This Newsletter covers recent decisions about the future directions of Sustainable Blewbury, events, and items of general news for both internal and external circulation. Click here for print version (pdf), but please consider the environment.
Organisational Structure and Communications
Following the formation of Sustainable Blewbury the structure of the BVS Environment Group is undergoing changes. The following structure and meeting arrangements have been set up.
Core group
This consists of a chairman, secretary, webmaster, networker (who liaises with similar groups outside Blewbury), and a representative from each of the five theme groups. The core group will meet monthly to co-ordinate activities.
Project groups
Small groups meet as required to fulfil the project aims.
Plenary meetings
These will take place three or four times per year and will be open to all those who have expressed interest. Each meeting will receive reports on progress and look ahead.
Newsletter
A newsletter will be distributed to membership, normally by e-mail and initially bimonthly. It will also be posted as news items on the web site and made available more widely.
Blewbury Bulletin
This will be a brief item each month highlighting matters of special interest, with further information normally on the website.
Links with other organisations
We are now members of Oxfordshire CAG (Community Action Groups); CAG organises events and initiatives to raise awareness and take action on climate change issues. We are in contact with several other local groups (eg Sustainable Wallingford and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell EG). We are also members of ONCF (Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum).
Themes
Travel and transportation (Interim convener: Mike Marshall)
This covers mainly non-technical travel and transportation issues. Current interest is in the provision of cycle routes from Blewbury to Upton and East Hagbourne, monitoring the bus services, and responding to County Council transport plans.
Energy and transport (technical issues) (Convener: Hugh Osborn)
This is an extension of the work of the BEI (Blewbury Energy Initiative) team, and is to include technical issues of methods of transport such as electric and other types of new cars and tramways. Current studies of the BEI team include thermal imaging and insulation of buildings, smart meters, bio-fuels and feed-in tariffs for micro-generators.
Food and farming (Convener: Sarah Deco)
Three projects are being developed:
Blewbury Produce Exchange to provide a regular outlet for local produce throughout the summer months in conjunction with other village groups.
Exploration of permaculture in collaboration with the Northmoor Trust. A day event is planned in Blewbury focusing on Permaculture and Land use with two morning talks.
Apple Day planned for 16th October. This will be a village celebration of all things apple.
Waste and recycling (Convener to be announced)
Information is available on the waste and recycling page of our website.
Natural environment and heritage (Interim convener: Mike Edmunds)
Three projects have been initiated:
Downland project: a survey of land and biodiversity to the south of the village in conjunction with local landowners, with a view to improving amenity and biodiversity.
Village fabric project: This will record our vernacular architectural features and have the potential for re-skilling of rural crafts.
Restoration of the Berkshire Wagon: In collaboration with the village Berkshire Wagon trust and the Blewbury Village Society, this rare piece of local heritage will receive a major overhaul when sufficient funds have been raised.
Meeting dates
The next plenary meeting at which reports of progress will be given will be at 19.30 on Monday 12th April in the Methodist Chapel.
We welcome new members and anyone interested in getting involved in the above (or new) projects.
Contacts:
Chairman – Mike Edmunds:
Secretary
– Mike Marshall: