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Bonsall Energy Group

Bonsall Energy Group was formed in January 2007 as a voluntary organisation. Its objective is to undertake actions that will enhance quality of life in the community whilst at the same time protecting the environment for future generations. The membership aims to ‘think globally and act locally’ to combat the effects of climate change and global warming. Members aim to undertake projects that will help Bonsall reduce its carbon footprint and may involve the development of energy-saving projects, renewable energy schemes, recycling, educational projects or other activities to foster a more sustainable community.

Whilst Bonsall Energy Group holds regular meetings to progress projects, its membership is keen to welcome others as Supporters; people who take an interest in what the group is doing, have a say in future plans but perhaps only get involved on an occasional basis. If you would like to be a Supporter or to simply receive information about the activities then please contact Mike Lynch at email mike

Bonsall’s Big Green Day Out May 9th 2009
In May BEG teamed up with other local groups to organise a green themed family day out; staying in the village. The Allotment group provided veg and the PTFA made scrumptious soup, bread and cakes. Open Gardens organised a plant swap, there was a kite making workshop and pony and trap rides. As well as fun things to do, there was lots to find out about: how big is your carbon footprint; how do solar panels, anaerobic digesters and ground source heat pumps work; how can insulation save money and energy. You could sign up for the local Veg Box Scheme, get your bike fixed for free and learn how to make compost. All in all it was a grand day out. To see all the events and schedule for the day click here

Greener Community buildings for Bonsall
During October 2008 a feasibility study to measure energy use or wasted energy in 7 community buildings in Bonsall was carried out by CAT (The Centre for Alternative Technology). To see further information click here

See the report on the energy efficiency of the community buildings in Bonsall produced by CAT. Note low quality of images to enable fast downloading.

What has Bonsall Energy Group done so far?

Energy Survey: With help from the Energy Saving Trust, we have helped 112 householders do an Energy Audit of their homes. Every household completing the survey was sent a detailed report by the Energy Saving Trust. These individual reports offered suggestions about ways to conserve domestic energy by improving insulation, draft proofing and using low energy light bulbs etc. Householders were also given accurate assessments of the costs of improvements and the savings that each measure could present.

Low Energy Light Bulb Library: With support from the Parish Council, Open Gardens and the Carnival Committee the Bonsall Energy Group has assembled a box of low energy light bulbs to make up a Library that is available for any household to borrow. The aim is to assist people in selecting the right sort of bulbs from what can be a confusing selection of fittings, light intensities and shapes. Households borrowing the box may either order bulbs from the Bonsall Energy Group, or purchase their own.

To borrow the Light Bulb Library contact:
Brian Lee at brian.kath.lee@btinternet.com
Peter Fox at peterfox@w3z.co.uk"

An Inconvenient Truth: In March of last year, the Bonsall and District Film Society teamed up with the Energy Group to screen Al Gore’s eye-opening film ‘An Inconvenient Truth’. The film pulls no punches to inform its audience about the facts of climate change.

Getting information: Bonsall Energy Group members are actively researching a number of issues in order to offer up to date information for villagers which is often published in the village magazine ‘Mutterings’

Biodiesel - A Golden Opportunity or Environmental Threat
An audience from Bonsall, Winster and Matlock attended a presentation by Jon Hallé from the Oxford based co-operative Goldenfuels. However, after further research BEG decided to hold back on any bio fuel developments until such time as the policies and debate surrounding the ‘Fuel for Food’ issue is satisfactorily resolved.

Bonsall energy group image

Partnership for a Greener Bonsall: Bonsall Energy Group is working with local organisations that manage facilities for the village. The School, St James Church, the Wesleyan Chapel, the Assemblies of God, the Village Hall, Rectory Room and Village Camp are working collectively to do a feasibility study to examine energy saving measures and each buildings’ energy generating potential. In the medium term the group hopes to undertake some research about the potential for the generation of renewable energy in the Parish.

CONTACT US
Bonsall Energy Group usually holds monthly meetings and occasionally promotes public events. People who support the aims of the organisation are encouraged to get in touch and will receive news of local events and information about the activities of a wider network of organisations. To have your details added to this list please contact Mike Lynch at email mike

Supported by PDNPA logo

Links:
Peak District National Park Authority
Centre for Alternative Technology

www.bonsallvillage.org is the community web site of Bonsall village in Derbyshire. The site is managed by Bonsall Parish Council with the aim of increasing access to public and community information to those who live in the village and as a service to businesses, societies, clubs and organisations in the village. Much of the content is directly updated by all those involved in the societies, clubs, organisations and businesses themselves.