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We want to install solar panels, to work towards becoming net zero by 2029. Solar panels will substantially reduce our energy bills.
by Steve de Souza in Hereford, Herefordshire, United Kingdom
Burghill Tillington & Weobley cricket club is a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) accredited with the Clubmark award. We run three mixed senior and four mixed junior teams, and a girls’ team.
We have links and junior members from local schools in the surrounding villages and offer opportunities at the club for nearly 100 children, many of them girls. We also have 75 adult playing members and over 350 social members including parents of juniors.
For two years running (2022 and 2023) we have won the Herefordshire ‘Community Club of the Year’ award. Last year our Junior Coordinator and Club Welfare Officer, Krissie Stevenson, was presented with the Rob Staite award, for her outstanding volunteering services. At the same presentation evening, our Chairman, Steve de Souza received an award for ‘services to Herefordshire cricket’.
Over the years our Juniors have won numerous trophies and titles, but this lovely email from a parent last year means more to us. “Please accept our grateful thanks to you and all of the team at BTWCC for the opportunities you provide to local young people; to play the game they love, learn essential life skills and get out in the fresh air! You are all making such a difference to many young lives."
Last season, after narrowly missing promotion in recent years, the seconds won the league in some style. The firsts beat Brockhampton to win the Herefordshire T20 KO Cup.
Our first team won the ‘fair play’ award, which emphasise our strong ethos of playing cricket within the spirit of the game.
Another clean sweep. For two years running, we have won the indoor League and Cup Trophies. We also entered a team of young Afghan asylum seekers who had never played indoor cricket. They finished a credible third in the league.
The Royal National College for the Blind played their BCEW Midland Development League matches at the PAF cricket ground. It was a privilege having blind cricketers playing at our ground.
We hosted members of the Echo charity, with disabilities cricket evenings at the club. Coaching, a match and refreshments proved a winning formula. They adored the sessions.
We hosted numerous junior schools matches at our ground foc.
The adoption of solar panels will create an accessible, welcoming club for members of the local commmunity. In addition to our members, the Blind College, Echo Charity for the disabled, Herefordshire Sanctuary for asylum seekers and local schools, all use our facility.
Clubs throughout the country are facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis. We are no different. Our energy bills have doubled in the last year. By fitting solar panels, it will substantially reduce our energy costs. We can also earn revenue through energy credits by selling excess solar energy back to the grid or using it to offset future energy bills.
The project will cost £13,940. Sport England have made us a conditional grant offer of £6,970, which we will receive if we can raise a further £6,970 through crowdfunding. The Aviva Community Fund will match fund donations so we need a minimum of 25 supporters to donate £3,485 to ensure the project can proceed.
All the money raised will go directly towards paying for the installation of 20 solar panels, and storage battery. This will enable the club to be net zero by 2029 and substantially reduce our energy bills, and produce zero emissions.
By adopting solar energy, we will be demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship. We will also help improve the public perception of the club by showcasing our commitment to sustainability.
Overall, the adoption of solar panels, which will last for a minimum of 25 years, will offer a multifaceted benefit package. This includes financial savings, environmental sustainability, enhanced public perception, and operational efficiency, making it a smart and sustainable choice for the club.
We recently carried out a survey to gather feedback and input from members on the installation plans. This was to ensure that the community feels included and invested in the project. The response was unanimous for the installion of solar panels.
Community members are aware that the cost savings generated by solar panels can be reinvested into the club, allowing for improvements to facilities, equipment, and community programmes. This can enhance the overall experience for club members and the community, making the club a more valuable and attractive resource for local residents.
Installing solar panels will strengthen the bond between the cricket club and the community it serves. By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, we will foster pride and support among its members and the wider community.
Our club, which has a high public visibility, can raise awareness about renewable energy by installing solar panels. The installation can serve as an example of sustainable practices.
Overall, the installation of solar panels at our club is not just a technical or financial decision but also a way to engage, educate, and inspire the community, fostering a stronger, more sustainable community environment.
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project offers rewards in return for your donation.