Spring has sprung at long last but that's no reason to stop thinking about how to save energy and reduce your own bills as well as the global one that climate change could represent.
The Energy Savings Trust has been in touch with useful suggestions as to how to do this. First they wish to tell folk about Feed-in Tariffs which start in April and which could save some hundreds of pounds.
The scheme requires energy suppliers to make regular payments to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low carbon sources.
The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, as well as a separate payment for the electricity exported to grid. These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on-site. Full details are on their website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Second, the Trust also advises those in private rented property on how to persuade their landlord to pay for and undertake energy saving measures. The landlord can use grants and discounts and could also claim a tax allowance. A standard letter is on their website or available from my office.
An active government also has a major role to play in making best use of our energy resources. Last week's budget rightly set up a Green Investment Bank with £2 billion of equity to focus on investing in greener, cleaner energy and transport - starting with wind turbines.
Support for private investment in low-carbon infrastructure projects, bringing together public and private sector capital will benefit the North East which is clearly in the vanguard of green manufacturing and green-collar jobs.
The good people from Fighting all Cancers Together (FACT) have also been in touch with details of three exciting and fund-raising events in the next few weeks.
The first is a Family Easter Party at the Marquis of Granby, Sunniside on Tuesday 6 April from 6-8.30pm. For only a fiver the organisers have put on Pie and Pea supper for adults, Chicken Nuggets and Chips plus a drink for children, Easter Bonnet making and competition, biscuit, cake and egg decorating, Egg Jarping and an Easter egg for every child.
There's also a Ladies' Clarins party and pamper evening on Saturday 24 April from 7pm-10pm for a tenner and it's back to the Marquis of Granby for a free Elvis tribute night on 21 May.
Full details from 0191 442 0833 or info@fact-cancersupport.co.uk and www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |