How to get involved
Want to get involved? Our action groups are always looking for volunteers. Either contact the people below or read more about our projects in the Discussion Forum:
Communications and Advice Group:
The WinACC website - aimed primarily at people looking to reduce their carbon footprint, people looking to help WinACC, and journalists – has been developed by the Group. Many useful suggestions were made at the open meeting about the further development of the website, including the addition of a discussion forum, which has now been added.
Contact: Robert Hutchison: drd.hutchison@btinternet.com
Science and Technology Advisory Panel (STAP):
The STAP will comprise a small group of committed local scientists and technologists to support the work of WinACC in areas where critical informed opinion is required. The STAP will provide accurate up to date scientific and technical information – including brief summaries of key reports - and advice to WinACC on topics requested by Action Groups; and the STAP will provide a watching brief on new scientific and technical developments relevant to the Action Groups.
Contact: Dr David Knight: david.knight77@ntlworld.com
Low carbon refurb group:
The group has yet to formulate aims and a clear timescale. However, according to the Energy Saving Trust, domestic energy consumption accounts for 27% of UK carbon dioxide emissions. The case for focusing on ‘low carbon refurbishment’ is that, even in 2050, well over 90% of the buildings in the UK will be those that have already been built. To those wanting to ‘green’ their homes, existing buildings represent more of a challenge than new ones, but relatively simple measures can make a big difference.
Contact: Jess Lloyd: rjess_lloyd@yahoo.co.uk
Local Development Framework:
A meeting is being arranged to take place at 19.00 on Tuesday 15 January to discuss how best to respond to the City Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF). This is of great importance to creating a low carbon future in Winchester because it is the LDF that will shape the local authority’s decision making on spatial planning and development issues from 2009 onwards.
Contact: Chris Bestwick: chrislesleybestwick@tiscali.co.uk
Low Carbon Champions Training:
The group is discussing the skills and competences needed by effective ‘low carbon champions’ and appropriate training for such champions. The group is also encouraging supporters of WinACC to attend the Every Action Counts training organized by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) to be held at the University of Winchester on 15 and 16 January (see below).
In January and February the Climate Outreach and Information Network (COIN) is organising a varied range of short training courses in London. See the COIN website www.coinet.org.uk or contact Mim Saxl at COIN on T. 01865 727911, mim@coinet.org.uk
Contact Robert Hutchison: drd.hutchison@btinternet.com
Transport:
The transport group intends to concentrate initially on reducing car use through the development of car sharing schemes and personal travel plans. Sustrans has already run a dozen trial ‘personal travel plan’ schemes, under which households and other organisations are offered expert advice and analysis of what journeys are made by car and how some can be made by other means.
Contact: Mary Mirchandani: iandm.mirchandani@tiscali.co.uk
Local renewable energy group:
The suggestions currently under consideration are for community wind turbines and hydro power. This is inspired by the topography of Winchester: a city situated on a river, surrounded by hills. The first (and most difficult) stage will be to establish a strong core group including all sections of society – business, public sector, local authority etc. Once established, and with some clear proposals, the group will move on to engaging with professionals in renewable energy, to advise on feasibility, planning, costs and funding. To move this project forward, there will be a meeting at 1000 on Saturday 12 January at the Friends Meeting House, Colebrook Street.
Contact: Rob Parker on 01962 890160, email rxeparker@yahoo.co.uk
Grandparents and grandchildren acting on Climate Change (GAGA CC):
The hope of the future, the experience of the past, the pink and the grey marching forward together. This could really catch the public imagination. WinACC aims to accentuate the positive aspects of reducing carbon footprints. GAGA CC will be fun! GAGA groups can plant trees for tomorrow and vegetable gardens for today… can join in with arts workshops to communicate feelings about climate change, and science projects to understand and promote renewable sources of energy.
Contact: Philip Glassborow: pglassboro@aol.com
Theatre group:
Hena Chowdury, a theatre director and stage manager, would like to start a theatre group and devise a play about shared concerns on making Winchester green. A devised play is one where the performers write their own script through a series of workshops. Hena says’ Theatre is a great way to coherently express your standpoint… Daring productions have often been instrumental in creating counter cultures’.
Contact: Hena Chowdury: henac3@gmail.com or 077 1788 3447.
Every Action Counts Training programme
WinACC has helped to bring the free and accredited two-day Every Action Counts training course to Winchester, and it would be good to publicise the course as widely as possible. The course is available to anyone over 18, and is designed to help those wishing to work with community groups to help change their footprint on the planet. The course will be held from 1000-1600 on Tuesday 15 & Wednesday 16 January 2008 at the University of Winchester.
For more information and to register, contact the Community Champions Team at: BTCV, Sedum House, Mallard Way, Doncaster DN4 8DB. Phone: 01302 388841 /388836; e-mail everyactioncounts@btcv.org.uk
