tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78837840128946829852024-03-14T02:39:22.662+00:00Torrs Hydro New MillsThe story of Torrs Hydro New Mills, who we are, what we do and why we do it.
The success that a community can bring when it works together with a common goal to create renewable energy using Hydro power.Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-47089778417147246142016-04-22T13:49:00.001+01:002016-04-22T13:49:10.100+01:00We're getting there!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visitors to Torrs Hydro may have noticed the flurry of activity down on site. As the rain has eased off, volunteers have been preparing to replace Archie's bottom bearing.<br />A coffer dam has been built in order to install a second stop log channel. The stop logs have arrived (larch) and are being placed in a specially designed rack on the metal safety casing. Next job will be getting lifting gear in situ to raise Archie and replace his bearing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's hope he doesn't find the operation too painful!</span><br />
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02294223220861914295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-67883559075461095082015-12-16T09:42:00.001+00:002015-12-16T09:43:15.448+00:00A spot of bother<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As many will have noticed, Archie is not well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In late September the bottom bearing failed. Directors and Volunteers are working as hard as they can to get things sorted. There has been much discussion, measuring, drawing up of plans, sourcing of materials, and so hopefully, soon some action.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There has to be scaffolding erected, digging at the tailrace, stop logs put in place and then lifting the old bearing and replacing with a new one. It is a shame that the timing of the failure was at the end of the summer as the rivers are now nicely full. Torrs Hydro New Mills appreciates the support of Stockport Hydro in looking at ways of resolving the difficulties. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02294223220861914295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-52185873635292746032015-11-17T15:28:00.002+00:002015-11-17T15:28:32.905+00:00Back on the blog<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a while since anything was put on this blog site. We have been busy elsewhere, (apologies for that) but now we are trying to update it a little more regularly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2015 has seen Archie generate his 1,000,000th kWh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Added to that, Torrs Hydro is more than half way through repaying its loan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It takes commitment and hard work to run a community project like ours and we have a great, dedicated team, but this year we have been able to welcome some new volunteers! This ensures we have the support we need to keep generating clean, green electricity.</span>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02294223220861914295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-17092600108182738382014-10-08T14:12:00.001+01:002014-10-08T14:12:09.693+01:00The rains returnedAfter 3 very dry summer months the rains have returned and the start of October has seen more electricity produced than the whole of July, August and September.Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-41803258972596829602014-05-19T11:34:00.004+01:002014-05-19T11:34:46.370+01:00Shares issue<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later this week we will be starting our latest shares issue - look out for details on here about how you can become part of the UK's first Community owned renewable energy organisation.</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-83813750866670319542014-02-26T16:58:00.000+00:002014-02-26T17:09:09.324+00:00A good start to 2014<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With large parts of the country receiving lots of rain you wont be surprised to read that Archie has had a good month - the 4th best on record.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look out for info on the upcoming AGM and a list of open days for the rest of the year.</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-58105451916748826632013-11-01T11:25:00.000+00:002013-11-01T11:25:05.823+00:00Halloween at the Hydro<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Torr weir looked very spooky last night as New Mills celebrated Halloween with pumpkin competitions and lots of fancy dress going on.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_MBL7yMxOE/UnOPcuCtZzI/AAAAAAAACiU/1iCaRVoMe94/s1600/hydro+1382791_538924472861684_15765838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_MBL7yMxOE/UnOPcuCtZzI/AAAAAAAACiU/1iCaRVoMe94/s320/hydro+1382791_538924472861684_15765838_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZLDMxM7OaQ/UnOPfCxOjuI/AAAAAAAACic/DtS9SuJ725c/s1600/hydro+1390746_538941826193282_65323499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZLDMxM7OaQ/UnOPfCxOjuI/AAAAAAAACic/DtS9SuJ725c/s320/hydro+1390746_538941826193282_65323499_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-69383450909369302892013-10-04T09:25:00.002+01:002013-10-04T09:25:49.268+01:00Green Buildings<div class="userContentWrapper aboveUnitContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="userContent">As part of a drive to showcase 'green' buildings in the
