Issues and Events Up-Date

CHARITABLE STATUS

The change from voluntary association to a company limited by guarantee, culminated with our first AGM as a charity. The formalities required the re-enrollment of members in the new company and new accounting procedures. Subscriptions can now be paid and donations made as Gift Aid, benefiting the WA and those paying a higher rate of tax..

THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK

Wiggonholt and its surroundings were not part of the two AONBs which cover the South Downs, but most of the land between Pulborough and Storrington is now within the Park.

We wanted to get involved in the consultations leading to the formation of the National Park Authority and to play our part, if possible, as a member offering local and environmental experience. However, organisations such as ours were not consulted and the Park Authority, which is unelected, only includes six parish councillors representing local interests out of a total of 27 members.

The South Downs Society, which campaigned for a National Park, has recently launched the South Downs Network, which we have joined. It is an alliance of the various organisations large and small which supported the campaign. The Network will fight for the best possible Park and will want to ensure that environmental matters are given high priority.

NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR 'GREENPOWER'

Greenpower, in association with Fordingbridge, the sustainable building constructors, have just moved into their new, low energy headquarters at Fontwell. As a charitable trust, Greenpower has appealed for help in equipping the interior as an educational and conference centre and as their main office. We have responded by sponsoring a specially designed conference table.

This exiting building is a learning environment for young people and industry professionals and provides a flexible test bed for low emission technologies.

Greenpower was established 11 years ago to inspire young people to become involved in technology and engineeriing. It reaches out to the complete educational spectrum. The challenge has been to build full-size electric racing cars with competions held throughout the country, culminating in finals at Goodwood. Thousands of youngsters aged 9-25 are involved and gain from the team experience.