News stories for October/November 2000

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HHP launches new website

The new website is now here. After months of design work and drafting we think the new website has a lot more to offer. It has eight key sections:

• News about the project
• Products and Services offered by HHP
• Guided Tours of the project
• Virtual Tour - If you cannot see it for real come and found out more on this virtual tour of the project (still under development)
• Media coverage of the project
• The Sustainable Community - Based on the DETR funded project being developed over next two years to help others develop their own sustainable communities through HHP's experience.
• Links to many of the sites that we have found most useful
• Contact details for HHP

Rather than say any more about the website, please have a look at it yourself. By all means send us any feedback. Tell us what you like/don't like. The website will not remain static as many do, but change as the project moves on. We can incorporate any ideas that are considered feasible.

Finally many thanks to the team at Green Media for all their support and help over recent months. Green Media are an Internet based company focussed on developing web-based services that promote green issues. They contacted us in the first instance having read an article about the project. Green Media have done all the work on designing the pages, taking our rough content and turning it into a format that looks good and is easy to use. Why not visit their website at http://www.envirostore.co.uk/

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Solar award

Hockerton Housing Project has won one of the categories (not for profit) of Eurosolar UK Awards (2000)

The Eurosolar UK Prizes are awarded each year (for the last 5 years) to those who have given outstanding service to the promotion of renewable energy including categories for local authorities, companies, individuals, engineers, architects, owners of renewable energy plants, authors and organisations. In the context of these awards, solar energy or renewable energy means energy derived from the sun, whether directly or indirectly, through weather systems (such as wind and hydropower) or crops. The aim is to promote renewable energy for widespread replication and public acceptance.

The judges looked for systems and projects that are inspiring and that can be reproduced. Winners will have demonstrated vision, persistence and ability to introduce and succeed with their project.

Judges comments (specifically for HHP):

"The integrated approach to living was very impressive and the low-impact ethos has considerable appeal. It is an important demonstration of the possible in a realistic context and is the strongest of a very strong field".

"An extremely commendable project, which has had to persist and fight for its success. The whole system, which includes a reasonable amount of 'lifestyle' provides an example of future living standards".

The award ceremony will be at Lord's Cricket ground on 14th November as part of a conference - 'Sustainability in Public Services'.

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MEP visits Hockerton

On 6th October we were visited by one of our local MEPs (Member of European Parliament) for East Midlands, Phillip Whitehead. This was part of a visit to a number of environmental projects in the area.

Philip Whitehead wrote back to Councillor Stan Crawford (leader, Newark & Sherwood District Council), who had organised the day, "The range of projects you are nurturing and the foresight and enthusiasm displayed by all those involved does you great credit."

Other people attending from Newark & Sherwood District Council were Mr Dix (Chief Executive) & Chris Perret (Director, Planning and Development)

This visit is more important perhaps than it might seem at face value. In many ways we in the UK are lagging behind many other European countries in terms of sustainable development and use of renewable technologies. However what has been achieved in the Newark & Sherwood area is at least showing other parts of UK what can be achieved where there is enthusiasm and support from local authorities. Let's hope Newark & Sherwood allow the momentum to continue by supporting future sustainable development proposals.

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Carp a la carte

Last year we placed approximately 200 small carp in the lake next to the homes. The objective was to let them flourish on a low intensity basis in the nutrient rich water, hopefully for future consumption. Well flourish they have, being seen regularly in groups of 10 or more and occasionally leaping out of the water. It was obvious that they had grown considerably in size, but even we were surprised to discover that on catching one it was over 5lb in weight.

On bonfire night at a group event we cooked the fish (not on the fire, but properly in the oven with garlic and spices). This was despite a number of negative comments about the taste of carp from people outside the project. We were pleased to find that it was very tasty indeed. Now to catch the next one! All recipes welcome.

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Australian Eco-Village video

Earlier this year we reported that an Australian film crew had visited the project to record information about us as part of video/documentary on eco-villages in Europe. They have now produced the video, "The Future of Paradise". They have also submitted the video to an Australian national television network, but are still waiting to see if there is interest in it being broadcasted.

The video is for sale through different retail facilities in Australia. However if you are interested let us know. We will either arrange for a bulk order if there are enough requests, or put you in touch directly with the producers of the video.

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Willow coursese

The first willow basket weaving workshop was held at the project in October. Eight people attended an all day session run by local willow expert, Ray Lister.

As a sustainable community, one of the things we look at is how to use materials that you can grow and make into useful things, so this course was part of that.

The next course being run is on 25th November, but is already fully booked. If you are interested in attending a future workshop please let us know. In the meantime we are also running a 'Living Willow Structure' course in March 2001. There are a few vacancies remaining. Please contact Sandy Martin on either 01636 816902 or via email on nmartin@mysthill4.freeserve.co.uk

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