Jo Kidd and Terry Thompson

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Jo Kidd and Terry Thompson
www.abbotsmillproject.co.uk
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Mission

• To develop a hub about sustainability in an urban
  setting.
• Powered solely by non-centralised, renewable
  energy, principally through installing a
  water-wheel on the River Stour.
• Including an education centre about
  sustainability, renewable energy and the
  importance of the River Stour in Canterburys
  past, present and future, a vegan community café,
  a forest garden based on permaculture principles.

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Aims

• A social and community enterprise
  (not-for-private-profit)
• Hub for Sustainable Urban Living.
• Showcasing green and sustainable science and
  technologies.
• Community focus involving people from all
  backgrounds.
• An outward looking project.
• Historical, cultural, ethical, environmental and
  scientific interest.
• Education and awareness-raising an exemplar in
  sustainability and ethical living.

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Vision

• A world where people live in harmony with their
  natural environment and with each other and fully
  understand the social and environmental
  consequences of their everyday actions.
• History with Energy! Linking where we are going
  with where we have been

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• Ordnance Survey Location Map

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Former Abbots/Denne Mill on site of wheel
destroyed by fire 1933
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(No Transcript)
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How?

• Centre powered solely by renewable energy
  micro-generation, non-centralised water wheel on
  River Stour, photo-voltaics etc.
• Natural building materials and methods, no
  concrete.
• Vegan café.
• Permaculture forest garden for wildlife and
  improving biodiversity.
• Building that works in harmony with natural
  environment interior connects with exterior and
  vice versa.

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• Design based around latest sustainable
  technologies.
• Off-grid in all ways.

• Focus on low ecological footprint reducing
  consumption.
• Timeless design or able to adapt/be flexible.
• Transferable design i.e. could be used in other
  builds (residential, commercial or community).

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• Educational focus.
• Whole community involvement - attract wide range
  of people not esoteric.
• Run by local people various opportunities
  (including people from disadvantaged groups).
• Accessibility good footfall develop and
  improve existing paths.
• Improve fluidity and sensory aspect of whole
  site.

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What have we achieved so far?

• Business plan written,
• Database of supporters - over 500 contacts (as at
  Nov 2012),
• Several meetings with key agencies and many
  potential partners/sponsors. For example, the
  Environment Agency, English Heritage, Canterbury
  Conservation Advisory Committee, Kent
  Archaeological Field School, Canterbury
  Archaeological Trust, the two main universities,
• Agreement with Environment Agency around
  enhancing the river and banks for wildlife,
• Land purchased and site partly cleared, hedge,
  fence and path laid,
• Surveys undertaken (site including topographical,
  river and wildlife),
• Feasibility study undertaken for installation of
  water wheel,
• Basic website designed and built,
• Architect appointed Moorespace,
• Logo, marketing material and information panel
  designed and produced - sponsored by Whitefriars
  and Canterbury City Partnership,
• Volunteer days on the site. Up to 45 people at
  each one. Includes local residents, university
  students and environmentalists/community
  gardeners,
• Canterbury Camcorder Club filming progress on
  site,
• Preparing new planning application for adding
  garden room, information board and PVs on site,
• Preparing planning application for installing
  water wheel.

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Sponsors and Main Partners

• Moorespace Architects
• Canterbury City Partnership,
• Whitefriars,
• Pico Energy,
• University of Kent including DICE,
• Canterbury Christ Church University,
• Kent Mammal Group,
• Greener Futures for Young People Programme,
• Environment Agency,
• Canterbury and East Kent Transition Town Groups,
• Greenpeace,
• Canterbury Camcorder Club,
• UNA Canterbury,
• Carbon Leapfrog,
• Cripps Harries Hall Solicitors,
• Bright One,
• Kent County Council,
• Kent Archaeological Field School,

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Photo montage impression of the water wheel
installation (most likely to now be in adjacent
wheel pit)
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Artistic Impression of Water Wheel
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Volunteers in February 2012
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Volunteer day in March 2012
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Erecting the chestnut fence
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Laying the woodchip path
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Tree-planting ceremony with 1st Whitstable Scouts
and Julian Brazier MP - November 2012
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• "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
  committed citizens can change the world.
• Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
• Margaret Mead

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• Contact Us
• info_at_abbotsmillproject.co.uk
• Jo 07912 087599 or Terry 07968 810638
• www.abbotsmillproject.co.uk
• Do you have any questions?