23 Sep - 1 Oct 2022
1st & 2nd October 8th & 9th October 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
You may park in front of our house/drive, but please don't block the neighbours.
Access to the back garden involves a step and hence is not possible for wheelchair access. Though much of the garden is visible via the lounge
This event has now finished.
Just turn up There is usually parking space on the road. Please do not block neighbours' drives
Judith and Richard have lived at 28 Diprose Rd for over 40 years. It's a perfectly ordinary mid-terrace house on an estate, but you can do a lot to reduce your environmental footprint in a house like this.
The house has solar panels, a heat pump which powers and underfloor heating system as well as providing hot water. The chimney and fireplace have been removed.
LED lighting throughout.
The house has a high degree of insulation (cavity wall, loft insulation both on the floor and under the roof, double glazing) and passive solar gain from the south-facing windows.
Heating and electricity costs are well below the national average.
Water usage is a priority - using around a quarter of the nation average amount of water per person - this is mainly achieved through lifestyle changes and it's still possible within that amount to fill the wildlife pond (with its frogs, newts, damselflies, etc.) and wateri the garden when the water butts are empty.
The garden isn't large, but has fruit bushes, a mulberry tree, and lots of native plants in among the garden varieties. There are hedgehog holes into neighbouring gardens, and a hedgehog who uses them. All kinds of things are composted, and over the years this has led to a great improvement in the soil without any use of peat, herbicides or pesticides.
Trying to avoid buying anything new has become habit. Judith has now gone two years without buying any new clothes (charity shops are wonderful) and has started (inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee) experimenting with making new clothes from unwanted clothing/fabric.
They have changed their diet in response to climate concerns, eliminating beef and lamb, and eating an increasing number of vegan meals. Richard's favourite recipes (usually featuring veg like courgettes that the allotment has too much of!) are available on request.
They have also changed their bank, insurance company and investments in order to get away from those with high-carbon investments and keep their money with more ethical companies.
We also host a Ukrainian Refugee and run local support groups for them.
If you ask Judith nicely, she may let you try out her beloved electric bicycle (at your own risk!)...
This event has now finished.
