Archive for July, 2010

Baby and Bathwater?

July 21st, 2010

Or is there simply no place for a commission that openly questioned unfettered growth? We couldn’t really let this pass unnoticed, the Sustainable Development Commission is after all a national body with a similar purpose to our own…

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/20/sustainability-watchdog-axed-cuts

A letter to your MP?

In the engineering world everyone’s familiar with the cartoon showing designer, project manager and customer sat around the table discussing the product spec. They’re all nodding away in agreement while their thought bubbles show completely different interpretations of the product.

Perhaps some “SUSTAINABLE” flashcards and a cartoonist would be enlightening…

4 comments »

Posted in News

Environmental Fun Day, Corn Exchange

July 17th, 2010

No comments »

Posted in Event, WODC

Well Oiled

July 16th, 2010

Finally some good news from the Gulf of Mexico – BP have managed to stem the flow of oil for the first time. It’s not clear if it’s a permanent solution yet, but if it is then a line can drawn on the balance sheet and the total cost calculated.

The Greenpeace alternative logo competition is open for voting. Sustainable Witney didn’t submit an entry in the competition, but should we have?

Has the situation in the gulf got anything to do with us?

Answers in the comment box below…

2 comments »

Posted in Energy, General, News, Society, Wildlife

Rain at last! and other vegetable growing matters

July 15th, 2010

Carrot in July

Rain! We’ve finally had some rain. Every day, for weeks, I’ve been checking the forecasts. Mostly they’ve said ‘hot and dry’ and sometimes they’ve shown rain in three or four day’s time, but that’s where it’s stayed, until today when a gentle, soaking rain started in the early hours. The RHS reckons we are now five inches short of rain and that will take some making up, so don’t let up on the watering as the plants need all they can get. Give priority to plants in flower so they get what they need to form pods or fruit.

Watering late in the evening or early in the morning is best as this means the plants get what they need before the moisture evaporates. If you are troubled by slugs and snails, water in the morning so that the soil is dryer over night and less comfortable for them to slither across.

» Read more: Rain at last! and other vegetable growing matters

4 comments »

Posted in Food, Gardening, Wildlife

Tags:

Rob the Meter Reader

July 13th, 2010

Nothing on electricity for ages and then two companies turn up at once!

Rob the Meter Reader worked with the Challenge North Leigh project that successfully reduced the village’s electricity consumption by over 10%.

Following that success Southern Electric have decided to base Rob in Witney to give impartial advice on reducing electricity bills, and hence emissions, to anyone that wants it – not just Southern Electric customers.

We’re not sure exactly where Rob’s drop-in advice centre will be yet – we’ll post that as soon as we know – in the meantime you can contact Rob by telephone or email…

T: 08450 760528        M: 07747 559330        E: robert.pritchard@sse.com

There’s no plan at present to set a target of reducing Witney’s electricity consumption by 10%, but it seems a logical next step. What do you think? Is it achievable? Is it a challenge you would accept in your home/office?

1 comment »

Posted in Energy

BUG Meeting – The Plough

July 11th, 2010

The Bicycle User Group are meeting in the Plough this Thursday 15 July at 7pm, all welcome.

If you can’t find us we might be in the Green Room out the back. If in doubt just ask at the bar.

No comments »

Posted in Event, WitneyBUG

Witney Allotment Association AGM

July 6th, 2010

This evening, Tuesday 6th July, in the Langdale Hall at 7pm.

No comments »

Posted in Event, Food, Gardening

Social Evening, The Plough

July 5th, 2010

An informal gathering to chat and share information this Wednesday evening, 8pm in the Plough, back room.

Comments Off »

Posted in Event

Voice Box Charity Concert

June 18th, 2010

A concert in aid of Shipton Community Garden, 7:30pm Saturday 17th July in the New Beaconsfield Hall, Shipton-under-Wychwood. Tickets £10, 01993 831870 or, email Sm195@btinternet.com


No comments »

Posted in Event