MEMBERS of Cowbridge U3A Strollers enjoyed an unusual day out on Friday, 11 November - an educational trip to Parc Stormy at Bridgend , as Rob Cumbs reports.

Thirteen strollers were treated to a tour of the Cenin renewable energy site at Stormy Down.  

Jo Goddard, Cenin's Educational Lead and Community Liaison officer was our guide who gave us a very enlightening talk on renewable energy production in Wales and why renewable energy is essential in the fight against climate change. 

During the visit we were able visit Cenin's mineral research laboratory and the eco house designed by Cardiff University, see the solar (PV) energy farm (currently under refurbishment), walk around the wind turbines and learn how food waste we put out for collection each week is turned into renewable electricity by anaerobic digestion. 

 For anyone contemplating installing solar panels for their homes, this is a great place to learn about such systems.

Who knew that there is such a thing as low carbon cement? Cenin produce it on site. Another useful fact, of which most of us were unaware until our visit, was that food for recycling should not be put in ordinary plastic bags in the green bins. Apparently, they clog up the digester systems which create the methane that produces the heat that is used to create electricity. Now we know why local authorities provide those limp, flimsy, biodegradable bags for food waste!

The tour was followed up by a very enjoyable lunch at the Bridgend Toby Carvery. Great value for money,

Visits to Stormy Down can be arranged by contacting Jo Goddard by email:  [email protected]  

Jo would like to extend an invitation to schools, clubs and community groups with an interest in renewable energy so please feel free to pass the contact to any groups / schools / organisations you know that might be interested.

The Strollers meet every two weeks on a Friday morning for a walk of 1.5 to 2.5 miles followed by lunch at a pub or restaurant. New members welcome.

Details on the Cowbridge u3a website www.u3asites.org.uk/cowbridge/