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Wiltshire Community Wind Energy Group News, Updates and Events |
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Wiltshire Community Wind Energy Group News, Updates and Events |
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Action News
This column gives an update on some of the actions we are doing, and other useful or interesting information. If you can help with any of the activities we would like to here from you. We hope that other groups (e.g. climate friendly groups) may find some of our work useful - we would be pleased to provide further details. All information is provided 'as is' with no guarantee with respect to accuracy or suitability for any purpose. The information is provided for use by members of Wiltshire Community Wind Energy and similar voluntary groups. It is only available for use by individuals or organisations with the written agreement of Wiltshire Community Wind Energy.
Glyndebourne Wind Turbine Launch The Glyndebourne wind turbine is helping to power one of the great opera houses. After many years of planning and development the turbine has been successfully launched. The turbine is unusual as it was permitted in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Last word to Sir David Attenborough:
"I know, of course, that Glyndebourne lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Having visited the proposed site, I noticed that it is close to a place where, not so long ago, a windmill once stood. I suspect that were that windmill still in existence, many of us would regard it as a welcome feature in the essentially domesticated Sussex landscape and would speak passionately in favour of its protection. That, surely, is because most of us have a care and affection for the past. I certainly have. But I also have a care and affection for the future. A wind turbine, with its graceful lines, collecting energy from the environment without causing any material damage, is a marvellous demonstration of the way we can minimise our pollution of the atmosphere if we wish to do so. It would help protect not only the countryside we have known for centuries but also the wider world"
Sir David Attenborough, proof of evidence
Young people lead the way A recent YouGov poll has shown that 65% of 18-24 year olds think that wind power should be used more - whilst only 11% said wind should be used less - an overwhelmingly positive result!
"Time to back renewable energy" says Wiltshire Wildlife Trust The trust have urged their members to support renewable energy projects and have released the results of their membership poll. This move is to be welcomed - for more details click here
Solar PV Feed in Tariffs face reckless cuts Whilst most people in the solar PV business expected some cuts in the solar PV feed-in tariffs, the rapid chaotic change is causing bitterness across the industry. Legal action is on going and e-petitions have been started to try and drive a more considered and planned approach which gives the industry and individuals a chance of planning.
Grange Farm Wind Farm The wind farm project discussed below near West Ashton is to be called "Grange Farm Wind Farm" and the developer has started a new website at www.grangefarmwindfarm.co.uk . We are aware that the developer is keen to hear any early comments or views, and contact details are available from their website.
In many ways comments now are particularly welcome as the developer will be agreeing with Wiltshire Council the studies that need to be done to support the planning application (if the project progresses to planning). It is a good time to influence the type and scale of the studies being undertaken. The 'scoping report' is available from their website which outlines the developer's proposed approach. If you have questions raise them as soon as you can.
Wind Farm Plan for site near West Ashton REG Windpower has applied in July to Wiltshire Council for permission to install a mast to record wind speed data. The area around West Ashton, about a mile south east of Trowbridge, has been one which Wiltshire Community Wind Energy has been aware of for some time and the feasibility study being undertaken by REG Windpower (who specialise in small/medium sized wind farms) is to be welcomed. A lot of work is required by the developer to confirm the suitability of the site. We want to see the developer working with the community to address concerns. We would urge all those involved or consulted to keep an open mind, as the studies will still be at an early stage. We are very pleased to respond proactively to the developer's proposals.
The story reported in the Wiltshire Times is available here. REG Windpower has set up a hotline for enquires on 0845 262 6264. The planning application reference for the wind mast (NOT the wind farm) is W/11/02054/FUL, and details of the application can be found here.
Wiltshire's Draft Core Strategy identifies key role for wind energy Wiltshire Council are currently consulting on the draft Core Strategy which will underpin Wiltshire's planning policy for the next 10 years or more. Topic Paper 1 - Climate Change recognises both the challenge faced in the county and the key role that wind power will have to make. The Wiltshire Sustainable Energy Planning Study which informs the Core Strategy identifies a potential of 160MW of wind power (of 367MW renewable electricity generation) by 2020. This is a challenging target and will require a fundamental change of approach. Our review of this figure does suggest it is possible but will require positive planning policies and the ability to implement policy wisely. Technically, solutions to aviation concerns (e.g. radar) and a proactive, supportive and pragmatic approach by the MOD will be essential. There is no place for the 'dead hand of bureaucracy' if the renewable generation required is to be delivered.
