Technology is driving us towards a zero carbon world in which renewable power resource initiatives are the key to saving the planet. Penallt, the hilltop village outside Monmouth has taken up the challenge.

Pelham Hall has just installed a charging point for cars and also a three pin outlet for electric buggies. They are easy to access outside the hall entrance door. The system works for: BMW, Nissan, Porsche, Mercedes, Volvo and Mitsubishi. The main charger is Type 1 and very easy to use. It is also free to use.

With an ageing population in the village, there are more and more people using alternative means of transport to get around the village and into town and this facility will benefit all using the hall for everything from yoga to pilates to ballet dancing as well as the tennis club and the cricket club.

David May, committee chair for Pelham Hall, says that this is part of a longer term refurbishment plan for the hall that has just seen a new commercial kitchen installed.

Other plans in the pipeline include photo voltaic charging panels to help reduce energy costs and improve the hall’s green credentials. Also, a lift from the hall entrance to the first floor is planned. Fundraising is critical for all these projects to get under way and Monmouthshire County Council is very supportive of the plans.

Contractor, Phil Powell of Gwent Energy CIC has been extremely helpful in putting the grant and installation package together for Pelham Hall. His organisation has been active in renewables in the rural Gwent area covering more than 19,000 people.

Roger Forbes, committee member and buggy user said he was delighted with the charging point installation as it will help him and others in the community with mobility problems to access the hall’s facilities and events more easily.

Enquiries to David May [email protected]