Wed evening 28th saw the launch of the new Social Enterprise for local energy wealth for the Falmouth and Penryn Community Network Area.

The Cheese and Wine Launch in Falmouth Council Chambers was attended by 55 people committed to local energy wealth including Councillors from local Towns and Parishes.

With Spring blossoms and Summer heat it proved a special evening to launch this ambitious project. To reinforce the message of local wealth, abundance and resilience all food and wine was produced in Cornwall.

The Art Gallery stayed open for the event and started the evening with wine and viewing of the latest collection.

The formalities were held in The Council Chambers and brief speeches set the context for UK to local to community and personal energy issues:

• • Councillor Geoffrey Evans, Mayor of Falmouth Town Council repeated the support of his Council, who are already administering funds for the project.
  • Sarah Newton MP added her support and briefly covered Central Government commitments to energy sustainable communities.
  • Councillor Mike Varney, Cornwall Council: outlined Cornwall planning strategy and highlighted another existing Community Project represented at the evening (Ladock and Grampound Road) and the annual CC- Cornwall Renewable Energy Show in July.
  • Prof Mike Jenks outlined local planning context and the value of a Neighbourhood Plan for the area.
  • Charmian Larke gave a powerpoint presentation of the first exciting results of the Fal Energy report showing the Area’s existing energy consumption and how local energy production can service that need with renewables and energy efficiency measures.
  • Caroline Robinson revealed the Energy Advice Pack from FEP, this pack is being distributed in the Network Area and will be found in One Stop Shops, Libraries, Village Shops and Halls etc. Also included are 4 house case studies and advice, which together represent over 50% of local housing. Other advice booklets complete the pack which is designed to be regularly updated.
  • Lorely Lloyd encouraged everyone to join The FEP Social Enterprise: a cooperative with £1 membership fee and the opportunity to invest for personal wealth and wealth for the network area.

The ‘cheese and chat’ that followed buzzed with enthusiasm for local future energy potential and discussed where new projects can be started. The excellent local food was rounded off with Fal Friendship Cake to remind everyone that this is a community based project.

To join the FEP Social Enterprise or for more information: phone 01326 317587 or email info@falenergy.org.uk. www.falenergy.org.uk