Category Archives: Community Energy

Recycle your Christmas Tree event.


Join SHARE on Jan 6th from 7pm at the Parish Hall. Bring your Christmas trees, and cards to recycle, and any drinks and nibbles to share.

Plus we can help reduce waste, reuse and recycle, and support Kicks Count. Kicks Count www.KicksCount.org.uk and facebook group

Kicks Count inform and support pregnant ladies about their unborn babies movements, and help reduce the stillbirth rate within the UK. By RECYCLING not throwing away these items.

  • Baby food pouches & lids (any brand i.e. Ella’s kitchen) and Ella’s Kitchen snack wrappers
  • Flexible plastic cleaning wipe packets
  • Plastic trigger tops from cleaning spray bottles
  • Plastic tops from washing up liquid bottles
  • Plastic air freshener packaging, cartridges and used air fresheners such as plug in refills (any brand – NO GLASS or aerosols)
  • Plastic biscuit wrappers (sweet, not savoury) including individual wrappers like penguin wrappers. Must be biscuit wrappers, not confectionery
  • Used stamps (leave at least 1cm backing paper around stamp) both UK and Foreign
  • Any brand of coffee plastic jar lid, instant coffee refill pouches, coffee bean/filter coffee bags, one cup coffee sachets. Tassimo pods and foil bags (Tassimo only, no cardboard)
  • We are also collecting plastic Milk Bottle Tops and Ink Cartridges

Recycle collection point at Green Meadows on the South Hill Rd across from Golberdon crossroads or Annies Tea Room on CALLINGTON Fore street.

  • Plus recycle clothes at the bin located by the Fire Station on South Hill Rd.
  • Homeleigh Garden Centre, L’Son has a collection point in the top car park for Plant Pots and trays

SHARE Update


South Hill Association for Renewable Energy 

Since the AGM in September, we have appointed two new directors.  Astrid Fischer and Sue Skelton were invited to join the Board.  Astrid will take the role of Company Secretary, and Sue will continue as Treasurer.  We are still actively seeking a Finance Director.

At our first Management Committee meeting following the AGM, we welcomed Magda Gould and Mary Hardman onto the committee.

In October, we organised “Seedy Sunday”, together with Wyld Thyngz, who offer woodland workshops which inspire children to develop a lifelong love of the natural world.  People brought seeds and plants to swap, and although this event was planned in rather a hurry, it was well attended.  There may be some interest in a “Springtime Seedy Sunday” – what do you think?

Members of SHARE took part in the Tamar Energy Fest.  Held in Tavistock Town Hall in October, the event brought together local businesses and volunteers in a celebration of local energy and other eco-innovations.  If you missed out on this annual event, you can read all about it on the Tamar Energy Community website.

SHARE Wood Project More deliveries have been made this year than last, and there is still wood in store if you need it. Plus if you have trees to be felled or pruned, we’re working with Red Squirrel Tree Care.  By working together we can get a better deal. Earlier this month 5 volunteers helped Matt and Tania of Red Squirrel to clear trees at Trevigro and Trewoodloe. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED.

Geoff Hardman is arranging chainsaw training.  If you miss out on this group, put your name forward for the next session.

Taking The Power Back – an event by Regen SW and Plymouth Energy Community 

We attended this event which was held at the spectacular Devonport Guildhall in November. Continue reading →

Tamar Energy Fest


On October 28th 2017 SHARE were delighted to be invited to Tamar Energy Fest, by Tamar Energy Community at Tavistock Town Hall. We joined other community initiatives:

Roots to Transition/Tasty Tavy www.transitiontavistock.org.uk/working-groups/roots-to-transition

Sustainable South Brent   www.sustainablesouthbrent.org.uk  including Woodfuel from hedges

Tamar Grow Local www.tamargrowlocal.org  Sustainable local produce

Transition Tavistock www.transitiontavistock.org.uk including “life without plastic” display

Tamar Energy Community www.tamarenergycommunity.com Renewable Energy, home visits for energy advice, Local Matters premises.

Plus: Building materials and insulation advice and suppliers;

Cosy Home Company www.cosyhomecompany.co.uk insulation solutions  for period properties

The Fell Partnership www.thefellpartnership.co.uk in concrete form building

Greenhus www.greenhus.co.uk  external wall insulation

Green Scheme www.greenschemeltd.co.uk Eco-friendly outdoor materials

Mantle building system www.mantlepanel.com super insulated system build

Mike Wye & Associates www.mikewye.co.uk Sustainable & traditional building specialists

Plus: Renewable energy technology specialists;

Metalelectrique High Energy batteries

New Generation Energy www.newgenerationenergy.co.uk Renewable Energy

Regen www.regensw.co.uk advice on sustainable energy delivery

Sungift Solar www.sungiftsolar.co.uk Renewable Energy

ZLC Energy www.zlcenergy.co.uk Renewable Energy

PLUS Other services available;

Abbey Garden Machinery www.abbeygarden.com tools for garden and tree management

Graham Reed Glass www.grahamreedglass.co.uk Demonstrating hand made glass designs

Red Squirrel Tree Care www.redsquirreltreecare.co.uk Tree pruning/arboriculture, & photo booth

South West Water www.southwestwater.co.uk using water wisely

Tamar Valley AONB www.tamarvalley.org.uk oversight of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Utility Warehouse www.lovelysavings.co.uk utilities including energy

During the day there were interesting talks and discussions on;

High Energy batteries, changing the game.

