Tuesday 25th May, 2004

Calne cyclists will be able to express their views on facilities in and around the town at a new forum run by Wiltshire County Council.

The cycle liaison panel will give cyclists an opportunity to voice their opinions on current facilities and plans for improvements.

Riders will be able to tell the county council what facilities or improvements they think would help to make cycling easier, safer and more enjoyable in and around the town.

The county council will be running the meetings at Calne Town Hall every three months, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, May 26. The sessions will run from 5.30pm until 7pm.

Experts from Wiltshire County Council and North Wilts District Council will be on hand to answer questions.

The forum is open to all new and existing cyclists and cyclists' groups. Anyone wanting to take up riding but worried about how to go about it is also welcome.

The county council has already held new panels in four other towns, all of which were well attended. Improvements have already been provided in Trowbridge as a result of suggestions made at that meeting.

For more information about the Calne forum, cyclists should email cycling@wiltshire.gov.uk, or phone Kevin O'Connor at the county council on 01225 713404.

Thursday 29th April, 2004

Five local friends fulfilled their dream last autumn of bringing a Solar Energy Club to South Wiltshire (www.solarclub.info).

The five friends, Benji Goehl, Ian Smith, Richard Davis, Jimmy Walker and David Croxall set up a DIY Solar Club in South Wiltshire thanks to a grant award from the Community Innovators Millennium Awards Scheme.

The club provides information and training for householders on DIY installation of solar hot water heating systems to harness the power of the sun to meet hot water energy requirements enabling them to save between 50 and 60% of their annual requirement for domestic hot water.

The club fosters a community spirit by bringing householders together to support each other to install solar panels through shared skills, labour, tools and equipment.

A practical demonstration model will take on Wednesday 5th May at the Harnham Scout hut, Lower Road, Harnham, Salisbury for 18.30h when Phil from Low Living Impact Initiate (LILI) will give a power point presentation on solar powered domestic hot water systems followed by practical demo by David and Benji completing the diy construction of their own solar panels (built by them at LILI the previous week).

Why not make a date in your diaries to come along for a chat to find out more about the wonderful potential of solar power. (diy@solarclub.info).

To book a place call David Croxall - SWSC Coordinator Telephone: (01722 500134)

Tuesday 9th March, 2004

The Calne Community Area Partnership is looking to engage the local community to help clean up the Abberd Brook and the River Marden running through Calne Town Centre on Saturday 8th May 2004, 10am to 3pm - we will be meeting in the corner of Somerfields car park next to Doctors Pond.

This is because the community have expressed a wish through the Calne Community Area Planning process that this is one of the priorities that they wish to see addressed, leading to the achievement of a litter free environment
that people can feel proud of.

The event is being sponsored by Calne Town Council, Deceunick Ltd, North Wiltshire District Council, Somerfield Stores, Westlea Housing Association and Wiltshire County Council.

So dig out your wellies and come and join us, we need all the help we can get! All equipment will be provided along with free refreshments.

Anybody who owns a pair of waders and who could navigate the deeper sections would be very welcome, please phone 01249 706416 or e-mail mrippon@northwilts.gov.uk to volunteer.

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