Peak District Torrs Hydro will be holding an open day on Saturday and Sunday 12 and 13th of October - it would be great to see you there - lots of other things to see and do at the same time in New Mills - Millennium walkway, Heritage Centre, pubs and cafes<br /> <br /> <a href="http://green-buildings.reflowstudio.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://green-buildings.reflowstudio.com/</a><br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/377244672407006/?context=create" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/events/377244672407006/?context=create</a></span></span></div>
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Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-64323677282739604522013-09-12T18:56:00.002+01:002013-09-12T18:56:51.515+01:00New Mills Festival '13 - round and round and round<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCHgRCIvOSQ/UjIAQBzUsZI/AAAAAAAACdY/jSg2UyFsyKc/s1600/new-mills-festival.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCHgRCIvOSQ/UjIAQBzUsZI/AAAAAAAACdY/jSg2UyFsyKc/s320/new-mills-festival.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A really busy busy time of year for New Mills - the festival starts tomorrow (Friday 13th) and Archie is involved in two events.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">First of all tomorrow afternoon local schools will be on site from 3pm to create a new film for White Van Man's famous <a href="http://youtu.be/NyksmDdqrCI" target="_blank">song about Archie</a> - then later in the month there is an open day on 28th of September and Archie will also be nicely lit up on the evening of the lantern parade.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Full details of the festival program can be found<a href="http://www.newmillsfestival.com/" target="_blank"> here</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Details of all events in New Mills can be found<a href="http://www.visitnewmills.co.uk/" target="_blank"> here</a></span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-60411621123568248992013-08-27T09:34:00.002+01:002013-08-27T09:34:39.440+01:00Open Day - 31 August - 3-5pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kxas44wK2Q/Uhxkiv9xf4I/AAAAAAAACcY/p3a5Mo9CiIE/s1600/openday.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Kxas44wK2Q/Uhxkiv9xf4I/AAAAAAAACcY/p3a5Mo9CiIE/s320/openday.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As part of the Community Energy fortnight 'Archie' will have an Open day this Saturday 31 August</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Come and take a look behind the scenes of the UK's first owned and run Community Hydro.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For other ideas of what to see and do in New Mills <a href="http://www.facebook.com/visitnewmills">www.facebook.com/visitnewmills</a> or search for New Mills on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g1546994-New_Mills_Derbyshire_England-Vacations.html" target="_blank">Tripadvisor</a>.</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-46837668885503806982013-08-27T09:30:00.001+01:002013-08-27T09:30:44.270+01:00Community Energy fortnight - 24 August to 8 September<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl">Join us for a day of
activities including tours of community owned hydro electric schemes in
Stockport and New Mills. A coach leaves Stockport Town Hall at 10am to
visit Stockport Hydro. From there we will go onto Stockport Masonic
Guildhall, 169-171 Wellington Road, SK1 3UA for a lunch reception and
energy saving workshops (starts 12 noon). Finally, we''ll visit Torrs
Hydro in New Mills for a tour and refreshments (starts 3pm). The coach
will leave to return to Stockport Town Hall at 5.00pm. <br /> <br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr1PQRnuOv8/Uhxji0AccsI/AAAAAAAACcM/tI2PbIBu9Vk/s1600/energy+fortnight.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr1PQRnuOv8/Uhxji0AccsI/AAAAAAAACcM/tI2PbIBu9Vk/s320/energy+fortnight.png" width="269" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span itemprop="description"><span class="fsl">Please feel<span class="text_exposed_show"> free to join us at any point during the day. <br /> <br />
Stockport Hydro is a renewable energy scheme at Otterspool Wier on the
river Goyt near Marple, Stockport. It has been up and running since
October 2012. In addition to contributing to a reduced carbon footprint,
Stockport Hydro hope in future years to be able to generate surplus
funds, allowing them to support and contribute to a range of other
community projects. With two Archimedes screws, which can operate
independently and at variable speeds, they have been able to generate
power even at times of low water levels: a first, we believe, for
schemes such as this. <br /> <br /> Torrs Hydro is an example of the power
of communities to take action and begin to address the challenges that
climate change presents to us all. They are a community owned and
community funded organisation. Their reverse Archimedes screw turbine
(known as Archie) is designed to produce around 240 000 kWh of
electricity over a typical year. This is the equivalent of the annual
electricity consumption of around 50 typical British homes and saves
over 150 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to conventional electricity
