Sustainability

Excess apples?

Don’t worry, Congleton Sustainability Group are going to turn them into Congleton’s very own apple juice with the help of Dunham Massey.

All you have to do is collect your excess apples – desert or cooking – and we’ll turn them into 750ml bottles of Congleton Apple Juice.
Collecting apples

 

Just bag up your apples
– with your name &
contact details (phone
no. or email) & leave
them at:

 

 

 

Astbury Mere Visitor Centre

(open daily from 9am to 5pm)
OR
Old Saw Mill, Back River St
(open Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm)

 

Bottles of Congleton Apple Juice will be available from October and we’ll give a free bottle to everyone who
contributes apples. apples congleton

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 1.08.16

Congleton Sustainability Group latest meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

 

Highlights include:

Congleton Community Coop

SH working on opening a bank account, currently discussing with Handlesbanken at Wilmslow.

The meeting was asked to give their permission for CSG to act as CCC’s accountable body until the account is opened.                                                                                                           This was unanimously agreed.

Weekly letter continues to be sent out to all.

Titanic Breweries (12 outlets) approached us to be their Cider suppliers (approx. 20 Tonnes) they would supply the apples via their collection system. PA / SH have met with Dunham Massey to keep them informed of our long term plans. Phil Worthington (CHS) is designing a new Logo/ Label for the bottles for 2016 vintage, we must make sure the brand name remains constent.

Bookings for use of some of the rooms are starting to come in at an encouraging level.

Membership of the Coop will commence around the end of September

Neighbourhood Plan Draft.

First draft was issued to members last week (80+ pages) have until the end of August to make comments. Next steering group meeting early September to review comments and further rerfine the document.

Apple Juice / Cider.

 

Congleton Apple Juice won 1st Prize for Cheshire Life – Food & Drink Award. Congratulations to all involved.

Stock left. Apple Juice 3 c/s & Cider 600 Litres 9unbottled) at Dunham Massey.

 

Next Meeting:-

Mon 5th September, The Old Saw Mill ,10.00am

 

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 4.7.16

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

 

Looking to go ahead with the project, support has already been received from both Eaton Bank Academy and Siemens.

 

Possible use an Archimedes Screw design

 

PA working on applying for a second phase grant, decision expected from meeting of DVCE 5th July.

 

Cycling Campaign – P.Hall

Congleton Cycling Club is organising a Tour Of Britain promotional/charity ride called “Cheshire East Tour of Britain Charity Sportive”. This will be an 86 mile ride over some of the ToB route raising fund for North West Air Ambulance and Children’s Adventure Farm Trust. Considerable discussion took place as to the legacy opportunities from the Tour of Britain – agreed that we should have a plan of a proposed ‘Circuit of Congleton’ highlighting work to achieve and drive an ambition forward that is open to residents and visitors alike to fulfil the ambition – Congleton is the Cycling Centre of Cheshire East through Congleton Partnership.

 

Meeting closed at 11.35am .

Next Meeting:- Monday 1st August at The Old Saw Mill.

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 6.06.16

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download full minutes HERE.

Highlights includes:

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

Looking to go ahead with the project, support has already been received from both Eaton Bank Academy and Siemens.

Possible use an Archimedes Screw design

PA working on applying for a second phase grant.

PA has visited the Halton Loom project, they employed a skilled project manager who then directed local resource and resulted in a much reduced cost.

S.Halliday to contact an acquaintance who has managed similar projects and put him in contact with PA.

 

Cycling Campaign – P.Hall

In Peter’s absence PA briefed the meeting on an event planned for Sat 4th September.

Congleton Cycling Club is organising a Tour Of Britain promotional/charity ride called “Cheshire East Tour of Britain Charity Sportive”. This will be an 86 mile ride over some of the ToB route raising fund for North West Air Ambulance and Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

 

Congleton Community Co-operative  –  S.Halliday

 

Reports issued by S.Halliday weekly including both a task and supply sheet so no need to further issue those.

Further items discussed at the meeting:-

Grand opening is still planned for 4th July, but can be moved back if circumstance dictate.

A good source of paint supply has been found using the Burslem recycling centre community paint mechanism.

A CHS student on a work experience scheme is doing a fantastic job in helping with the redecoration.

PP has a design for the secret garden and will apply for funding support from William Dean Trust to support plants, soil and paving etc.

 

Next Meeting:- Monday 4th July at The Old Saw Mill (tbc)

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minute 9.05.2016

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting took place recently, download the full minutes from the meeting HERE.

Highlights include:

Congleton Community Co-operative – S.Halliday

Report issued by S.Halliday prior to the meeting, but because of the size of the project this has been kept separate from the other Group Reports.

