Welcome to LLES LLES is a local Charity working to raise awareness about the effects of climate change on the environment, encouraging people to save energy and to convert to renewable, non-polluting sources of energy wherever possible. "Our aim is to make Llanidloes one of the first carbon neutral towns in Wales, and we have already made considerable progress", says David Utting, Chair to the Trustees. "Please browse our website, look at what we're doing, and then why not join us and help make Llanidloes a better town for everyone who lives here". Latest News Saturday 9th October : Llanidloes Green Fair It’s back again, the wonderful Llanidloes Green Fair, with inspiring speakers and workshops, trade stands, food, children’s activities, art and film. Full programme being developed and will be available shortly. Venue: Llanidloes Community Centre Friday 8th October : Your Money or Your Life – How to survive the financial crisis. We’re all aware of the financial trouble this country is in, but what is really happening? What is likely to happen – will our banks collapse, are our jobs and pensions safe, will the housing market collapse? This event is a one-day conference looking at the current situation and how we can address it and prepare our communities to survive the cuts. Leading economists Molly Scott-Cato (economist speaker for the Green Party) and Mary Mellor (author of The Future of Money) will be there, and watch this space for more details. Venue: Llanidloes Community Centre Saturday 11th September – Food Preservation Event Do you grow fruit and veg? Do you have gluts of crops? Do you want to know more about saving food to eat over winter? If yes, then this event is for you. It will look at both outdoor and indoor methods of preserving food crops. Clamping roots, plaiting onions, storing apples & pickling are a few of the things being covered with recipes and advice available for jams, chutneys and other indoor methods. The day will run in two parts, with indoor methods of preservation in the morning, in Llanidloes Community Centre, and outdoor methods in the afternoon, at Dol-Llys Allotments. A small charge will apply. Room for 30 participants, so contact LLES by email or 'phone 01686 411 131 to reserve a place. Saturday 3 April 2010 Llanidloes Market. The April theme for the LLES 10:10 Campaign is ‘Eat Better’. Local, in-season food produces the least carbon emissions, and the less processed the better. LLES are holding a market stall on Easter Saturday, 3rd April in Llanidloes Market to promote this theme, so come along if you can. We'll also be inviting ideas for saving carbon emissions through eating better, and the best idea will win £40.00 voucher from Llanidloes Building Supplies. There will be lots of information on the 10:10 campaign and saving energy generally, and the opportunity to sign up to borrow a Smart Meter to show electricity use in the home. The Mid Wales Food and Land Trust (MWF<) are teaming up with LLES to promote local food on the stall. Come and taste a soup made with locally grown vegetables and compare it with a well known supermarket brand. Find out why buying local food can be better for your health, your purse, your community and the planet. LLES is involved with the Low Carbon Communities Project. The aims of the project are to reduce the carbon emissions of three communities, Llanidloes, Rhayader and Talgarth, by the installation of community owned and operated renewable energy (RE) systems and engaging the community to reduce energy use. Goals: 1. Generate renewable energy 2. Generate income for the local community 3. Recycle a proportion of that income into measures that further reduce carbon emissions 4. Raise awareness of climate change and the need to cut carbon emissions 5. Reduce the energy bills within the community and address fuel poverty issues 6. Develop community cohesion and shared pride in their combined drive towards a low carbon economy 7. Reduce the leakage of money out of the local economy. Results and impacts: 1. Three income generating community owned renewable energy installations in three separate communities 2. three community organisations actively promoting the reduction in fossil fuel use in their locality through a variety of means including secondary RE installations 3. A conference and other facilities that provide support and inspiration for others to become involved in this vital activity 4. The establishment of targets for RE generated and carbon emissions avoided (through generation and efficiencies).