On 14 January at 7pm in the Village Hall there will be an open forum to discuss renewables and further environmental improvements in the Sibfords. At this meeting, Tim Lunel, one of the founders of Hook Norton Low Carbon will talk about their success in developing an electric car club (open to members here), zero carbon housing and other initiatives. Of particular interest to us will be the proposed development of Energy Local North Oxfordshire – a renewables microgrid extending from Epwell to Hook Norton via the Sibfords which will allow small-scale generators of solar power to connect to others to create a sustainable low-cost power source at the local level.

Many Sibford residents are already involved in or considering their own plans to lower emissions and reduce cost, and the aim of the forum would be to encourage sharing of knowledge and experience and identify one or two projects of community interest which could be developed to general benefit in the short term.

Everyone is encouraged to attend – There is no formal organising body as yet, but volunteers are warmly welcome. If you have experience or ideas you would like to talk about or have questions or proposals on the agenda, please contact Jan Thompson ( janthompson50@hotmail.com 01295 788 751 ) or Stephen Gomersall ( sjgomersall@hotmail.com 01295 788 911 ).