Surprisingly the Energy Planning Study omits the potential role for mid-sized turbines i.e. farm scale turbines (like the Purton application below).
The consultation on the Core Stratgy runs until August 8th. The consultation is available here.
Purton wind turbine planning help! A 50kW, 34.6m high to tip wind turbine is proposed just south of Purton (west of Swindon), and is in planning now. Details of the application are available here - in the application 'quick search box' just put 11/01640/FUL and you will go direct to the application. You can offer your support online (just follow the link on the page) even 1 or 2 lines of support is very useful.
This is an important application and could help promote mid-sized wind turbines in Wiltshire (in the correct location) so please show your support today - it will only take 5 minutes.!
Windfarm Wars If you are interested in how wind farms are developed, the wind farm wars documentary by the BBC is an eye opener. If you want to see it you will have to be quick as the series finishes this Friday (3rd June) but it will be available for some time after on the BBC iPlayer. Observations, links and reviews of the programme are available here.
What will we do when the wind stops? You often hear it said that wind energy can never be a solution to our energy needs because wind does not blow all the time (it is intermittent). However, as this report by the Committee on Climate Change makes clear, when integrated with other renewables, demand side response, interconnection with Europe, storage and some backup plant there is no problem. Even if the renewables share was 65% by 2030 these measures would only add around 1p/kWh to the electricity price. By being smarter in our energy use and generation we can have a sustainable energy system - and still boil the kettle when there is no wind outside!
Home electricity use - how are you doing? Everyone agrees that we must use all energy more efficiently, and many people reading this column are probably doing what they can. The trouble is how do you know how well you are doing? This one page note gives you a starting point. It may not be very accurate, but it lets you compare your annual electricity usage at home with others.
If renewable energy including wind power are to a viable option in the future we all need to do our bit. Read your electicity bill (or read your meter) to work out your annual usage and see how you are doing today. Please feel free to pass it on to others, but just be aware that some of the figures are approximate - and there are probably better figures out there somewhere!
Wind Power Tops the Poll Sometimes you would be forgiven for thinking that wind power was unpopular with the public. In fact poll after poll has shown support for wind power including the YouGov poll last year (May 2010) which asked a sample of 4262 adults 'How favourable or unfavourable are your overall opinions or impressions of the following energy sources for producing electicity currently?'
Coal fav 19% unfav 40% Gas fav 24% unfav 30% Nuclear fav 42% unfav 26% Wind 'farms' 72% unfav 11%
(fav = total favourable, unfav = total unfavourable) Note that no other sources were included in the survey (e.g. solar PV).
The challenge for groups such as ours is to get this message out to those that decide policy both nationally and locally.
Shock News of Review of Feed in Tariffs Less than one year after the launch of the 'feed in tariff' scheme the Government are undertaking an urgent review in light of the the 'solar farm threat' . Any uncertainty is to be regretted although wind power should fair much better than solar, as the government move to stave off a solar 'gold rush'. What the solar 'gold rush' has shown is that barriers to solar are really the present cost of the technology (not planning, environmental, engineering or social issues). In contrast wind is more complex so there is a case for making wind more attractive so that there is an incentive to get over these barriers. In the end, though, we are all going to need all types of technology to meet our future needs in a sustainable way.
Campaign to Support Renewables Copy of Email from 'Embrace My Planet'
We all know that it’s the job of an MP to represent their constituents. We’re sure you’d agree that it’s their job to represent ALL their constituents, not just the noisiest ones. Unfortunately, the latter can happen – as will be evidenced this Thursday [10th Feb].
