Twelfth Night: On January 6^th, we had an open invitation to join us at the Parish Hall in Golberdon, and bring Christmas trees and cards for recycling, and to share drinks and nibbles. We were pleased to see families with children, members and non-members, many brought food and drink, giving the evening something of a party atmosphere. Surplus food was also taken to Callington Foodbank.  Information about recycling, food miles and future SHARE events was available at the meeting and discussed. As part of your recycling please collect these items and pass them on.

New Finance Director: We are delighted to welcome Graham Beven of Kelly Bray to join the board in the role of Finance Director. His background and interests are a perfect fit for us. 

Visit Bray Shop Solar Farm: We have arranged with Lightsource to visit the solar farm on our Bray Shop boundary. South Hill Parish Council receives money from this installation (together with Stoke Climsland).  This money is specifically to be used by the Parish for “charitable, educational, environmental, amenity or other appropriate purposes within the areas of the Community and wherever possible to apply the Community Benefit Payment towards the promotion of sustainable energy and uses”.  Some of this money has been used to put solar panels on the Parish Hall roof, and in order to monitor the system remotely, broadband was installed, giving free Wi-fi to all Hall users.  The defibrillator at the Parish Hall was also paid for using this fund.

Lightsource (https://www.lightsource-re.com/uk/) is a global market leader in the development, acquisition and long-term management of international large-scale solar projects and smart energy solutions. They also own a number of smaller installations in the UK. Members and non-members are welcome to join us on the morning of Saturday March 31^st.  We will meet at the Parish Hall car park and car-share to the site. Numbers will be limited so we will need to know names beforehand. Contact share@south-hill.co.uk, or phone David Skelton (01579 382397), if you are interested. If you have questions for Lightsource, even if you are unable to attend, please forward them to SHARE. share@south-hill.co.uk

Proposed visit to Incinerator, Plymouth ( https://www.mvv) : South Hill W.I. were very impressed with their visit to the Plymouth incinerator so we are arranging a visit for anyone interested, SHARE Members and Non Members. Our plan will be to car share to Gunnislake Station and take the 9.27am train to St Budeaux, returning on the 12.54 or 14.54. The longer tour is more interesting apparently and we can have lunch in St Budeaux while waiting for the later 14.54 train. If interested let us know which times works best for you.

LOVE FREE TREES : SHARE recognise the importance of planting trees. The following young whips of trees are available Free of Charge to anyone in the parish. They have been chosen for their contribution to gardens, wildlife and are hardy. These young saplings should be planted around VALENTINE’S Day and we would like as many youngsters to be involved as possible.  Let me know what trees and quantities you would like AND if you can help with planting. Ali 384544 SHARE@south-hill.co.uk

Mountain Ash/ Rowan, Bird Cherry, Hazel, Common Crab Apple, Grey Willow/Pussy Willow, Osier Willow, Golden Willow,  Dogwood.

Woodland Visit: Are You interested in visiting a young mixed species woodland at Trematon? SHARE have been invited to see the growth of the various trees and discuss with the owner. Plus there are two other small woods nearby (possibly walking distance) that we can visit – very different to each other. One has had no management since it was planted 20 years ago. The other is “one of the most beautiful woods I’ve ever seen” and goes down to the beach on the north side of the Lynher. The invite is open for members and non members of SHARE.   Let Ali know ASAP so we can arrange a date/time ideally before Valentine’s day and car sharing.

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 →