Eyam CofE Primary school already holds the ‘Eco’ flag and and works to increase biodiversity within its grounds, reduce waste and raise the profile of the harmful impact of single use plastic. Now they are wanting to show the children (and others) that solar power can reduce their carbon footprint using the sun’s inexhaustible power to run their daily electricity needs. They have ambitious plans to put solar panels on the roof, and have secured pledges to date amounting to £12,000, including from HVCA (channeling funding from Breedon), Garfield Weston and their own PTFA. As well as reducing carbon emissions, this will save them energy costs, provide an invaluable educational tool for the children, and demonstrate leadership in the Valley.
This leaves them with a shortfall of £3,000, which they plan to cover through crowdsourcing. This is where you come in. If you can help in any small way, go to https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/sunny-solar-eyam to make a donation. Any donations made before October 8th will be match funded by Aviva, so your generosity is doubled! Dig deep, and tell your friends to do the same.
Oona Gilbertson, the Headteacher at Eyam, will be at our September general meeting on the 18th, where she will be giving us a brief account of the project and doubtless be able to answer any questions.
We at HVCA are of course keen to see similar initiatives at other schools in the Valley. If you are linked to any other local school and wish to discuss further, come along on the 18th or email jeremywight@hopevalleyclimateaction.org.uk.