Several backbench Conservative MPs have become convinced that their constituents oppose wind power, even though surveys have repeatedly shown that the majority of the public support wind – and wouldn’t mind living near a windfarm. They’ve organised a parliamentary debate on onshore wind on Thursday this week, and we expect them to use the occasion to push myths about wind – because that’s exactly what they did to get the debate. We need to tell MPs the truth – that the silent majority of the population is in favour of wind energy. You can join Embrace My Planet here and then support their campaign - to show that the silent mjority support wind power. Wiltshire Council Adopt New ECO Strategy "We are entering a critical period for climate change and energy security at the national and local level. Our reliance on imported fossil fuels is increasing, but at the same time the dangers to our climate from burning fossil fuels become ever more apparent. The need to build a secure, low carbon economy here in Wiltshire becomes even more vital." First paragraph of the foreword to Wiltshire Council's Energy, Change and Opportunity Strategy available here . The council's plans are comprehensive and ambitious - but they need to be to achieve a sustainable energy and climate future and comply with legislation. Encouragingly the plan is supportive of engagement with community groups. The strategy will only be successful if the fundamental obligation to achieve energy security and a sustainable climate is understood throughout the council and the wider community in Wiltshire. All policies and actions by officers have to be undertaken in this context - we cannot afford a 'silo' approach where decisions are considered in terms of narrow traditional interests, however important they are. The strategy is positive, the challenge (as always) is to turn words into actions. We will all have to work together to make the plan a success. Update on Our Own Wind Power Project Consultation Thank you to all those that have already replied to our consultation. If you are new to the group or would like to hear about what we are thinking, please get in touch. Replies so far have been positive and there has been some discussion on the scale of the project that should be considered. If you have not replied yet please do so by the end of January 2011 if possible. Thanks
Happy New Year 2011 promises to be an exciting time for the group. We have lots of active opportunities at various stages, and in fact we are having difficulties keeping up with them all! We are now consulting internally during January about the option of promoting a project ourselves, so please watch this space. If you have some time and would like to become more involved in 2011 please get in touch, we would be very happy to hear from you!
Consultation on our options As discussed below we are considering a more active role and to potentially promote a community project ourselves. At our meeting on the 25th November it was agreed that we would review the options and consult the group as to whether we should take this further. We will be emailing members in due course.
As a reminder if you want to added or removed from our circulation list please let us know info@wiltshirewind.org.uk.
Taking a more active approach So far the group has aimed to help communities or individuals take forward their plans - and there are a number of plans in the pipeline, and we have also helped to link funders and communities. At our next meeting in November we want to discuss whether we should take a more active role and look to promote a community project ourselves , and how we should do this. Your ideas would be very welcome! You may also be interested in this site which helps communities take forward their plans.
Bromham Options The Bromham area is well known for its excellent farm produce. We can also see a good opportunity to further support sustainable farming through wind power in this area. The National Farmers Union provide a new guide, which is useful to farmers considering wind power. The NFU's renewable energy news can be found here
Three Turbines for Honda at Swindon Ecotricity are planning to build three 120m high (to tip) wind turbines at the Honda plant at South Marston, Swindon. The planning application is not yet on the Swindon Borough Council's website but details are available here (click on the blue dot on the wind farm map).
Generate your own power RenewableUK (formerly the British Wind Energy Association) has published this useful guide for those considering installing a small wind system. This clear and concise report is a good place to start if you are looking at the options for wind power.
Good news from Bath In an important local development, Bath and North East Somerset Council approved on 13th May 2010 a planning application for a small 19.8m high wind turbine (height to top of blade) at Charlcombe, Bath. It is important because the site is in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in the Green Belt. Careful siting and much local support (including the AONB board itself) seemed to have been important. A key paragraph from the planning officer's report says:
"In relation to the issue of precedent, each proposal would need to be considered on its own merits. However, as small scale renewable energy can be acceptable in the Green Belt and AONB, any precedent that is set is not considered to be unacceptable."
Further details of the application and officers report. The planning reference is 09/04306/FUL for those that want to look it up on the B&NES website.
We can help you... If you are thinking of wind energy, perhaps you have a farm or are thinking about options for a school, we can help. We can help point you in the right direction and offer ideas and support. We are a voluntary group so we can offer this initial help without cost to you - what have you got to lose?? It is important to remember that (in the right location) a variety of sizes of wind turbine are available and should be financially viable. The introduction of the Feed-in tariff (see below) could supply you with an useful income and a hedge against future energy cost rises. So why not get in touch? -see the contacts page.
Peak Oil How we use oil in the next few years will decide whether the insecurity in supply will 'destabilise economic, political and social activity potentially by 2015'. This is the warning from the Industry Task Force on Peak Oil and Energy Security. The task force members include Scottish & Southern Energy, Stagecoach Group and the Virgin Group - major businesses not Green NGOs. Renewable energy is part of the picture to address the fact that we will not be able to produce oil fast enough to meet future demand, particularly as what oil there is left in the ground gets increasingly difficult and expensive to extract.
Technical Help Please Do you have any experience of using telephone or internet conferencing? We want to attract more members to our meetings but the distance is a problem both because of the time and cost (as well as the carbon footprint). We are aware of a few options but do you know of a good cheap or free service which we could use? Please get in touch at info@wiltshirewind.org.uk.
