Sustainable Bucklebury meeting (2) - 19 November 2024
The Oak Room, Upper Bucklebury
18 people present.
1. Introductions
2. Community Orchard/wildflower/pollinator planting
NP read out the very comprehensive notes that SL had prepared as he was unable to attend. SL set up the Community Orchard in Stanford Dingley and he is happy to advise us on a similar project in Bucklebury – perhaps on one of the parish fields behind The Cottage Inn – or the Hocket field. SL studied Horticulture at BCA and has a masters of Horticulture (Wisley) from RHS.
The sites being considered are one of the parish fields behind The Cottage Inn or the Hockett field. We will have to get approval from the Parish Council for use of the land but BD hoped that there would not be a problem with this.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the site including soil, water levels, exposure, deer and squirrel damage. We will also need to consider varieties (and rootstocks).
There were several people present who expressed an interest in helping with this project. It was also pointed out that the maintenance of the orchard would be as important as the planting and that we need people to commit to that.
The wildflower meadow/planting project alongside this or as a wider parish initiative was also discussed and the possible pitfalls of wildflower planting highlighted. Perennials and plants that flower early or late in the season should also be considered as the bees are hibernating for shorter periods.
JD suggested incorporating an educational element to this project.
It was pointed out that cutting the verges later allows for more pollinators but this needs to be balanced with safety issues. BD pointed out that the local council may hand down the budget for this work to the parishes and it might enable us to have more of a say in what happens in Bucklebury.
We should also promote No Mow May as part of Sustainable Bucklebury
A local farmer is doing a large amount of wild flower planting and SK has experience of this and other planting from her previous job at Hampshire County Council and we need to take advice from them. NP has also contacted Bucklebury Horticultural Society to see if they might consider getting involved.
Bucklebury Farm Park have expressed an interest in helping with a wildflower planting project in the parish.
We hope that we can also get the school and guides involved in this.
3. Repair Café
There is considerable interest in setting this up on as a quarterly event however this also needs further research and a sub committee to run. There is a central organisation for Repair Café’s (www.repaircafe.org) that we can join and take advice from. They provide a digital start up kit for a small cost. We will need public liability insurance, which can be provided by a recommended insurance company in Overton that have specific Repair Café policies. Part of the idea is for the people with experience to help people to repair their own items and those brining in items to the Repair Café would sign a waiver form for liability.
The Repair Café would need to be on a day that does not clash with the Thatcham or Newbury Repair cafes.
We could also consider other sustainable things taking place at the same time such as a clothes rail – together with refreshments.
4. Home Energy Group
The concept is for a small team to give advice on insulation and other sustainable heating options as a first port of call for individuals looking for some help with this. This could include simple measures such as advising on insulation tape, thermal water heating, heat pumps and solar panels (PV). JW has an infrared thermometer, and it might be possible to borrow a thermal camera from Thatcham Town Council to help with this. GL to enquire.
There was a discussion on the issue of disposing of PV panes and cost vs payback time.
5. Free Food Pantry
There is an organisation – www.hubbub.org.uk who run a Community Fridge Network giving advice about setting something like this up. However, it seems to rely heavily on donations from shops and would need a great deal of management. It was generally thought that setting up a stall for parishioners to donate excess fruit and vegetables grown over the summer might be a more appropriate alternative for the time being.
Unbeknownst to most, there is a Community Larder in the Frank Hutchins Hall on a Wednesday from 1.30-3.30 where people can, for a small donation, help themselves to fresh and tinned foods (again largely donated by the supermarkets) It is not means tested so available to those who are not eligible for the Food Bank. SH has been involved with this and was very knowledgeable.
6. Website/Communications Update
GL is taking on the bulk of the responsibility for this, but some help would be welcome. It was agreed that the website could provide a huge source of information to those in the parish including recycling points and sustainable businesses and projects. It could include short videos on specific elements of home energy saving etc, but help would be needed with these.
SH also pointed out that the school runs a printer ink recycling scheme and that anyone can drop cartridges in the school reception. It might be possible to obtain another of the collection boxes to place outside The Memorial Hall. Funds are donated to the school.
It was agreed that a monthly newsletter sent to email list would be a good way of reaching people and passing on news.
7. Volunteer and Committee list
We have started compiling a list of volunteers for various projects and we need to continue to add to this. We also need to set up small subgroups to run projects and feedback. Any volunteers should get in touch, and it was suggested that those at the meeting should speak to contacts and see if they might help.
8. Round table comments
Home hacks and useful sustainable tips to be added to the website.
JW talked about the new community connect bus which has replaced the no 41 service which no longer exists. The bus can be booked for door-to-door transport but should, ideally, be booked 2-3 days in advance to ensure that it is available to make the trip. It runs from 9-4.30pm and can be booked through the WBC website.
It was agreed to hold another meeting in January 2025.