• Tenancy at Will Agreement signed and keys provided for our Open Days
• Site cleared with assistance from:-
• Patti Pinto – Secret Garden
• LOL Foundation
• Book Marks and Posters designed and printed by Congleton High School
• Open Days on 16/17 Apr. 2016 a great success with over 80 people coming to visit.
• Research into best Bank Account to open.
• Incorporation of Community Co-Operative underway.
• Water and Electricity on.
• Grant received from Congleton Town Trust
• Apply again for Grant from Inclosure Trust in Jul. 2016 but they are very interested in the project.
• Other Grants applied for and more to apply for.
• Web Site http://www.congletoncommunityco-op.org registered. Still to be developed.
• Facebook Page – Congleton Community Co-Op up and running
• Change of Use Planning Permission application submitted. Thanks to Anna Morrison for her valuable input.
• Met with Property Manager for Old Saw Mill
• Electrical Engineer appointed and quotations received for Ground Floor (Cafe & Processing area)
• Inventory of requirements drawn up and cutlery, crockery, outside tables, etc., etc. already received from neighbours, friends and associates. Kitchen cabinets received so that we can build counter from them. Lots more needed including half full bags of compost, half full tins of paint, etc.
• Notice given to person who is storing his personal effects at the Old Saw Mill at present. Should be clear by end of May.
• Lots of interest shown for upstairs “open space” from the community, groups, etc., including Police.
• Renault Espace shell now removed from Secret Garden and decking washed down.
• BioLiquid installation being researched.
• Rain trough and grey toilets being considered
• Project Plan developed. Shall request for volunteers to assist. Offers of help already given.
• Wayne Doyle (BoJangles) assisting in requirements for cafe, etc.
• Congleton High School to be engaged to create murals.
• Plans of Land and Property being sought.

• Planning permission has been put in for “Change of Use” (16/2191c) result will be known by 29th June, you can support this application by commenting on line until 26th May.

 

In Bloom- P.Pinto

Dates for the diary:-

25th May Britain In Bloom route check.

25th July Northwest In Bloom Judging (Tbc)

8th August Britain In Bloom judging day

14th October Britain In Bloom Awards (Birmingham)

 

Patti updated us on some of the projects:-

11 potential “Children’s Gardens”

Visyon have taken over the site on River Dane Walkway.

270 Hanging baskets ordered.

Tesco , developing the Bark Area at the front of the store.

Community orchard. Fruit bushes and tree area now complete, Apple Core carving now done.

 

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

 

Feasibility study now complete meeting called for 9th May to discuss findings and practicalities of the project.

 

Support had already been received from both Eaton Bank Academy and Siemens.

 

Meeting closed at 11.30pm and adjurned to The Old saw Mill for a site visit.

Next Meeting:- Monday 6th June 2016, 10.00am, Astbury Mere Visitor Centre.

Congleton Sustainability Group Meeting Minutes 4.04.16

Congleton Sustainability Group latest meeting took place recently, download the full minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

In Bloom- P.Pinto

Next Clean for the Queen event Wednesday 6th April, 9.30am to 1.00pm.

-Litter Picking

– Weeding, pruning etc

Bath House Physic Garden group awarded £10k by the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme.

Patti has spent another day with an RHS judge to both walk the route and pick up tips.

In Bloom launch. Town centre 16th April 10.00am to 1.00pm.

Britain In Bloom judging day confirmed as Monday 8th August.

 

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

 

Feasibility study continues, should know results this month.

PA / GW met with EBA who were keen to be involved in any way they could.

Siemens also indicated interest around supporting the capital equipment requirement as they as a company manufacture these items. If the report is positive then DVCE will need to look at financing for the project.

 

Community Orchard – First edible hedgerow (currant bushes) planted, second one to be done next few days. 7th/8th May Apple Care to be carved, MS to discuss signage with CEBC (Genni Butler) then let Astbury Mere Trust know of proposed plans.

 

Meeting closed at 12.03pm.

Next Meeting:- Monday 9th May – Plus Dane Boardroom.

CONGLETON SUSTAINABILITY GROUP gets a home of its own in Back River Street

Congleton Apple Juice and Ciders has been looking for a home for its projects, ideally in Congleton Town Centre. Happily, we have found just the right place – the Old Saw Mill in Back River Street, off Antrobus Street.

There is lots and lots of work to do but we plan by late Spring to have facilities emerging for much needed workshops, cafe, shop, and community space – all very exciting.

river street congleton

 

Workshops to make and store our internationally acclaimed Congleton Apple Juice and Ciders. A Shop to sell it from, along with other local produce and crafts. A Cafe to sample it all AND Community Space because there are so many groups struggling to find space in the town and surrounds – all for a nominal fee.
We envisage the Community Space providing a meeting place for groups and charities struggling to find the right space and facilities. Our vision is for it to be a space that can celebrate all that’s best in Congleton & surrounds. A venue where local talent can come and exhibit its skills and a place where everyone feels part of the “goings-on” –
youth and senior youth alike – something for everyone!

Congleton Sustainability Group are forming Congleton Community Co-Op to manage the Old Saw Mill and, soon, everyone will be able to join this new – very local – cooperative for an annual subscription and become a member receiving a “divi” of 3%. We shall be publishing further information on this exciting opportunity in due course.

