park, Oxfordshire

POWERED 100% by renewable energy

Included in The Sunday Times’ Best Things to See and Do in 2010

Dear CAGs

Our friends at TRUCK and WOOD festival are keen to thank you all for the hard work you do, and the commitment you have shown to community action of all types. A few months ago they extended the offer of discounted tickets to WOOD Festival - and this offer is still open to you (and your families) to get cheaper tickets by following www.gigantic.com/thankyou

WOOD is Britain's greenest festival powered completely on renewable energy, harnessing the power of the sun, the wind and even the people who attend the event (through a cycle-powered cinema and disco), there are composting toilets (no portaloos. Whoop!) and a stage made of, you guessed it, WOOD. It was created after the floods of 2007 - and is piloting a new green festival standard in conjunction with Julies Bicycle.

With great music from award winning, mercury nominated and critically lauded band THE UNTHANKS busker punk FRANK TURNER, experimental folks TUNNG, the ever popular Irish troubadour FIONN REGAN, 2008 winner of Radio2 Folk Award MARTIN SIMPSON, friends of the festival DANNY AND THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD and all the way from the USA FRONTIER RUCKUS. Also confirmed are ORA COOGAN, TREVOR MOSS & HANNAH LOU, and DUSTY AND THE DREAMING SPIRES, PEGGY SUE,

But we know you lot like to be active so over the weekend, and withover 50 workshops and taster sessions covering everything from urban gardening, twitching, singing, woodcraft, yoga, the giant knit off, story-telling, and thatching, to making wallets from orange juice cartons, oh, and campfire sing-alongs.

Weekend Tickets cost £70 for adults, which includes camping and all workshops. There's a junior ticket for ages 13-17 priced £50, children 12 & under can come along for free! Be sure to follow this link so you get the slap on the back you deserve. http://www.gigantic.com/thankyou

Simon Kenton | CAG Project Manager

resourcefutures

c/o Waste Management Group|Oxfordshire County Council | Speedwell Hse| Speedwell St|Oxford OX1 1NE
Mob 07793 647190|Tel +44 (0)1865 815871| Fax +44 (0)1865 815787| www.cagoxfordshire.org.uk

Resource Futures registered office The CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN. Registered at Companies House Cardiff. Company number 5753433

“building a resource efficient future by wasting less”

P Please consider the environment before printing this email or its attachments

... Read this ...

£99 insulation deal - and more

Dear all,

Please find below some information from the Energy Saving Trust about recently announced events and deals. You can also find this on http://climatex.org/articles/news/community-events-may/

1) New £99 insulation deal

2)Community Transport Project

3) Energy Auditing for Old and listed Buildings – Tues 25th May

4) Energy Auditing for Community Buildings – Tues 26th May


1. £99 Insulation Deal

For a limited period, local homeowners and private tenants can get cavity wall or loft insulation fitted for a standard price of £99 each. At this low price insulation pays for itself fast in reduced energy bills.

The Council’s £99 deal is subject to funding and is being managed exclusively by Cocoon, a long standing partner of the Council. You may have to pay more if your property is larger than average for the number of bedrooms, or access to walls or loft is restricted or extra vents are required.

To find out more, call 0800 8048 777 and ask for the ‘Oxon Deal’ or visit www.cocoonyourhome.co.uk

2. Transport Funding Available

An opportunity has arisen to secure £5000 of funding for a transport specific community based project. The judges are looking for original ideas in three areas:

Vehicles and Fuels, Smarter/Eco Driving and Reducing Car Use.

If you think your community has some good ideas or projects I would encourage you to apply.

Further info: www.lowcvp.org.uk/communitychallenge.

3. Energy Auditing for Old and listed Buildings

Sustainable Charlbury have arranged training by EST on Tuesday 25th May from 9.45 – 4.30 pm. You will need to be registered as Green Communities members before the course. You can do this by going to http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/cafe/Green-Communities/About-us/Become-a-Member-or-Update-Profile . There are a limited number of places available to external delegates and these will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Please fill out the application form which can be accessed here: http://climatex.org/articles/news/community-events-may/ and forward to greencommunities@est.org.uk. For further information please call 0844 848 0077.

4. Energy Auditing for Community Buildings

The Energy Auditing for Community Buildings will take place in Oxford on 26th May, led by an expert from EST Green Communities head office. There are 20 spaces available, and final details are presently being confirmed. Please email Mathew.Roberts@est-tvs.org.uk if you’re interested in attending, and he will email you final details and booking information

... Read this ...

The ARES project.

Exciting news from Richard Riggs and a request for help. Please send any reply to him direct on richard.riggs@physics.org
and not to me! Many thanks, Sally

Dear Carbon Cutters

Can I let you all know where we are on our hydro power project.

First, it has a name! ARES, for Abingdon Renewable Energy Scheme. A quick
summary of what has to happen is: (1) permission from the Environment Agency -
several hoops to jump through for that; (2) planning permission from the Vale;
(3) a share offer; (4) get it built; (5) a board managing it and reinvesting
some of the profit in local renewable energy.

We have met various people in the field to get background information. (1)
looks like the slowest bit, so don't hold your breath to see it up and
running. Just what is required and how much it will cost to get through (1)
and (2) needs more clarifying.

Early stage funding is needed for consultancy, publicity, and the usual
administrative costs of running a project. But it's not just about fund
raising and how to reward early investors, it's about raising awareness of the
project generally. This may lead on to sources of support and sponsorship, and
it would improve the prospects for the eventual share offer. However it is also
to develop a sense of ownership locally, as it will be a very visible advert
for local renewable energy.

It is still early days for the project, but an opportunity for publicity is
coming up, at the dragon boat races on Sunday 9 May. So a pitch is booked! I
have two requests for that event:

1. Can anyone lend a gazebo less than 3m across (that's the width of the
pitch), to give some shelter from the sun (hopefully not from the rain)?

2. Would you like to do a session there, giving out leaflets and chatting about
the scheme to anyone who is interested?

Also, more generally:

3. Would you like to give me your name as someone who wants to be kept
informed of what we are doing, maybe to be involved in some way in future, but
making no commitment to the project at present?

4. Would you like to be involved more directly, perhaps because you have
useful skills, experience, contacts, etc, or simply because you want to do
what you can to help it to a successful conclusion?

We are gradually getting together a group to oversee the project, but just how
we operate should be quite flexible. Do you have abilities in management,
technology, publicity, negotiation, building a web site, writing reports,
checking contracts, chasing after grants or sponsorship, looking after the
money.... the list goes on. And don't underrate plain old common sense and
enthusiasm! Get in touch with me (Richard Riggs) at ares1@dsl.pipex.com, or
phone 01235 521931.

Hoping to hear from some of you - please reply to me at richard.riggs@physics.org
Richard
... Read this ...

Monday, May 17, 2010

Abingdon Freewheeling - future rides.

Dear Freewheelers

Following the great success of the rides earlier this year, and the high level of requests for more rides we have decided to start with the following programme of Spring Rides:

Every Thursday
: Evening ride leaving the Market Place at 18.30 for a leisurely ride of about 15 miles.

1st Sunday of each month: Morning ride of about 30 miles, leaving the market place at 09.00 aiming to return before lunch.

Everyone welcome, just turn up and join the ride.

As this is only going out to those of you who left your email address please pass it on to anyone else who you think may be interested.

If you would like other rides, eg faster, slower, longer, shorter, different times etc, please let us know by replying to this email.

www.abingdonfreewheeling.org.uk

Thanks for coming on last Sunday's ride and we hope to see you again soon.

Regards

Peter Hallowell
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