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Newbury church takes first steps to reducing its carbon footprint by installing solar photovoltaic panels
'George Goes Green' Gathers Momentum
St George's Church renewable energy project receives significant boost following triple grant award
St George's Church in Wash Common, Newbury, Berkshire, this week announces reaching and passing a major milestone in its fundraising efforts to be the first church in the UK to become carbon neutral.
The church has been awarded three grants, totalling £90,000, to fund its redevelopment project, "George Goes Green".
The project, which will see the installation of solar PV panels and ground source heat pumps alongside the insulation of the church building, has been successful in three significant grant applications. It has been awarded £42,000 by the Greenham Common Trust, £38,000 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change via the Low Carbon Building Programme, and £10,000 by West Berkshire Council.
George Goes Green is expected to cost £900,000 and St George's received formal planning approval in February. The focus is now on fundraising and the congregation has already been quick to show its support by pledging in excess of £115,000 over the next three years.
In addition to these formal grants and donations, many local fundraising events have been taking place including a coffee morning and quiz night at the Town Hall on 20th March which raised more than £900. There are also many events planned including a concert at the church by the Apollo Big Band Jazz Concert on St George's Day, 23rd April, hosted by the Mayor of Newbury, Kuldip Singh Kang.
Revd. Paul Cowan of St George's said: "I have been astounded at the level of support and commitment from within our congregation and the local community as a whole. To have that support boosted by these grants is a testament to what we are trying to achieve. We have a long way to go to reach our target but we are well on the way to providing a facility that is warm and welcoming whilst also shrinking our carbon footprint."
St George's Church Wash Common publishes its own Lent Book to raise funds for Renewable Energy Project
St George's in Wash Common, Newbury, has ambitious plans to become one of the first Carbon Neutral churches in the country. However the cost of retro-fitting 21st century green heating systems and insulation is substantial and the congregation is seeking to raise some £900,000 in a wide variety of ways.
One fund-raising idea is publishing its own book of readings and reflections for Holy Week and Easter, based on a set paintings of the Stations of the Cross created by a local artist and member of the congregation, Ken Cooke.
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The vicar, Revd. Paul Cowan welcomed the new publication, commenting "This book has exceeded my expectations, and it's great to read so many different personal reflections on Jesus' Good Friday journey."
The result is a full colour 94 page paperback produced to a very high standard. "We wanted this to be as good as anything available from a commercial publisher, to do justice to both the pictures and the contributors' reflections." said Robert Bigg. Copies are available from the Church Office (Tel: 01635 41249) and website (http://www.st-george-newbury.org), as well as Shoemakers the Christian Bookshop in Newbury's Arcade at £10 each.
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Launch Media Pack [PDF]
Picture: Lord Carey & Revd. Paul Cowan with PV cell in St George's
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Video of the presentations by Sir John Houghton, Revd. Paul Cowan and Lord Carey.