4 minute read
Store powers ahead with solar energy
By Emma James
MICHELLE Machin, owner of Whiting & Son, is becoming accustomed to a new source of energy at the much-loved High Street store. Established in 1936, and run by third and fourth generations of the same family, Whiting & Son sells almost everything you could need for your home. And it is now helping the climate following the installation of its 15 photovoltaic panels with two back-up batteries. The panels react to light intensity and are capable of producing 5.2kW of power per day.
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Michelle is no stranger to solar energy having installed panels in her home ten years ago. She explains: “Our fixed term contract was coming to an end here in September so it seemed the right thing to do. We are lucky in that we own the building and so the decision was ours to make. The panels were not going to be visible either so no planning was required. It’s more complicated than a domestic installation because we need a three-phase supply but actually it all happened very quickly – half a day for the panels which are on inclined flat roofs and a day and a half for the electrics.”
Getting used to the new system takes time (the panels have only been in situ for a month), however, signs are that
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Open for valuations of all items between 10am and 3pm average usage in summertime is 2.5kW a day with 2.5kW going back to the grid. In winter months, when light levels are low, it will make sense to charge the battery at night and then use power from the grid during the day. The system should start paying for itself in ten years’ time. Plans to make the Sherborne store sustainable are in the pipeline.
Monday to Thursday (no appointment necessary). Free home visits available. House clearances arranged.
Michelle’s son, Anthony says: “It’s good to know that we have control over our own destiny. All our tills run on a single server at the back of the shop. So, if there’s a power cut now, we can keep going, which will make a big difference to us.”
But the motive for the switch to solar is not just financial. Whiting & Son already has a good environmental track record having recycled plastic and cardboard for more than ten years. Michelle explains: “The idea is that we become even more sustainable. We always try to have a low carbon footprint. We have one planet and we have to look after it for our grandchildren. I would recommend investigating the idea of solar panels to everyone.”
Denise Denis, Chair of Wells City Council’s Planning & Environment committee, reacted very enthusiastically to the recent innovations at Whiting & Son. The city council passed a motion in 2019, declaring a Climate Emergency and pledging to work towards a carbon neutral position by 2030. Denise says: “We were delighted and very encouraged to learn that Whitings, a much-respected High Street trader, has taken the brave step to invest in solar panels and be grid-free wherever possible. This is a significant step towards carbon reduction and it is hoped it will encourage other shops and homes to do the same.”
Rookery Farm, Binegar, Somerset. BA3 4UL. Tel: +44 (01749) 840770 | e. enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk mendipauctionrooms.co.uk
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Van selling refreshments at the Rec for trial period
WELLS City Council is trialling a refreshments kiosk on the Recreation Ground to provide coffees, ice cream and hot and cold food to visitors this summer.
As part of an initiative led by Matt Johnson, Open Spaces Officer, and the new Open Spaces Committee, the converted 1950s Citroen van will be open on a trial basis for families using the playground and enjoying the park and Rec in the summer holidays. It comes following feedback from the public about a lack of places to buy snacks and refreshments by the children’s playground.
Councillor Jasmine Browne, Deputy Mayor of Wells and Chair of the Open Spaces Committee, said: “We would welcome ideas to make better public use of the Recreation Ground, especially for music and family events. Please get in touch with Wells City Council for the attention of the Open Spaces Committee.”
Lynnsey closes her flower shop
FLORIST Lynnsey Kelly has closed her shop on Priest Row, Wells.
She is swapping working six days a week creating floral arrangements and wreaths at Lynnsey Kelly Flowers for something less stressful – taking still-life photographs of flowers.
“The floristry world has changed so much,” she said.
“I am planning to work part time and to pursue my still-life photography.”
Lynnsey started her floristry business in Wells in 2001 with a twice-weekly stall at Wells Market. In 2013, she took over a long-standing flower shop on Priest Row, transforming it into an elegant, calm oasis to reflect her style.
