SEDGEBERROW is celebrating a further step towards becoming a sustainable village community.

It began following an advisory talk to the village hall committee, by Richard Timney of Community First.

Mike Parker, chairman of SeSaME (Sedgeberrow Sustainable and Manageable Energy) and member of the village hall committee proposed replacing the costly and inefficient heating system with air source heating.

Mr Parker said: “It was a great help that we have a district councillor, Cllr George Mackison, who is not only aware of the economic benefits of renewable energy, but was also able to give advice on practical issues from his own experience of installing such a system. It was also important to have the support of the county council, through Apryl Pheasant of Place Partnership, and this was readily forthcoming.”

With committee chair, Colette Malin, Mr Parker approached “Welcome to Our Future” a charity that manages the Severn Waste Environmental Fund, encapsulated in the slogan “Helping to turn the world around”. “

Mr Parker completed the application form, with Bill Richardson, the fund manager, happy to respond to any queries.

“To our delight the charity’s committee members awarded us the full £10,000 we had requested, leaving us just under £4,000 to find," he added.

The successful bidders for the work were Energy Solutions of Malvern who have installed a 9kW Panasonic tCap Heat Pump, and a new radiator system, which is already demonstrating the benefits that it will bring for years to come.

"Both the larger hall, and the Betteridge Room, are central to village life."

The facility is used during school term time for playgroup and in the evenings by several organised and social groups, including the parish council for monthly committee meetings and gatherings.

Both rooms are available to hire for private parties, functions, fundraising events and meetings. Contact Colette Malin on 01386 881014."