Thanks!
New Feed-in Tariff Scheme Gets Go Ahead The launch of the new financial scheme to support those generating renewable energy is the most important development in the industry for many years. The scheme starts this April and will pay a fixed sum per kWh produced over a 20 year period. This sum is index linked ensuring that inflation does not erode the payment. For typical farm or school wind applications the payment is about 21.8 - 29.7p per kWh, or more if the owner uses the electricity produced.
Good windy sites could deliver a financial return of 8%, or possibly more. Full details of the scheme are available from here and here. More straightforward practical guides will be out soon for those considering this opportunity.
Good news!
Feed-in Tariffs Feed-in tariffs (FITs) will ensure that those producing low-carbon electricity from small-scale wind turbines (and other renewable technologies) should get a reasonable financial return. Large scale wind is not targeted, but smaller 'agricultural' scale turbines will be - perhaps offering owners 16-20p per kWh. We expect the final figures to be confirmed very soon - in early February 2010, by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Details will be available from here.
If the rates are as expected, feed-in tariffs will have a major impact on community renewable energy - so watch this space......
Cop out at Copenhagen - But Wiltshire looks forward Broadly it appears that most NGOs consider Copenhagen a failure. The Governments will eventually have to face climate change and the hope must be that this is now very soon - while we can. As individuals we must continue to do our best, and in the county there is much going on - if you need cheering up just go and look at Wiltshire World Changers . We should also not forget that climate change is in many ways unique - we are being asked to think into the future to look at a pollutant we can not see or taste, based on world climate models that only a very small number of people really understand. The contrasts with slavery, racism, rights for women or democracy is very stark - although the potential impacts of failure to address climate change could dwarf all these issues.
On the other hand the only real way that climate change will be addressed is through cooperation and understanding at all levels across the globe - perhaps 'good will to all men'.
Wiltshire Community Wind Energy at RegenSW conference in Bath RegenSW is the sustainable energy agency for the South West of England. Wiltshire Community Wind Energy was invited to speak briefly at their annual conference in Bath on the 11th November to discuss our aspirations and progress. By all accounts the talk seems to have been well received.
Due to hard work by the group we now have good and growing relationships with regional agencies, local authorities and a wide range of environmental groups. If you have a wind power idea we are always looking to help - so get in touch!
Join the Wave for a safe climate future for all Join the demonstration in London on the 5th December ahead of the crucial UN Climate summit in Copenhagen
Mind the Gap - Ofgem warns of energy supply risks to 2020 Ofgem warns of 'gas import dependency' especially where environment measures are only partially successful.
Do we really want to rely on some distant gas field to heat and light our homes and businesses? History tells us this is a very risky approach. Locally produced and used renewable energy must be the way forward - energy in our local hands
Calling all landowners Do you own land in Wiltshire? Have you been thinking of wind power? We may be able to help - so why not get in touch? Please see the contacts page. We are busy talking with people just like you now, so we would be pleased to help without commitment.
Wiltshire Councillors deny climate change... ......but not very many!
Victory! (15th September) Wiltshire Council decide to support the Nottingham Declaration, with council members voting 84 to 6 . In fact fewer members voted for abandoning it than signed the original motion! We are in a better position than before as it sounds like the Council will sign up to 10:10
7pm 14 September - There is going to be a rally at County Hall in Trowbridge from about 9.30am tomorrow. I am told that the meeting starts at 10:30 and the motion will be debated at 12:30 - but this could change. Councillors are likely to arrive an hour or more before the meeting so being early will have the most impact. This link has further details.
The motion is provided here . The Council officer response is here
There appears to be a group of Councillors that are aiming to persuade Wiltshire Council to reject activities that tackle the causes and consequences of climate change. Apparently there are aiming to persuade the Council to withdraw from the Nottingham Declaration . Details are still sketchy at the time of writing but environmental groups in the county are shocked - see this link for information.
In the papers... Have a look at the recent report on the group!
Westmill wind farm in the News See the BBC report here (will take some time to load)
Communities Sharing the Rewards Local communities should share in the success of local wind energy projects as suggested below:
"Since wind is 'common' which no one owns, local communities should share somehow in the rewards reaped from farming the wind blowing across their locality" Delivering Community Benefits from Wind Energy Development: A Toolkit
How this is done fairly and to provide real local benefit is quite a challenge, but there are many ideas and case studies already out there. It is important that the wind industry is seen to give as well as (some would see it) take. A view could be taken that as individuals we need to accept some personal 'loss' for the greater good. In fact we all do this to some extent, for example we accept road noise on the basis it helps others. However where possible wind farms should help support local communities.