Smarter Community Energy innovation

Affordable energy and warmer homes

Dealing with older homes

Woodfuel from hedges.

The exhibitors and the general public were genuinely interested in SHARE achievements to date and we had great fed back and signed up 3 new associate members supporting our aims. We aim to keep in touch with the Tamar Energy Community and attend their monthly “Green Drinks” the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7:30pm at LOCAL MATTERS, and other events. If you would like to join us please contact share@south-hill.co.uk  so we can car share.

SHARE news update


The SHARE AGM was well attended on September 21st.

The formal business of an AGM was conducted, with the chairman of the Board of Directors, David Skelton, giving a full report on all that happened in the year to 31st March 2017.

Peter Tulloch, one of the founding members, is standing down from the Board this year, to pursue other interests and was thanked and praised for his valuable contribution especially with regard to the detailed documentation, insurances and policies needed.

Membership continues to grow, Full Members living, working or owning property in the parish can vote, membership is a nominal £2 and Associate Members not in this category but support our aims, visions and rules, membership is just £1.

The new Board and officers will be announced soon.

There were useful discussions during the meeting and this continued over drinks and snacks.

Wood Project

Firewood deliveries have been going out earlier this year than last, with many new customers taking advantage of this great offer. Locally sourced wood delivered locally, what’s not to like! The price remains the same as last year, £50 for a dumpy bag and £100 for a trailer load all dry and seasoned, sized to you requirements, ready for those cold days. Money raised goes to planting trees and making this a great sustainable project.

Phone Ali if you need wood 01579 384544 or email share@south-hill.co.uk

If you have a tree that needs felling, CALL US. We will be around the parish on MONDAY 9th  October with our experts accessing current jobs so let us know if you have any additional work that needs doing.

Power the Night with Sunlight

Thank You Astrid our project leader & to Nick for being the spokesman on the great promotional video produced by Stuart Bailey, FOR THE COMMITTEE for rallying the troops and spreading the word to different groups and organisations to gain support and votes, our members and ALL FRIENDS that have voted to date.

We have been leading the East Cornwall region but we also have to win the West Cornwall region, WE ARE CURRENTLY LEADING THE WAY but it’s VERY CLOSE and we have 3 weeks to go until voting closes on October 20th.

Keep spreading the word, ask people if they have voted, we will be holding a drop in session on Sunday 15th October 11 – 2pm at the parish hall for those with limited broadband or limited knowledge on how to vote and buy rewards ALL WELCOME, at the same time as SEEDY SUNDAY.

Seedy Sunday

Share and swap ideas, seeds and sip soup! Talk to other gardening enthusiasts and share experiences.

Come to The Parish Hall on the 15th October and take your pick from the range of seeds on offer! Tell your friends and let’s get the community sharing, sowing and succeeding to make our gardens in 2018 truly magnificent! Wyld Thyngz is helping run this event with us.

Power The Night With Sunlight


WE HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR A GRANT

from M&S Energy

South Hill Parish Hall in Golberdon has set its sights on using sunlight
– at night!

‘Power the Night with Sunlight’ – South Hill Association for Renewable Energy from Stuart Bailey on Vimeo.

SHARE (South Hill Association for Renewable Energy) community benefit group have applied for an M&S Energy Grant to install a Tesla Power Wall in the Parish Hall at Golberdon.

This will enable the energy generated from the solar panels to be stored for later use and dramatically help with heating and running costs, helping to keep the hall a viable and attractive venue.

Voting is finished now.  Thank you to all who voted for us and pledged money for our wonderful rewards.

We will hear on November 6th whether we have been successful with our bid

Collecting votes at M&S Plymouth

Continue reading →

SHARE Update


South Hill Association for Renewable Energy
Community Group

Fundraising

We are pleased to announce that SHARE has been shortlisted for funding from the M&S Energy Community Energy Fund.  This year £300,000 will be awarded to support renewable energy projects and technologies across the UK.  Last year 25 projects received funding, and this year we hope to earn our share.

