Let’s make a start!
The Steyning 10:10 Climate Action Group is a local initiative aimed at making a start in cutting carbon emissions right here in Steyning. We’re running a ‘Greening Campaign’ to get the whole community thinking about what we can do – and taking action so that together we can make a real difference. It is aimed at everyone in Steyning, Bramber, Upper Beeding and the surrounding area.
Latest News
Where next for the Greening Campaign? Help us make a plan for 2012
It’s been a super-successful 2011 for the Greening Campaign – as you may have read in Helen Clay’s ‘Green Piece’ article in Your Steyning. Margaret Mead’s stirring words sum it up: ”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
So what is this group of thoughtful, committed citizens (i.e. you!) going to do in 2012 to build on the good start we’ve made? Thanks to the 40+ local residents who came along to the public meeting at Steyning Cricket Club on Wednesday 25th January to help us decide! Discussions were grouped around six themes: reduce, reuse, recycle; green transport; community energy schemes; awareness raising; gardening ideas; and water conservation. A whole load of ideas were put forward, and everyone had 5 votes to choose which were their favourites. The scores were collected at the end and will be fed in to the Steering Group meeting on 8th February where we’ll choose which ones to focus on. Stay tuned for further updates!
PV policy in disarray, but Steyning shines
There’s still a lot of confusion about the Government plans to halve the ‘feed in tariff’ that helps subsidise new PV installations. They brought this cut forward to 12 December 2011, much to all solar enthusiasts’ chagrin. But the decision in being challenged in the courts – so it’s very unclear what’s happening next. If you’re thinking of installing solar, don’t give up. Even with a reduced tariff the economics can still work out. But check the Energy Saving Trust’s website for the latest news.
The good news is that a whole load of local homes managed to get their systems installed in time, before the changes kicked in – so they benefit from the original tariff. Nearly 50 homes, farms, and businesses in the area now have PV on their roofs – including Steyning Museum which has a shiny new PV system, co-funded through the Greening Campaign community solar scheme. Hills Road wins the prize for the most solar street in Steyning – there are 8 houses with PV installed. Along with other neighbours, Penlands is turning into a green energy Power Station!
To find out more on the benefits of solar, see our solar energy page.
Stay warm this winter: and save money!
Insulation Annie in action on the High Street
If your house is not fully insulated, why not get it checked out. You could save a lot of money, and make a bit dent in your carbon footprint.
We’ve linked up with HCL Energy, who have been recommended by Horsham District Council. They’ll do a free survey of your house to see what’s needed, advise on the generous grants that are now available, and arrange for the work to be done. Homeowners over 70, and those on various benefits, will get the work done entirely free. Most others can apply for a grant for up to 50% of the costs.
Download our handy Insulation FAQ Sheet to find out more.
A warmer house is just one phone call away. Call HCL on 01273 390420 to arrange a survey, and they’ll do the rest.
Give Your Stuff Away Day – starts again in March
The first Sunday in March sees the return of an innovative, local and free solution to your “too much stuff” blues – and a chance for some free shopping, too!
In 2011, the Greening Campaign started a new tradition – Give your Stuff Away Day. The idea is very simple. If you have useful things that you don’t want any more, simply put them outside your house between 11.00 am and 3.00pm so others can come and pick them up.
Four dates have been set for 2012, on March 4th, May 6th, July 8th, and September 2nd. Put them in your diary and stay tuned for further information. Click here to find our more about local recycling options, and future plans for Give Your Stuff Away Day.
2A reprieved – but other bus services still under threat
There’s good and bad news on the bus front. Following our campaigning, the good news is that Brighton and Hove buses have agreed to continue running the 2A Sunday service to Brighton on a commercial basis, at least up to 6.00pm. This means we won’t be entirely cut off on Sundays. But the bad news is that the 106 to Worthing and the 100 to Horsham are still in the firing line from next April. So we need to stay vigilant and make sure we make our voice heard.
In the longer term, the best way to guarantee our services is to use them more. They have recently got a whole lot better. There’s new commuter buses to Brighton, the ‘black hole’ in the timetable has been filled in, and there’s a much better late night service – and even a Saturday night clubbers bus leaving Brighton at 3.05 am. Check out the Green Transport section to find out more, or pick up a timetable from Steyning Post Office or Library.
Green Drinks
Join us for our regular ‘Green Drinks’ evening. It’s at 8.00 in the back room of Norfolk Arms on Church Street, Steyning, the last Wednesday of most months (but not every month – so check the website). Everyone is welcome – it’s a good way of getting to know others involved in the campaign, and have a friendly chat about green issues over a pint and a packet of crisps. Come along!
Get involved
Contact Us to sign up to receive email updates on what’s happening and how you can get involved. Were actively looking for volunteers to help publicise and run some of the events – so get in touch if you’re interested.
