New Eco Fair will provide information & inspiration on energy saving, alcohol & ageing!

361 Energy is returning to the Pannier Market in Barnstaple on Sunday 28 October with the North Devon’s biggest environmental event of the year. It will feature renewable and energy saving technologies, electric vehicles, environmental and community groups as well as refreshments and live music. The event is sponsored by RES (Devon) Ltd, installers of solar PV and renewable heating as well as Mitchell & Dickenson who provide insulation solutions for period homes.

The Eco Fair which runs from 10am to 4pm, represents a unique partnership between 361 Energy which promotes energy saving and renewable energy in Northern Devon and Drink Wise, Age Well – a National Lottery funded programme that helps the over 50s make healthier choices about alcohol right across the county.

361 Energy’s Nicola Corrigan believes it makes perfect sense. She said, “We’re delighted to be returning to Pannier Market this year with a fresh concept that we hope will inspire people to switch to renewable energy sources and help them to demystify some of the energy saving schemes and energy tariffs that are out there.

“We attracted a huge response from brands and businesses to our Energy Fair last time and want to take the experience in a new direction.

“Drink Wise, Age Well has many of the same values as us and we thought it would be interesting to work with them to help people who are perhaps feeling isolated and vulnerable and struggling to cope with challenges including harmful drinking and fuel poverty.”

Darren Walker, a Prevention Worker with Drink Wise, Age Well in Devon added, “Our research tells us that loneliness and isolation are among the main reasons older adults may drink more than is good for them and there are a number of factors in Northern Devon that contribute to isolation. The vast geographical spread of the area for one thing, and poor public transport is another. We are delighted to be working with 361 Energy to bring this exciting event to Barnstaple and hope to see as many people from across Northern Devon at Pannier Market in October as possible.”

Visitors to this free event, will be able to browse stands run by Petroc further education college, Plastic Free North Devon, Devon Wildlife Trust, RES (Devon) Ltd and U-Switch, among others. Check the website https://www.361energy.org/361energyfair/ for more details.