The OxFutures board has been busy approving more funding.

Energy Efficiency

Four organisations have successfully applied for funding worth over £4,000 to cover some of the costs of installing energy efficiency and renewable measures.

• Ewelme Watercress Beds – The hub of the British watercress industry in the 20th Century, Ewelme is a picturesque and historical 6.5 acre site which has been owned by the Chiltern Society since 1992 and is conserved beautifully by volunteers. Although the site was once an active watercress farm selling produce nationwide until 1988, it is now a nature reserve allowing the local wildlife population to thrive. The organisation has been awarded a grant to install solar panels on their south-west facing roof.
• Petrospot Ltd – An independent publishing, training and events organisation focused on the maritime, energy and transportation industries. They will be using their grant funding to install two 22kw EV charging points. The charging point will be installed by OxFutures innovation grant recipient EV Carshop.
• Farmer Gow’s Ltd – This farm welcomes families to have ‘hands on’ farm fun. In small groups visitors can enjoy ‘hands on’ Meet the Animals workshops where friendly farm staff will lead walk and talk sessions. They will be using their grant funding to add timers to hot water tanks, and upgrade lighting to LEDs for the office, kitchen, shop, special needs toilets and picnic barn.
• Begbrook Village Hall – The Hall was built in 1974 and is set in a four acre field which now includes a children’s playground, bowling green and a community orchard. It was built on land given to the village in 1947 and is owned by the villagers of Begbroke and run on their behalf by a management committee who are appointed by the major users of the hall. They will be using their grant funding to install loft insulation into their roof, reducing the heat loss of the building and making it much more comfortable for users as well as saving money!

Well done to all the grant applicants. If you would like further information about applying for funding, contact Alison Grunewald.