Energy Efficient Widcombe Is A Brand New Project With Designs On Saving More Than Fuel Bills....
Does the idea of fuel economy in the light of rising energy costs appeal to you this winter? Project administrator of Energy Efficient Widcombe, Catherine Adams reveals some startling statistics about Banes's cold 'death rate', proving that this brand new environmentally friendly project is about much more than saving pennies. Find out why Energy Efficient Widcombe's Autumn Workshops could help you this winter!
(PICTURES: CATHERINE ADAMS, OZZIE ffIELD AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF HIS WIDCOMBE-BASED 'RETRO-FIT HOME')
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Please tell us about yourself?
I'm a mother of two, who likes to be involved in a variety of activites including helping at school, invigilating at St Gregory's, helping with community initiatives, and working as the project co-ordinator for Energy Efficient Widcombe. I attend St John's Church, and feel lucky to be living so close to town but also close to the hills which Widcombe covers.
How did you get involved with Energy Efficient Widcombe? Are you a founding member?
I live close to Ozzie ffield and got to know him as a neighbour first. His enthusiasm is infectious and I became interested in his projects. I was also humbled by him and co-leader Tim, for donating so much of their time to EEW. 
I was delighted when they asked me to become the coordinator. I am also lucky enough that EEW has a small grant pot for the project which means as the project administrator I can work part time in a job I really feel good about.
Why is saving energy and educating the public on how to do so crucial this winter?
Our project may take years to reach its full potential. There are some expensive adaptations that will happen over time, but there are also some quick and relatively cheap things we can do straight away.
BANES has the highest death rate from cold winter weather in the country. Within BANES, Widcombe has the second highest rate. This is unacceptable – so the sooner we get going with our programme the better.
Apart from keeping costs low on energy bills - what are the other benefits of being efficient with energy?
Everyone needs to save energy for a variety of reasons - not least the fuel bills rising... The other benefits include that the elderly and more vulnerable people stay warmer and ultimately Energy Efficient Widcombe is aiming to identify those at risk from Excess Winter Death and reduce this statistic that is particularly high in Widcombe compared with other parts of the country.
We should also be mindful of lowering our carbon footprint - better for the world!
Why are you running these Autumn Workshops?
We felt the demand was there and the interest in the project has been encouraging. As a community is is also great to have practical opportunites to come together, learn and implement new ideas.
The first workshop on Making an Older House more Energy Efficient was well recieved and attended.
EEW aims to spread a blanket of insulation over Widcombe and the workshops are a good way to reach people. The next one on Draught-proofing is on Wednesday 9th November which promises to be hands on affair with lots of samples and prop's, and the last one on Saving Money on Fuel Bills. takes place on Wednesday 23rd November and features plenty of tips which could make a very real difference to house-holders.
What will people get out of coming along to them?
Plenty of practical advice and tips, the opportunity to see suggested materials and handle them (sometimes hard to make these choices in a DIY shop), and also a wealth of expertise from our chosen speakers and enthusiasts. As the workshops take place in Widcombe Social Club it is also a sociable occasion and good to chat over a drink.
Do you hope your project will grow city-wide?
Yes the aim is to become more city-wide, but also to link up with other such projects and draw knowledge from each other.
We hope other similar projects will be springing up (one is already underway in the Twerton area) - it's great that Bath is such a small place as already the network of contacts is really encouraging.
It is only through the work of our lovely volunteers (who do come from other areas in Bath) that EEW is really getting going. They find EEW is both a practical and sociably enjoyable project - and we definitely like to network.
If anyone wants any advice can they contact you?
Yes do! Please try the website which is currently being developed for further information, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring on: 07583 693861.
What are your long term hopes and plans for Energy Efficient Widcombe?
EEW hopes to achieve that blanket of insulation accross Widcombe and help the not so old to adjust now - so they don't suffer from Winter cold. We would also be delighted if anyone (regardless of faith group) join us.
There is much work to do, and it is believing in the importance of people and caring creation that is inspiring.
We've enjoyed some really good support from various local organisations, and it would be lovely to take this opportunity to say thank you to Widcombe Association, BANES, Age Concern, and Transition Bath - plus many of the local churches and schools, and all the shops who tirelessley display EEW posters!
Find out more on Energy Efficient Widcombe!
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