Silton Wind Farm Planning Application Rejected Silton is in North Dorset not far from the Wiltshire border. North Dorset District Council are the planning authority and details of the application are available here and here. It is not possible to give a view about whether this was a 'good' decision or not without knowing the site well. However it is interesting that the planning officers in the council recommended the scheme whilst the councillors rejected it.
It is also interesting that the main individual objections where on landscape and local character grounds.
At Wiltshire Community Wind Energy we want wind turbines built in the right place. However we also know that it will be the landscape and local character that will suffer if we do not address climate change. In Wiltshire we must do our bit, even if we find it hard to cope with change, otherwise who else can we really blame?
Wind Energy Week It's wind energy week from 13 to 21 June. For details see the embracewind site
Did you know..... A small wind cluster of say 5 wind turbines could provide the equivalent of half the electricity used in all homes in a typical small town in Wiltshire (e.g. Corsham or Bradford-on-Avon). Now that's a real impact and your community could do it....
Quiet on the Website?? Much of the focus in the last few weeks has been on communicating with landowners and community groups - so there has been less time for the website. However there are lots of discussions going on - and as soon as we have news it will be posted here!
RSPB Call for more wind farms Here at Wiltshire Community Wind Energy we have always felt that wind turbines in the right location was the key to success. The RSPB have indicated in their report that more turbines can be built without harming wildlife. Their report is also discussed by the BBC . It is really positive that the RSPB have made a positive decision. It is all too easy to be green and pretend there is an simple single solution that will please everybody. Hard choices have to be made if we want to keep the lights on and avoid the worst of climate change.
Perhaps some of our local Wiltshire conservation charities (particularly those that own or manage land) could follow the RSPB's lead? We look forward to your call!
Without hot air This is a good book. Written with an entertaining style, Sustainable Energy - without hot air lays out our energy choices, without pretending that there is one easy solution. Worth a read for all those who want to know how we get from here to a sustainable energy future. Web site at www.withouthotair.com
Barack Obama's Inauguration Speech Wind energy even got a mention in Obama's speech:
"We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do."
The Energy Act Some good news is that the Energy Bill has now received royal assent. Why is this important? Among other things it introduces the 'feed-in tariff'. Whilst this will not start until April 2010 at the earliest, small generators of electricity should get a clear and higher price for the electricity they produce. My understanding is that this premium payment will be for generators up to 5MW - which is the equivalent of about 2 or 3 large turbines. Depending on the payment rate this may make single or twin turbines (and even small turbines) much more profitable. This is really important to us as it may help to support smaller projects, ones which currently are not cost effective. However it does depend on what level of support the Government decides, and (of course) this is subject to another round of consultation (yawn). Please see the story in the Guardian Climate Change: UK Takes the Lead
18 Candidate Sites Identified Well done to all those who have been in touch and made suggestions. We now have a short list of sites to investigate further all of which we believe should be windy enough and are not in important landscape areas (AONBs) - so they have passed the first hurdles. Can you help take things forward - get in touch - no experience necessary.
Did You know....old disused airfields often provide a good place for wind turbines - they are usually flat and exposed with few buildings in the area (see the top tips in site selection for more information). At one time or other there were 40 airfields in Wiltshire (some still in use such as Lynham and Boscombe Down) and many of these were used for flying training. (Source: Norman C Parker (1982) Aviation in Wiltshire, a Historical Survey, South Wiltshire Industrial Archaeology Society Historical Monograph 5)
Did You know....evidence exists for 102 windmills in 74 parishes, over a period of 650 year in Wiltshire . The earliest so far known was in the south of the county dated 1248. So wind power is not new in Wiltshire - In fact it is the lack of the use of the wind which is unusual today. (Source: Martin Watts (1980) Wiltshire Windmills published by Wiltshire County Council Library and Museum Service)
Small-scale Wind Energy Thinking about a small-scale wind turbine for a school or on your house? When we talk of small wind turbines this includes 1.75m diameter roof mounted wind turbines to typically 3m - 9m diameter tower mounted turbines. There has been considerable uncertainty about how effective these turbines are - particularly the roof mounted micro turbines. If you are thinking about small wind turbines have a look at this site and new report. This report stresses the importance of location. Get it wrong and your turbine may not offset as much carbon as it took to build it in the first place! (and it will be very expensive). Get it right and it is an environmentally viable cost effective solution.
This report and others studies are indicating that urban sites are often not very effective. We may be able to provide some initial help if you want to know more - please get in touch.
Site Scoping One of our first activities is a scoping exercise to try and identify potential sites. The group is preparing a 'geographic information system' (GIS) model of the county. Initial work has identified some key issues such as airfields (wind turbines are tall structures and can impact on airfields and radar). Work is ongoing to improve our knowledge of this issue. We are now in the position to be able to give some basic information for all areas of Wiltshire - but more work is needed. If you would like some initial information from the GIS model, drop us a line.
An example output from the GIS model is available here, with an introduction to what is shown provided here. It is still very early days but hopefully you can see where it is going.
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Meeting News 22 January 2012 The rearranged date for the REG Windpower talk is 6th February in Trowbridge. If you are planning to come to the meeting it is essential to get in touch to confirm arrangements and numbers.
4 January 2012 Happy New Year. thank you to those that came to the meeting on the 19th. Unfortunately REG Windpower had to cancel at the last moment, but it gave us the opportunity to discuss our approach which was valuable for those that attended. We are currently discussing with REG Windpower a rearranged date for their talk which looks like it will be mid-February. Further details when available.
14 December 2011 Just a final reminder regarding the meeting on the 19th regarding the plans for a wind farm near Trowbridge, please get in touch for details. The meeting is going to be held in central Trowbridge and is easily accessible by public transport.
13 November 2011 The next group meeting will be on the 19th December in Trowbridge where REG Windpower have kindly agreed to talk about their wind power plans at Grange Farm. The meeting is open to group members and members of other environmental groups - please get in touch for details.
18 September 2011 The minutes from the recent meeting are available here. There is also a more detailed annex which is available which gives more specific detail which is available to members on request.
We are planning a meeting in early December where REG Windpower have agreed to show a presentation on their plans for a wind farm at West Ashton. This will be open to all members and other similar community and environmental groups. So please watch this space.
10 September 2011 The Agenda for the meeting next Tuesday (13th September) is available here. Please contact info@wiltshirewind.org.uk for directions and contact details. We hope you can join us.
4 September 2011 The next meeting will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 13th September in Trowbridge and by telephone conference for those further afield. Members have been sent initial details but if you are not a member but would like to come please contact info@wiltshirewind.org.uk for further information, you would be very welcome.
14 August 2011 With so much happening in the last few weeks (see the Action News Column) we need a meeting to catch up! We are looking at a date in early September, and will be in touch with members very soon.
27 June 2011 We are just deciding on the date of the next meeting. If you have any ideas or issues to add to the Agenda please let us know. Purton scheme needs your help see the action column
12 March 2011 Thank you to those that came to our meeting on the 22nd. Members should have already received a copy of the minutes but they are also available here if you have missed them.
16 February 2011 The Agenda for our next meeting is available here . This will be an interesting meeting as we will be discussing the option of promoting our own wind power project. So why not join the meeting on the phone? The meeting is on Tuesday 22 February 2011 at 7pm and will be held by telephone conference.
If you have any additions for the Agenda please let us know.
7 February 2011 An email has just gone out to group members confirming that the next meeting is on Tuesday 22 February 2011 at 7pm and will be held by telephone conference.
No need to leave the comfort of your own home!
If you are not a member of the group and would like to join the meeting please get in touch at info@wiltshirewind.org.uk (please note there is no membership fee to join the group and we are always looking for new members).
We also welcome new ideas, suggestions and questions - please get in touch. Items for the Agenda or website are welcome.
23 January 2011 We are waiting for an update on one particular wind power opportunity before finalising a date for the next meeting. However at the moment we are suggesting the 17th February 2011. Please let us know if you would like to suggest an alternative date.
3 January 2011 Happy New Year from all at Wiltshire Community Wind Energy.
4 December 2010 Minutes of the meeting held on the 29 November are available here . If you are a group member and would like to see progress on individual sites please get in touch and ask for the site update Annex A.
We are in danger of being overwhelmed with opportunities! If you have a few hours a month to help then please get in touch. the more help we have the faster we can promote renewable energy in the county - thanks!
