361 Energy Fair returns to Barnstaple Pannier Market

361 Energy CIC, the community energy advice organisation for North Devon and Torridge is holding another Energy Fair in Barnstaple Pannier Market on Sunday, September 25.

The event will be opened by the Mayor of Barnstaple at 10am and run until 4pm. The event is in partnership with the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and comes at a time when the cost of gas and electricity has rarely been out of the news.

Paul Rogers, one of the Directors of 361 Energy CIC said: “We held our first Energy Fair in Barnstaple Pannier Market in 2014 and felt it was so important to organise another event this year when so many people are concerned about ways to cut their energy costs.”

The Energy Fair is a great opportunity for local residents to receive energy saving advice and find out about technologies which can help lower their bills and their carbon footprint.

Among those offering advice will be 361 Energy, Citizens Advice, National Energy Action, Lendology CIC and the housing and environmental team at North Devon Council.

Donna Sibley, Sustainability and Climate Officer for North Devon and Torridge Councils said: “The Council was pleased that the Energy Fair would offer local residents the opportunity to find out how to cut their carbon emissions and lower their bills.”

There will also be stands from installers of renewable and energy saving technologies. Visitors can buy a range of low energy LED lighting from South West Lighting.

Mitchell and Dickenson can install secondary glazing and insulation. RES (Devon) Ltd will be promoting solar PV and heat pump installations. Powervault and GMEC Electrical Ltd will offer the Powervault smart energy storage system along with solar PV and electric vehicle charge points.

It will also be possible to see some of the latest electric cars and bikes. These include vehicles from County Garage manufactured by Kia, Renault and Vauxhall. There will also be several BMWs from Westerly Barnstaple including the i4 and iX.

For those keen to keep fit and travel on two wheels instead of 4, there will be a range of electric bikes from The Bike Shed.

Barnstaple born artist Rich Thorne aka Richt, who recently produced the mural in the town square will be coming to the event with his friend Ricky Martin who presents the children’s television programme ‘Art Ninja’.

In May, Rich and local teacher Robbie Keats organised a series of workshops for young people with local schools in partnership with the North Devon Biosphere. These had a focus on sustainable development and creativity. Prizes for participating young people will be announced by Rich and Ricky at 12 noon at the Energy Fair.

The event has a strong environmental theme. There will be stands from the North Devon Biosphere, Devon Wildlife Trust, Earth Repair Shop and Plastic Free North Devon. Nicola Corrigan, Operations Manager at the North Devon Biosphere said: “We are delighted to be partnering with 361 Energy in this year’s Energy Fair and look forward to promoting the work of the Biosphere to local residents”.

There will be opportunities to talk to members of the Green Party and North Devon Cycling Campaign.

The Repair Café from High Bickington and Atherington can also help repair broken small household items, reducing the number going to landfill.