generation. Archie has been producing power since September 2008 and
has now passed the 700,000 kWh (700 MWh) mark.<br /> <br /><span> Bookings are required for this event, so please click the button on the right to sign up, or email: membership.northwest@co-op</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>erative.coopThe Community Energy Fortnight<br /> <br />
The Community Energy Fortnight is an initiative of the Community Energy
Coalition. Running from 24th August - 8th September, events will be
taking place right across the UK. Through these events, we aim to engage
and inspire people about the wide-ranging benefits of community energy,
and to generate support for our vision of community energy at scale in
the UK by 2020.</span></span></span></span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-44931668826916527662013-08-19T19:45:00.005+01:002013-08-19T19:46:27.463+01:00New Mills Festival '13 - Lantern Parade<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z6ooY4UFVg/UhJlzg-W_sI/AAAAAAAACb8/PK9zR_fHXUk/s1600/lantern+parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z6ooY4UFVg/UhJlzg-W_sI/AAAAAAAACb8/PK9zR_fHXUk/s320/lantern+parade.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the highlights of the New Mills calendar (and Torrs Hydro calendar) is when thousands of people parade past Archie during the New Mills festival.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each year the town is transformed by thousands (5,000+ last year) of people who have spent weeks making amazing lanterns - they parade through the Torrs riverside park at dusk and this year will finish on Market Street where they will be thoroughly entertained entertained and surrounded by a festival of food and drink !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All of this is free t anyone who wants to attend - but its obviously not free to organise - the cost of insuring an event like this would make most people say 'how much !!'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fortunately we are surrounded by amazing local people and festival goers who help to make this a reality with their fund raising activities - this year we are also going 'digital' to allow those who do enjoy the festival but arent close enough to help raise funds to make a small donation - we have nearly reached our target and with your help we can get on with the important stuff of actually helping you to enjoy yourselves during the festival - all you have to do is click on the link and donate anything from a £1 - the more you give the more you get back as gifts - just click and you'll see what we mean</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/new-mills-festival-lantern-parade/" target="_blank">New Mills Lantern Parade</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Archie will also be transformed with his own light show so do take a look as you walk over the bridge </span><br />
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<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-16170258668926506352013-08-03T13:22:00.001+01:002013-08-03T13:22:11.847+01:00Great weather for ducklings<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After weeks of sunshine and no rain the recent storms brought Archie to life again only to be stopped by... ducklings !</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A small family of ducks (including two duckings) had taken a liking to the area close by to the Hydro intake - to be on the safe side we decided to wait until they had moved on - they can still be found further up the River Goyt near to Goytside farm along with the Herons and Canada geese.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few drops of rain later today will have Archie powering away again.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwL_Ytx707A/Ufz10eQ77KI/AAAAAAAACbs/x32O0w0rR7U/s1600/Duckling_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwL_Ytx707A/Ufz10eQ77KI/AAAAAAAACbs/x32O0w0rR7U/s320/Duckling_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-422312604720633102013-06-14T23:47:00.001+01:002013-06-14T23:47:40.745+01:00Congratulations<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Congratulations to New Mills very own Richard Body one of the founding Directors of Torrs Hydro being awarded an MBE in the honours list - well deserved </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EImgf8LlUF4/UbudTRwzr0I/AAAAAAAACaY/7Ft7l_1pKJ0/s1600/Mbe_medal_front_and_obverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EImgf8LlUF4/UbudTRwzr0I/AAAAAAAACaY/7Ft7l_1pKJ0/s320/Mbe_medal_front_and_obverse.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-53368182839746278612013-05-13T15:52:00.002+01:002013-05-13T15:53:38.448+01:00Torrs 'dry'dro !<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1lgmHhjf2g/UZD9-F3pPGI/AAAAAAAACWQ/f44bLuqbWF0/s1600/Grey_Wagtail_male_7142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1lgmHhjf2g/UZD9-F3pPGI/AAAAAAAACWQ/f44bLuqbWF0/s320/Grey_Wagtail_male_7142.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A few more hours of rain and Archie will be turning again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Its been several weeks since we have generated because of an unusually dry April - even with all the snow it wasn't enough to get the rivers Sett and Goyt high enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Spring has shown its face though with plenty of wildlife in and around the Torrs Riverside Park especially lots of activity from grey wagtails.</span><br />
