Abingdon hosts first Eco FairAbingdon's first Eco Fair will be held in and around Abingdon Guildhall on 9th October, 2010 from 10am to 3pm. An event for the whole family, it will be packed with fun activities and practical ideas to help us all live well and save money without damaging the planet.

New MP, Nicola Blackwood, will be visiting mid-morning. As she says,

Informative displays are combined with activities for everyone; helping the community learn about how to cut their own carbon footprint – and cut their bills at the same time.

Food

A cafe will be serving locally grown food and drink including soup & cakes throughout the fair

· Get the family stuck in making bread rolls from local flour from the Wantage Mill

· Biodiversity

Kids of all ages can help make bug hotels from waste materials in the Bio Diversity section,

· Waste

The Wild Waste Bus from the Northmoor Trust at Little Wittenham will be parked outside the Guildhall for a fun take on waste for all ages

· Love Food Hate Waste stall will have delicious ways to use up our leftovers.

Travel

How we choose to travel can also waste or save fuel. Find out about alternative options which can slash your fuel bills while helping the planet.

· Andy Brewin of the Mobile Bike Repair workshop will be busy on the forecourt outside the Guildhall during the Eco Fair.

Energy

· Learn about solar power and how it can help you heat your water and generate electricity

· Find out about the new Abingdon Hydro scheme to harness the power of the Thames at Abingdon Weir to make enough electricity for at least 200 homes.

The Eco Fair has been organised by a group of local residents, the "Abingdon Carbon Cutters" to showcase traditional and state-of-the-art ways we can use less fossil fuel, whilst maintaining or even improving our quality of life.

Paul Buckingham has been studying for an an MSc in Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales and now runs an advice consultancy, Sustainable Lifestyles. He says, ""With rising energy prices and all the concerns about climate change, this is a great way of showing people what is possible for everyone to do to make a difference!"

Cliff Marshall

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