Page 37 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • December 2003 37
Where is Swindon's most energy efficient community?
BBC Points West weather presenter Richard Angwin was on hand on 14 November to help launch Switch On Swindon!, a year long
competition sponsored by RWE Innogy to find the town's most energy efficient community. Using a giant map of the UK he gave a live open
air weather forecast for the year 2050 where he highlighted the problems that will occur if the country's wasteful use of energy continues
to cause changes in our climate.
As a result of the buildup of "This competition is open to any
greenhouse gases in our atmos- Swindon-based club or organisa-
phere which is making the planet a tion, from a football club, school to
hotter place, he starkly predicted a church group," said Switch On!
grim changes in weather patterns Swindon Project Assistant Ruth
resulting in more extreme floods, Baker. "It is your chance to come
droughts and storms. forward and win some money for
Rising sea levels from melting your community, and do your bit
polar ice caps already threaten to protect the environment for
humans, plants and animals in hot, wildlife, our children and grand-
low lying countries, whilst frozen children."
habitats for polar bears are disap- The most active group will win
pearing. £1,000. Individual householders
In the UK bluebell woods, the who improve energy efficiency at
beech tree, water voles and many home will be entered into a prize
other species will find it difficult to draw and could win up to £500.
survive in drier conditions. To sign up for the competition
At present 25 per cent of all en- or to find out more call Ruth Baker
ergy in the UK is used to heat and on 535476 or mail: energy@
light homes. The average house- wiltshirewildlife.org
hold could cut energy use by 75
per cent and make savings of up to ns1 • Quality of Life Awards 03
£200 a year on fuel bills. Who is doing something to im-
BBC Points West woeathcrnuin Ric hard Angwin predicting radiciii chmli es in
Switch On Swindon! is looking prove the quality of life in Swin-
patterns of weather by 2050 with the Mayor Derek Benfield, Swindon South
for volunteers in Swindon to pro- don and the environment?
MP Julia Drown, project worker Ruth Baker and an endangered polar bear
mote the competition. The aim is There are cash prizes for schools,
to make people realise that energy The competition runs until No- home energy surveys, encourag- community groups and businesses
in the home can easily be used in a vember 2004. Each community, de- ing them to install energy efficiency in a competition run by Swindon
smarter way. This will save pounds fined as a council ward will earn measures ranging from low en- Local Agenda 21. Closing date for
off fuel bills, protect the environ- points for organising talks and ergy light bulbs to loft insulation, applications: 12 December.
ment and could win £1,000 towards events about energy efficiency, or persuading people to switch to Call the Local Agenda 21 De-
a community based project. getting householders to fill in a green power tariff. partment on 463000 for details.

THAMESWOOD SMALL HOSPITAL

`the only small animal hospital in North and West Swindon'
62 - 64 Purton Road, Moredon, Swindon . Tel: 01793 526780

• Full hospitalisation facilities 3 Intensive care ward and 24hr emergency service
•:- Professional and caring staff v Separate cat, dog and rabbit wards
v Highest quality service at competitive prices v Up to the door parking
v 3 minutes from Abbey Meads. Priory Vale, Taw Hill and also West Swindon
ST ANDREWS A419
We offer a friendly and high quality service and hope to care for our patients throughout their entire life both when they !^ RIDGE
are healthy or unwell. Our high standard of facilities enables us to ensure your pet will be cared for through emergencies
as well as routine surgery. We are open all day during the week and welcome enquiries throughout the day, 7T ;
however most consultations take the form of appointments Monday to Saturday.
Tftamesdown D
Whenever possible, we endeavour to maintain continuity with the rive
same veterinary surgeon and our client care staff will uy to ensure
ABBEY
you see the vet of your choice. PRIORY
VALE MEADS
Should your pet require a stay in the hospital, we can arrange
visiting hours and your assigned nurse will be able to keep you TAW HILL
updated regularly on your pet's progress.
11
We have many additional services ranging from puppy parties, HAYDON
Safeway
weight clinics and our popular free nursing clinics for advice, a WICK '^
worming, nail trims etc. We also have a pet behaviourist SEASONS
if you are having problems with a badly behaved pet. GREETINGS
Remember to check out our website for monthly updated < THAMESWOOD
Than:eswood Small
true life stories, special offers, veterinary advice and much more. * VET Animal Hospital ^^ o
www.thameswoodvets.co.uk 9
ke wishes all your
y
For more information, call in and see us or ring on 526780. To \ L dy pets a happy and ^ ' I
WEST
We're here to help. SWINDON '`^ TO SWINDON healthy Christmas