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<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-53721098577054409762013-03-03T23:11:00.001+00:002013-03-03T23:14:49.916+00:00AGM - 2013<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ee7KchNDR3A/UTPXge0193I/AAAAAAAACQ8/ht1AiJW-Z_M/s1600/IMG_4614%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ee7KchNDR3A/UTPXge0193I/AAAAAAAACQ8/ht1AiJW-Z_M/s320/IMG_4614%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Mills School students present 'Solar Schools'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fine day for an AGM, although the several dry days leading up to 2 March also meant that Archie woudl not be running for the Open Day planned for the afternoon.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxAg9sFPx10/UTPX5-uD3ZI/AAAAAAAACRE/huj7faXzSD4/s1600/IMG_4616%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxAg9sFPx10/UTPX5-uD3ZI/AAAAAAAACRE/huj7faXzSD4/s200/IMG_4616%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Will Griffin tells all about 'Sticky Exhibits'</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good turnout listened to a summary of the previous year at Torrs Hydro - our best year so far had resulted in a £16K profit and agreement from the shareholders that £2K should be made available for funding local community projects.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KxAg9sFPx10/UTPX5-uD3ZI/AAAAAAAACRE/huj7faXzSD4/s1600/IMG_4616%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The meeting also voted in two new Directors and bade farewell to Will Griffin who has been a Director for the last two years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout there were many well thought out questions for the Directors to answer from the shareholders</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stars of the show where New Mills School students who presented their Solar Schools Project to the AGM with great style.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elH4iMpXsEk/UTPYQ9HdRFI/AAAAAAAACRM/YU54Qy5Y4ss/s1600/IMG_4612%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elH4iMpXsEk/UTPYQ9HdRFI/AAAAAAAACRM/YU54Qy5Y4ss/s320/IMG_4612%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good turnout for AGM 2013</span></td></tr>
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<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-46709561832256753592013-02-23T18:20:00.000+00:002013-02-23T18:20:31.413+00:00Visit New Mills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfC6_4f1AX4/USkGAfv6m6I/AAAAAAAACQo/PZw1nlRN4Ss/s1600/Visit+New+Mills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfC6_4f1AX4/USkGAfv6m6I/AAAAAAAACQo/PZw1nlRN4Ss/s200/Visit+New+Mills.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As many locals know there's always loads of stuff going on in New Mills - music, art, theatre, comedy, sport (comedy and sport not purposely side by side!) and much more besides - did I mention the great shops?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you want your finger on the pulse and want to find out what's on all in one place :</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">on Twitter <b>@VisitNewMills</b> or also </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">on Facebook <b>Visit New Mills</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you're an organiser of anything New Mills based then drop them a line <a href="mailto:visitnewmills@hotmail.co.uk" target="_blank">visitnewmills@hotmail.co.uk</a> with the details to get your event listed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They even have our open days listed so they must be good ! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The fantastic logo was created by New Mills based graphic designer <a href="http://www.sinfield.org/" target="_blank">Karl Sinfield</a></span><br />
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<br />Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-91093628601423077962013-02-22T17:47:00.001+00:002013-02-22T17:47:47.017+00:00Open days - 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRY1hgUzdSw/USevNirPz0I/AAAAAAAACQU/lLUr6AfXCec/s1600/openday.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRY1hgUzdSw/USevNirPz0I/AAAAAAAACQU/lLUr6AfXCec/s320/openday.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="listhdr"> </span><ul class="homepagelist">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="listhdr">Torrs Hydro Open Days 2013</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><strong> </strong></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday March 2nd</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Sunday May 12th</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday July 6th</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>Saturday September 28th</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong> </strong><br /><strong> </strong>Project volunteers will be on hand to talk to visitors and answer questions from 1-3pm - we may even have hot drinks again !</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-20579056607259666162013-01-04T18:51:00.000+00:002013-01-04T18:53:01.658+00:00New Mills School going solar<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well you wouldn't think with the recent deluge of rain that solar power was feasible in North Derbyshire, especially New Mills - how wrong could you be!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As part of the Solar Schools project New Mills schools is now almost a third of the way to raising the £12,000 needed to turn the school solar.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwgmC7MY_H4/UOckVuu3NxI/AAAAAAAACPQ/nwh5NoTJRDs/s1600/solar+panels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kwgmC7MY_H4/UOckVuu3NxI/AAAAAAAACPQ/nwh5NoTJRDs/s320/solar+panels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Solar Schools is a brand new project that’s putting clean energy in
