Newsletter Number Nine. June - July 2006

The SoS Newsletters are produced to keep the communities of Aston Ingham, Aston Crews, Gorsley, Kilcot and Linton informed about the status of the 2 x 56 metre (183ft) Wind-Turbines, each the height of Nelson’s column which Green Amps propose to erect at Withymoor Farm, (grid reference SO:674. 241). We also aim to provide some general information about wind turbines and renewable energy.

The Continuing Story.
There is still no official communication from Green-Amp’s CEO Nick Brown. However, we continue to monitor the Green-Amp plans for similar developments across Gloucestershire. Has the withdrawal of bank finance reported in the Gloucestershire Echo on 8th May put a stop to Mr Brown’s indiscriminate scattering of turbines across the countryside?

Widening Our Area of Interest
We spoke at the recent Village Open Meetings in Aston Ingham and Linton explaining that SoS is looking into broadening its area of interest within the over-arching objective of supporting and maintaining the essentially rural character of our villages. We recognise that change is essential if our communities are to thrive but it should not be allowed to undermine the essentially rural nature of these communities. With this in mind we want to know what you believe are the most pressing threats to the rural character of our communities. Is it the lack of public transport? Or do you just want to know more about the countryside we live in so we can take better care of it? Please let us know and we will try to focus our efforts accordingly. Our contact details are at the end of this Newsletter.

Campaign to Protect Rural England
In last month’s Newsletter we mentioned the tranquility questionnaire run by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE.) Here is a short explanation of this national organization’s history. It was created in 1926 by Sir Patrick Abercrombie in order to preserve the countryside. In 1931 in Herefordshire, under the Presidency of the then Lord Lieutenant, Sir John Cotterell the mandate was set in place to: “create a local centre for giving and obtaining advice and information on all matters affecting the preservation of amenities and, with that end in view, to promote co-operation between Local Authorities, Town Planning Committees, local and other societies, landowners and other persons interested.”

The overall aims of CPRE are: “to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country”, and “to promote positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside, ensuring it remains both socially and economically viable without compromising all that makes it unique”.

Their main website http://www.cpre.org.uk/ , the local website is:- http://www.cpreherefordshire.org.uk/ .
There is also a Planning site:- http://www.planninghelp.org.uk/ . Links to these sites are or soon will be available via our Blog site:- http://www.southherefordshiresos.blogspot.com/

Renewable Energy Stop Press
The Alternatives investigated by SoS member Chris Tormey.
Following my exploration of solar energy in Newsletter 7, I have just received details of another system of Solar Heating, which has really grabbed my attention.

The claims by the Company are:-
Costs less to buy than its competitors
Costs less to install
Inhabits the roof space, not your rooms
Consumes NO mains power
Delivers hotter water
Installs easily
Is freeze tolerant (no antifreeze chemicals, no heat exchangers, no messy plumbing)
Zero Carbon: the pump is 100% solar powered, saving electricity and also CO2.

I have spoken with a customer of the Company and found that he had the system installed in February 2006 and his heating system has only needed to top up the hot water once since then. He is 100% satisfied with the system and the installation.

I have received details of how the installation takes place and the impressive part is that you can either have the system installed by the Company (VAT at 5%), and receive a grant towards the cost (provided your property meets the minimum requirements), or you may install it yourself (needs two people with some practical expertise) at a reduced price. I am conducting a further assessment and will report in the next Newsletter before I give this my final seal of approval.

Regarding my assessment of Heat Pumps which I discussed in Newsletter 8, I am still awaiting the publication of the latest book on how to accurately assess the insulation and heating needs of domestic properties. My initial assessment of my property was flawed, and gave an unrealistic figure for my Heat Pump requirements. Watch this space for further information.

Useful Addresses and Web Links.
For those of you with access to a computer an excellent site about Turbines and their impact is http://www.countryguardian.net/
Link to map showing proposed location of turbines http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf? =newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&dn=637&ax=367433&ay=224154


The Action Group leading the SoS campaign is chaired by Jane Bradney (01989 750862). Other members are Chris Tormey (01989 720861), Lesley Rackley (01989 720358), Steve Burns.

If you are interested in supporting any of the issues raised in this Newsletter or would like to suggest other areas of interest please ring Martin or Jane Bradney on 01989 750862. Alternatively visit our blog http://www.southherefordshiresos.blogspot.com/