The project we are proposing is to install a Tesla Powerwall 2 energy store at the Parish Hall to take full advantage of the roof-top solar PV system. At present, this is only of direct use to Hall users during the day, and excess generation is exported to the National Grid.  With batteries, energy could be stored and used during the evenings too.  This is particularly exciting in view of the recent announcement by the government that they plan to support the further development of battery technology for this purpose.

The judges base their decisions partly on the merit of the project, but also on support from the public. The voting and crowdfunding stage will take place in September and October.  Our fund –raiser, Astrid Fischer, has just started working on the next stage of the M&S bid.  A small team is already helping her to expand support for our project.  If you are able to help please step forward.

AGM – Thursday September 21st 2017, 7:30pm Continue reading →

South West Water Money Saving Schemes


Money saving schemes from South West water and are really great for families on low incomes /family tax credit / benefits.
One policy particularly benefits those on low incomes with 3 or more children or a household with someone who has a medical condition that requires more water to be used.

Watercare http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/index.cfm?articleid=10776 

You may qualify for a social tariff to help reduce your bill if you are on a very low income. You may qualify if:

1.     You are on a water meter or on assessed charges

2.     The person who pays the water bill or someone in your household receives one or more of the following means tested benefits:
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit (guaranteed element)

3.     Your ‘equivalised’ weekly income, after housing costs, is less than £295 

Watershare http://www.southwestwater.co.uk/watersure

Help with metered bills – the WaterSure Tariff

You may qualify for a lower bill if you receive a means-tested benefit or tax credit.

WaterSure can help you if you have a low-income and your water is measured by a meter. We can put a limit on your charges for water and sewerage services, if you meet the following conditions.

1.  Your supply is metered

2. The person who pays the water bill or someone else in your household receives benefit  or tax credit

3. There are either:

  • three or more children under the age of 19 living in the household for whom the person receiving the above benefit also claims Child Benefit; or
  • you or someone living in your household has a medical condition which causes  extra water to be used.

FREE Money Saving Products savewatersavemoney.co.uk/southwest/free-water-saving-products  

Info sourced by SHARE South Hill Association for Renewable Energy www.south-hill.co.uk/share

SHARE Fun Day


The SHARE in our Community Free Family Fun Day was an amazing success on Bank Holiday Monday. There have never been so many children in Golberdon Park, estimated around 300 people in total, all enjoying the activities laid on by South Hill Parish Renewable Energy community group, S.H.A.R.E.

Events centered on energy and money saving tips, recycling and reducing waste, including Kicks Count charity, clothes alterations by Janet Harding, promoting cycling with E Bike demos and bike slalom course, planting seeds, foraging the hedgerows and an energy science project. Plus The Big Beat Junk Band invited everyone to join in and make lots of noise.

“South Hill Rocks” was launched as rocks were painted and hidden around public spaces for people to find, then upload a photo to South Hill FB and re-hide, encouraging families to be creative and explore the area. Join in the fun, like South-Hill FB facebook.com/SouthHillParish or visit south-hill.co.uk/south-hill-rocks

Free Energy Saving Light-bulbs were donated by E-On, sunflower starter kits and grocery Bags for Life, donated by Tesco’s, Morrison’s and Waitrose were given away. A massive Thank you to everyone that helped make the day so special, to all that donated items, Tamar Organics, Spar, Launceston Cycles, Compton Park Farm Shop, Callington Fresh Produce, our generous parishioners, the South Hill W.I ladies for teas, the South Hill Horticultural Show for including the Sunflower class on August 19th. The car booters, the Police for providing leaflets on protecting property, Project Solar answering questions and giving energy advice and the families that came from near and far and team S.H.A.R.E for hosting such a great fun day. Learn more by contacting enquiries@ProjectSolarUK.com or call Simon on 07955522072.

South Hill Association for Renewable Energy (SHARE) a Community Benefit Society since June 2015. SHARE’s vision is “A secure and sustainable future for all, using community owned R.E to provide economic, social and environmental benefits.” Contact SHARE@south-hill.co.uk call Peter 01579 208519 and visit south-hill.co.uk/share

…. and the 50/50 of 140 pounds was won by a couple from Saltash, visiting for the day. finding and hiding SOUTH HILL ROCKS at Golberdon Park !

Save

SHARE in our Community Fun Day Pix


Trebartha Open Gardens n Hydro System


Trebartha  open the file for more info on Trebartha.

The Hydro system has been operational since December 2015. Water is taken off at the in take area on the Withey Brook, just below Hawks Tor, through a 1.2 kilometre stretch of pipe, dropping 90 metres down to the Turbine House. The turbine is a 4 jet vertical shafted pelton wheel, with a 350 kw generator. The power is fed to a high voltage transformer in the adjoining enclosure before being exported to the local WPD grid. The scheme is estimated to generate some 1,000 MWhs of energy a year – enough for some 2000 domestic properties – this could vary +/- 30% depending on rainfall.