classrooms all over the country. Schools set a fund raising target for
their very own solar roof, then everyone chips in to help make it
happen.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s a chance for pupils, parents, local
businesses, former students and everyone else to do something good for
their school, their community, and the whole world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Torrs Hydro like the project so much that we have donated £100 to keep the momentum going in the fund raising - it would be great if you could also help - minimum donations are £5 and can be done <a href="http://www.solarschools.org.uk/newmills/" target="_blank">here </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are also many separate residential system in place in New Mills - once again leading the way with renewable energy.</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-81750973727261724682012-12-31T10:55:00.000+00:002012-12-31T11:19:42.675+00:00Here's to another succesful year<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Svywk6Fkks/UOFuq3F5I2I/AAAAAAAACPA/UcbUNVhnJPU/s1600/2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Svywk6Fkks/UOFuq3F5I2I/AAAAAAAACPA/UcbUNVhnJPU/s200/2013.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As 2012 draws to a close it's time to reflect and consider what was good about 2012 and what we can do to make 2013 even better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The past year was our fourth full year of running and and a year where we were able to start giving money to our community, this will continue next year when our goal will be to grant even more money than 2012 - the way the weather has been recently and the amount of rain in our rivers that is definitely achievable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The year was also our most productive from a renewable energy point of view and surprisingly one of our wettest months in that time was July when the Hydro is normally stationary with the rivers Sett and Goyt being much drier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">'Archie' couldn't do any of this without the fantastic support we get from our share holders, volunteers and the local community. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Directors and volunteers at Torrs Hydro hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and look forward to seeing everyone in the New year at our next open day.</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-86606741702250262292012-12-22T12:59:00.000+00:002012-12-22T12:59:01.984+00:00Torrs Hydro - Tripadvisor<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm sure many of you out there have used <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1546994-d3657439-Reviews-Torrs_Hydro-New_Mills_Derbyshire_England.html" target="_blank">Tripadvisor</a> to find out the best places to stay or eat or visit, well now 'Archie' has got his own little spot on there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So if you have ever visited Archie or been on an open day and would like to give some <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1546994-d3657439-Reviews-Torrs_Hydro-New_Mills_Derbyshire_England.html" target="_blank">feedback</a> please feel free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Also thank you to those that have fed back relating to any noises heard in the Torrs Riverside park</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-71114632087593279632012-12-17T14:42:00.000+00:002012-12-17T14:42:10.953+00:00What's that noise?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are currently helping with some investigations relating to 'noise' heard from the Torrs Riverside Park area around Archie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our investigations have been ongoing on and off for a couple of years and have resulted in changes in the way the Hydro is operated and noise surveys with HPBC to determine not only if it could be from Archie but also looking at any other things that may be causing noises in the area - other than pub closing times!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The noises when reported do not appear to have a pattern and can often be when the Hydro is switched off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you do hear anything or have any thoughts please drop an email to <a href="mailto:secretary@torrshydro.org">secretary@torrshydro.org</a> </span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-59816293904938894842012-12-14T15:44:00.002+00:002012-12-22T18:23:07.328+00:00Community funding requests<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Early in the New year Torrs Hydro will be discussing the next round of Community funding, this is where we review requests for funding from local groups - whilst we currently have a few requests to review we would like to see more, so if you are part of a local group that would benefit from some additional funding please email <a href="mailto:sean@torrshydro.org">sean@torrshydro.org</a> explaining what you would do with the funding and how your group/activity benefits our community.