Join us @ the Jess Gold concert

“On Friday 21^st September, 2012, starting at 7.00pm, Chester Friends of the Earth, with the support of Transition Chester and West Cheshire & Chester Fairtrade Group are hosting a music event with Jess Gold and The Animated Earth Concert. Jess Gold writes and performs songs covering a range of green issues, all based on ideas around making music, having fun and learning how to look after our planet. The event is being held in The Lyceum at The Catholic High School, Chester, CH4 7HS and Fairtrade refreshments will be available.

More information about the tour can be found on the website including music links: http://animatedearth.co.uk/.

To book tickets (£10 each) please go to :http://www.animatedearth.co.uk/chester/”

Installing renewables - act fast...

If you are planning to install PV on your roof please don't delay. On 1st August 2012 the current 21p/kWh tarrif and a 25 year payment period will change (downwards!).

The Ashton Hayes Community Energy Company CIC has already installed two sets of PV and will be installing a mix of renewables technologies in the coming year. We are also working on how we will finance more renewables that generate income of the community and may even do a share offer to raise more cash. Watch this space.

For technical support contact Dr Mary Gillie of AHCE

Nissan Leaf for sale

We are sad that we are having to sell our 1 year old Nissan Leaf but we shall use the money to buy new community renewables. If you are interested in buying the car, please contact Kate Harrison

Here are some photos of the vehicle, which has hardly done 2000 miles. Some more details here too

NEF report tries to put a real value community actions

As part of the LEAF project run by AHCE we commissioned the New Economics Foundation to examine how we could quantify the social benefits associated with our project. Our report makes fascinating and useful reading and might help other like-minded communities assess the impacts of sustainable living. Thanks to the NEF for all their effort and public engagement.

We have teamed up with our community energy company

Things are moving fast in Ashton Hayes with the installation of low carbon buildings and community owned PV arrays on public buildings. In order to manage the 'business side' of our village operations we have formed the Ashton Hayes Community Energy - a Community Interest Company (AHCE CIC). Our friends at Carbon Leapfrog gave us advise on setting up this organisation which currently has a Board made up of volunteers and we are now opening our membership to residents who wish to get involved with this interesting and pioneering social enterprise. Our overall aim is to promote renewable energy, lower carbon living and sustainable lifestyles - and work closely with other community organisations such as the village shop, recreation field and the Parish Council. AHCE has just completed work on its LEAF project and we plan to share the findings with like minded communities.