25 Feb 2010
The idea of the shop is to use it as a place where the community of Dalry can display their talent. We also like it to be used for anything charity related (RSPB badges, not everyone can get to Lochwinnoch). All events which are taking place can be displayed on the community notice board in the window. We can also give advice on what grants are available for insulation, renewables etc and in some cases we can top up the grant already given. The company put a lot of money into the town by sponsoring various events and giving donations to clubs. They also pay for a great deal of the school trips for both the schools. If you are a member of a group or club then come to the office for a "Wish List" application form, if you tell us what you need we will try our best to help.
With regard to top up grants, I have been quoted over £16,000 to install a PV system onto my roof. There is £4,000 available from the EST what can you offer? Ian.
Its fantastic that corporates like CWL are investing in the areas that are affected by the impact of their activities - more should follow that example of corporate responsibility, particularly when you consider how much North Ayrshire and particularly the Garnock Valley is affected by increasing inequality, lack of opportunity and poverty.
I understand the profits from the Dalry site is around 2.5 million per annum - could you let us know how much of that is re-invested locally to improve life chances and provide opportunities for the children and people of Dalry.
In answer to Jeeni Bee, I'm sorry I don't have the figures, can I suggest that you look at our website, Community Windpower Ltd and contact them for more information. If Mr Wright would care to come into the shop I can give him the information about the top-up grants which we do.
CWL seem to be quite shy when it comes to how much actual money is being reinvested in the communities they are making their substantial profits in and around - which is a bit strange when you consider their social values around community benefits?
Sandra, I tried to visit your shop today but unfortunatly it was closed when I passed at 10:30 and 13:00. Can I have a direct email or phone number to arrange a time?
Thanks, Ian.
Sorry the shop was closed, we are not there full time. Shop hours are Mon/Tues 10-2pm closed Wed/Sat/Sun Thurs 1-4pm Fri 9.30-1.30pm. Tel: 01294 835881 email Begreendalry@btconnect.com. Won't be open this Thurs (11th).
I should have mentioned that Community Windpower also funds an Education Ranger who works with the local schools.
How much does he get paid - maybe the money would have more impact going directly to the struggling voluntary groups who provide weekly activities for the kids locally, rather than PR for CWL.
Jenni, just how much do you get paid? To ask a question like that is very nosy and probably none of your business. The fact is that the ranger is privately employed, he is not held publicly accountable compared to a politician.
I accept your point Billy, and that may have been harsh - the point I wish to highlight is that this company are using a local resource to make a huge amount of money - MILLIONS - they promote themselves as working in partnership with the local community and their PR states that they support communities - in Dalry (from 2006) local charity donations have totalled only pound;2216 and CWL claim that energy saving lightbulbs worth pound;3,000 (retail not wholesale value) have been distributed.
CWL also say they are "funding" a "carbon neutral project" (to be staffed by local volunteers). They have an "energy advice shop" - what they don't tell you is that most of their energy is sold to France as for the 'educational "ranger" - are you happy for this company to indoctrinate your kids with their PR message while making MILLIONS from YOUR local resources - it's time we got wise to what they are doing and negotiate proper community investment.
You are quite right - the ranger is not publicly accountable, as this is a PRIVATE COMPANY, whose sole reason for being is profit - so why is he working with our kids in our schools. Transition towns do the same thing with absolutely no agenda.
Jeeni, I went to a Community council meeting a few years ago when they were just setting up their windfarm here - where representatives from this green energy company came to give a talk on what they did and what they were going to do. They were questioned quite rigorously and members of Dalry Community asked them where the electricity they produced at their Dalry Windfarm and the answer was the national grid where it would be sold. There was no mention at all that this source of energy was being sold to the French. If there was then there would have been a massive uproar and we at the Community Council would not support them. We need to ask you where did your source of information come from before it could be acted on. At the meeting we thought what they were doing for the local schools was great. There's is nothing wrong with a private company making profit and if you are worried about climate change then why are you against renewable energy like windfarms?
I am not against renewable green energy such as windpower tidal power or nuclear power, solar power, coal, gas whatsoever. As you say local resources, what do you mean by that Jeeni? Is it wind because that is natural and free and somehow doesn't damage the environment with its waste because there isn't any. The fact of the matter is we need energy to power our home and businesses and the like rather than exporting it in from overseas. I do not mind windfarms at all as long as the company involved look after and manages its land properly so there is no detrimental damage to the environment. The CWL Ranger is in at the local schools because the windfarm company gave money to the school to build an environmental room and to educate the children on climate change. What is wrong with that may I ask?
http://www.savethelammermuirs.com/about-the-developers.html
Today
The 1st public meeting of the Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project was held on Thursday evening...… 0 Comments
Monday, 26 Jul 2010
COME ON FOLKS!!! Come along to Merksworth Park this Wednesday evening(28th July) to see the Thistle take on Junior heavyweights the Medda!!this is where it starts getting serious in our pre-Season preperations!!!This promises to be a cracker!!… 0 Comments
Monday, 26 Jul 2010
Dalry thistle chalked an impressive 6-2 victory against St.Mary,s Ams from coatbridge last...… 0 Comments
23 Jul 2010
well,you can find out FREE of charge on saturday 24th july when thistle take on St.Mary,s ams at Merksworth park!!!check out our new players as we prepare for the coming season,in which our main aim is to win promotion!!so come along & give the t… 0 Comments
25 Feb 2010 | 11:07:18
jeeni bee says
Hi be-green, can you help me by explaining your role in helping the community benefit from the considerable profits generated by the community windfarm and the connection with that and with food for birds and RSPB badges?