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IecjlDfXjZQ/UMtIJceaTHI/AAAAAAAACOs/osWV9N5UPCI/s1600/sean+torrs+hydro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IecjlDfXjZQ/UMtIJceaTHI/AAAAAAAACOs/osWV9N5UPCI/s320/sean+torrs+hydro.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Torrs Hydro Director Sean Whewell handing over </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">much needed funding to Ed Mountifield </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">at New Mills Volunteer Centre </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Earlier today Torrs Hydro were able to give the <a href="http://nmvc.org/index.asp?ID=153" target="_blank">New Mills Volunteer Centre </a>£100 to help them maintain the fantastic service they provide to New Mills and the surrounding area</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">New Mills and District Volunteer Centre has been successfully
operating since 1983. The organisation was originally registered as a charity
in August 1985 and became a Company by guarantee in February 2003. We directly
promote the welfare and community involvement of people who have needs arising
from being elderly, disabled, physically or mentally ill, house-bound,
isolated, visually or hearing impaired, or from learning difficulties. This is
accomplished through the actions of our 130 volunteers. New Mills is a
semi-rural area and social isolation is a major problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The services we
provide, and the social groups we run, are predominantly aimed at older people,
although not exclusively so. Our transport scheme is for local residents who
have difficulty attending hospital or doctor's appointments. They are
accompanied door-to-door by a volunteer driver. We undertook almost 4000 trips
this year and have over 900 clients. Our shopping service - where volunteers
collect a shopping list and deliver groceries to the client’s home – is also
aimed at those who are unable to shop for themselves due to age or infirmity.
We deliver shopping to clients about 500 times a year and need to expand this
service to meet demand. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>These are
essential services in helping local people retain an independent life in their
own homes. </b>Our weekly shopping trips to local towns and markets are also
for the elderly and infirm. The minibus we hire picks up clients at their home
and is equipped to take 16 passengers which can include four wheelchairs.
Again, volunteers act as escorts door-to-door.
Volunteers are integral for our befriending, gardening and simple DIY
repair services we provide. One of the most important aspects of the centre is
to get socially isolated people back into the community by using our existing
social groups to create new friendships - '60 Not Out', stroke support group,
handicraft group and Hayfield Over 60s give clients a support network and the
opportunity to form friendships with their peers. </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-57638325001669029892012-12-11T17:57:00.000+00:002012-12-11T17:57:48.324+00:00December 30 - Open Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4WCTRJVrz4/UMdzLlG62TI/AAAAAAAACOc/8zvrpBeYVT8/s1600/goyt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4WCTRJVrz4/UMdzLlG62TI/AAAAAAAACOc/8zvrpBeYVT8/s200/goyt.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Archie is going to have an open day from 1-3pm on Sunday 30 December.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Normally we don't have open days during the 'winter' months but because of the growing number of people that go out walking through New Mills and surrounding areas during Christmas and New Year we thought we would give it a try.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We may have hot drinks available - watch this space !</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7883784012894682985.post-52381790183958878092012-12-05T11:41:00.000+00:002012-12-05T11:41:00.781+00:00United Utilities<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ho5Rf8iMQTY/UL8yccFkaPI/AAAAAAAACOM/EjgJ-8wi8Yk/s1600/1326_united_utilities_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ho5Rf8iMQTY/UL8yccFkaPI/AAAAAAAACOM/EjgJ-8wi8Yk/s1600/1326_united_utilities_logo.gif" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Torrs Hydro met with United Utilities yesterday to better understand the work that is currently taking place in New Mills and the benefits that it will give to the whole area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We will post some pictures and a summary later in the week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some amazing facts came to light and just shows how much water New Mills uses - on average during a normal dry day (not raining) the pumping station dealing with New Mills waste (sewage, industry, baths, sinks) deal with 45 litres per second - that's roughly one bath full every second, in wet weather conditions this can then increase to over 200 litres per second and it all has to be processed the same way.</span>Whewellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13798153526522827383noreply@blogger.com