We are holding an ‘Old Saw Mill’ Open Days over the weekend of 16 and 17 Apr. 2016, 10:00am to 3:00pm to show you what we are planning to do. We shall be providing free teas and coffees to anyone who signs up to be a Congleton Community Co-Op member over the weekend.
This is a very exciting Community initiative where everyone can get involved and benefit from it and we welcome your input in whatever way you can. For further information, contact, either, Stewart Halliday on 07710 946 053 or
Peter Aston on 07971 805 372. We look forward to meeting you all!

Congleton Sustainability Group Meeting Minutes 07.03.2016

Congleton Sustainability Group latest meeting took place recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights includes:

In Bloom.

A lot of new items underway, small group set up to look at the Heritage element.

New In Bloom member – Bath House Group/ Physic Gardens

Community Orchard (behind Emmerdale Drive) is progressing. New Steps are built, 2 beds are ready for fruit bush / hedge planting, the Sycamore tree is in situ and ready ofr carving into an Apple Core ( Apr/May), new destination signage to be developed.

Clean for the Queen .Friday 4th – 8 people in town, full school at Buglawton, 1 x class St Marys’ and Canal & Rivers Trust all kicked off this year’s C4Q campaign in style.

PM commented on the litter that was laying around in The new Cemetery.

Dane Valley Community Energy-Havannah Hydro.

Feasibility study continues, should know results this month.

PA / GW met with EBA who were keen to be involved in any way they could.

Siemens also indicated interest around supporting the capital equipment requirement as they as a company manufacture these items.

Cycling Campaign / SECCAG.

 

SECCAG have drafted a map showing a network of ‘aspirational’ cycle routes as part of a CE wide Cycling Strategy initiative.

We are advised that by having a ‘wish list’ of routes and facilities CE can demonstrate to funding bodies the grassroots support for cycling and thereby attract money to CE. To be frank, there are so many things on the wish list that if only 10% get done it will be a coup!

Tour of Britain comes to Congleton! The third stage of the 2016 Tour of Britain will start in Congleton on Tuesday September 6th. No more detail yet but some of the Campaign will be at a Cycling Club meeting on 3 March and we may be able to give more to the meeting on Monday.

Look at www.tourofbritain.co.uk

And follow the links to ‘stages’ for an overview of where the stage will go. More detail to follow.

 

Next Meeting:- Monday 4th April – Astbury Mere Visitor Centre

 

Congleton Sustainability Group meeting minutes 01.02.2016

Congleton Sustainability Group met recently, download full meeting minutes HERE.

Highlights include:

Congleton Co-operative  –  S.Halliday

 

Stuart reported that the Co-operative were still looking for premises. Cuttleford Farm could not currently offer what we required so the search goes on for alternatives. Suggestions for sites to be pursued were raised at the meeting, they included units in Mill St, West St and land at the back of Back park St Carpark. Any ideas pass them onto Stuart.

 

Difficult to put a financial report together to make a meaningful business plan.

 

Started to apply for funding (C4C), CSG may look to put an amount into the pot.

 

Project plan being put together around Apple Juice production.

 

Apple Juice / Cider Festival. Nor practical in its present format at Astbury Mere, PP to approach St Mary’s as an alternative. May be able to link in with their desire to put on an event around their orchard and apple juice project.

 

Congleton Green Space Trust.

PA is discussing a couple of plots around Hillfield Steps area with the owner/ solocitor in regards to creating some ½ size allotments.  A.Martin following up with residents regarding the 3rd plot on the site. If all land was available we could have between 6 to 12 allotment plots.

 

Green Space Trust looking at both allotment and orchard options.

Next Meeting:-

Monday 7th March, Plus Dane Boardroom.

Congleton Sustainability Group Meeting Minutes 7.12.2015

Congleton Sustainability Group met recently, please download the full minutes HERE.

Highlights included:

“Congleton Co-operative” – S.Halliday.

 

Stewart took us through a presentation entitled “Congleton Co-operative”.

This is a scheme to build on the success Apple Juice /Cider/ Preservatives and increase the usage of abundant produce which would lead to a reduction in food wastage.

He looked at the reason for this project, possible siting (in town)of the Community Bistro/ Juicing Plant, timing (ready Mar 2016), the people organisations he would envisage being involved and type of products that could initially be produced.

There are a number of challenges that need to be overcome, Stewart who would lead the project is going to put together a full blown business plan which will be put before CSG at the next meeting ( 11th January 2016).

Copy of the presentation is held on file.

CSG supported the project in principal but reserve judgement waiting the Business Plan presentation in January.

Olga advised the meeting that Suma Wholefoods may provide a possible link to the Bistro/Shop arm. www.suma.coop/

Vale Allotments.

As this project had now fallen through PA advised the meeting that any monies received had now been returned to the people who had made donations.

Next Meeting:-

Monday 11th January 2016 at Plus Dane.