29 November 2010 The meeting held on the 25th was a success and the telephone conference facility worked very well. This is important for a group like ours as we can now hold meetings much more easily and more frequently. We had members from Chippenham in the north and Salisbury in the south - quite a distance to travel in the evening. Importantly we also reduce our carbon footprint and we have selected a teleconference provider which also buys renewable electricity.
We are likely to alternate between teleconferences and 'face to face' meetings in the future.
Details of the meeting will be provided soon. Our next meeting is planned for 27 January 2011, also by telephone conference.
18 November 2010 The Agenda for the meeting next Thursday (25th) is available here . Please get in touch if you would like to come to our first telephone conference meeting. If you are not a group member you will need to be sent a passcode, so please email us. If you are a group member you should have already received details of the meeting and the passcode.
Please let us know if there is anything you would like to add the the Agenda, or if you have any questions. Contact: info@wiltshirewind.org.uk
6 November 2010 An email has just gone out to group members confirming that the next meeting is on Thursday 25 November 2010 at 7pm and will be held by telephone conference.
Come to the meeting from the comfort of your own sofa!
If you are not a member of the group and would like to come to the meeting please get in touch at info@wiltshirewind.org.uk (please note that as agreed at the AGM there is no membership fee to join the group and we are always looking for new members).
We also welcome new ideas, suggestions and questions - please get in touch.
1 November 2010 Our next meeting is going to be by phone conference. We have selected a company which will allow individuals to call in at only 2p/min - much cheaper than the car or train. The calling in details will be provided to group members in the next few days.
For further details see the 6 November entry
15 September 2010 We are looking to communicate our next meeting by telephone conference, to help all members access the group easily and reduce our carbon footprint. We are just sorting out the technical side now and will be in touch with group members in the near future.
21 July 2010 Minutes of the meeting held on the 13 July are available here. Thank you to all those that came to our meeting.
19 July 2010 We had a very positive meeting on the 13th July, with a surprisingly long list of achievements over the last year including talks to community groups and schools, input into a RegenSW conference, and visits and advice to many individuals, including farmers, schools and other landowners. Further details will be provided in the minutes available soon.
3 July 2010 We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on the 13th July at The New Inn, 41-43 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PH. Full details of the AGM are on the Agenda. If you have any questions or want to know more about the group please contact info@wiltshirewind.org.uk or call 07816 029901.
13 June 2010 The next meeting and AGM of the group will be on the 13th July in Salisbury. Further details will be available in the next couple of weeks, but please get in touch if you have any ideas, suggestions or questions for the meeting.
4 June 2010 After some debate we have decided to hold the next meeting in Salisbury on either the 6th, 13th or 20th of July. Salisbury was chosen because there are many members in and around the town. We will do our best to help arrange transport from the north of the county. If you are keen to come to the AGM and meeting please let us know which days would suit you.
9 May 2010 Unfortunately due to some unexpected commitments of key members we have had to postpone the meeting planned for Thursday 13th May. We have tried to contact all group members by email but please let other members know if possible. We are going to reschedule the meeting in the near future.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused but in the meantime please let us know any issues, ideas or suggestions you have for the AGM.
20 April 2010 The
next meeting and AGM will be on
14 April 2010 The
next meeting will be in May probably the
19 March 2010 We are currently in discussion with speakers for the next meeting, so we will provide updates in due course. In the meantime please get in touch, particularly if you have ideas about how the group could be run, and the activities it undertakes. The group has been very focussed on working with individuals, farmers, schools and other groups. Should we be more public in our approach? Please let us know if you have any suggestions.
20 February 2010 Thank you to members of the group which came to the meeting on the 16th February. Minutes are available on request. We are getting a steady stream of opportunities, including some we wish we could give details of but cannot quite yet. The next meeting is likely to be in mid April - possibly the 13th although this has not yet been confirmed, and will include the AGM. Because of the geographic extent of the group we are considering telephone or possibly internet conferencing for future meetings. If you have any experience of this please get in touch. This will probably not be available for the April meeting but perhaps the one after.
30 January 2010 The next meeting of Wiltshire Community Wind Energy is on the 16th February in Trowbridge. Please see the Agenda for details. We welcome any new members who would like to come along - there may be pancakes!
21 January 2010 Happy New Year. The next meeting of Wiltshire Community Wind Energy is likely to be on the 16th February in Trowbridge. This date has yet to be finalised but please let us know very soon if you would like to suggest an alternative date (or venue).
19 December 2009 Here at Wiltshire Community Wind Energy we would like to wish all our supporters and web site visitors a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Despite the failure at Copenhagen there are still signs of hope. One of the frustrations of 2009 is not being able to tell you about all the good things that are happening regarding wind energy in the county (because many of the opportunities are still at an early(ish) stage) - but expect to see some news in the spring next year!
21 November 2009 A small but useful meeting was held on the 17th. The meeting date was moved fairly late in the day, due to a variety of reasons -see the Action News column for one of the reasons! The next meeting will be in January, but please keep in touch over the festive season.
8 November 2009 The next meeting is confirmed as the 17th November in Salisbury. Details are available here. We look forward to seeing you.
Thank you to all those that are working hard locally on individual opportunities. If you know of someone who may be interested in wind power on their land - we would be keen to know, so please get in touch.
4 November 2009 The date for the next meeting is likely to be the 17th or possibly the 24th November. Please let us know in the next two days if you have any preference. The meeting date has recently had to be moved due to other conflicting meetings. It is sensible to have these other meetings first prior to our regular group meeting.
If you have emailed recently there have been a few problems with our ISP which has delayed emails. This we are told will be resolved in the next few hours. Fingers crossed.
For the record October 2009 was the busiest month on the web site in terms of page requests since the group started last year!
30 September 2009 Thanks to all those that came to the meeting in Trowbridge on Tuesday 22nd, lots of interest and potential. We have received a number of enquires by email in the last few days - so apologies if we are taking some time to get back to you.
If you are new to the site do not hesitate to get in touch, we are always looking for new members - no experience necessary! Please see the contacts page.
19 September 2009 Here is the Agenda for this Tuesday's meeting (22nd September). We would be pleased to see you - so why not come along?
12 September 2009 The next meeting is confirmed for 7pm 22nd September in Trowbridge. Please come along to help ensure that this is not the age of stupid !
3 September 2009 It looks like our next meeting will be on 22 September in Trowbridge. In the meantime why not look at the report on the group in the Salisbury Journal.
1 August 2009 One of the frustrating things being in this group is that there is a lot going on - but much of it is at an early stage and we can't discuss it! If you would like to know more about how we are doing and how you can help please get in touch.
1 July 2009 Thanks to all those that came to the meeting on the 30th June - I think it was the largest meeting we have had, with members from Malmesbury to Salisbury - lots to do....
25 June 2009 The next meeting is next Tuesday, the 30th June in Chippenham. Why not come along? Please see the Agenda here
16 June 2009 The next meeting is on the 30th June in Chippenham. Details of venue and Agenda will be available soon. We look forward to seeing you.
31 May 2009 The next meeting is likely to be on the 30th June in Chippenham. We are just finalising details. This will be a busy meeting with feedback from many 'site champions' in the group. If you have some time why not get involved? NO experience necessary!
25 April 2009 The AGM last Tuesday was a success, many thanks to all those that came. Some of the highlights include:
Further details of the meeting are available here . If you would like to get involved looking at potential wind farm sites, please get in touch - no experience necessary! We are looking for new members. The only requirement is the belief that we can do something in the face of future climate change.
15 April 2009 The Agenda for the AGM is available here. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 21st April in Salisbury. If you are able to come please confirm your attendance by email , so that we have an idea of numbers (if you have not done so already) Thanks
18 March 2009 The group AGM will be held on Tuesday 21st April in Salisbury. The Agenda will be out soon. We will be arranging lift shares for those coming down to Salisbury from the north of the county. The AGM 'process' bit of the meeting is important but will be short! There will also be updates on progress and how we take the opportunities forward. For further details please contact info@wiltshirewind.org.uk .
We are aiming to confirm numbers as soon as possible - so if you would like to come please let us know! The meeting is open to all - even if you have not been to any of the meetings before - but if you are thinking of coming please get in touch.
24 February 2009 Provisionally the group AGM will be on Tuesday 21st April. We are finalising the details and will be in touch again soon - but please add to your diary. There is lots of exciting news from the committee meeting held on the 17th February. Please watch this space.......
17 January 2009 If you would like to get involved in the running of the group we would like to hear from you. We will be having a meeting of those who want to get more involved in the running of the group (including the 'site champions' discussed below) in the next couple of weeks. If you want to come along let us know - see the contacts page for how to get in touch.
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