Frome goes through the key hole

FROME’s Open Homes was launched last week with   the Mayor of Frome, cllr Dickon Moore,   cutting the ribbon at the wood-clad eco home on Spring Road.

The mayor said, “I’ve walked past this interesting looking house lots of times and always wanted to see inside.”

On the 15th and 16th March everyone will get this chance as 30 Frome homes and buildings, including Spring Road, open their doors to showcase ways to cut carbon and costs.

The organisers, Frome’s new Renewable Energy Co-op (FRECo) say, “From solid wall insulation to solar, from wood-fired heating to water power, from unusual re-used materials to cheap ways to minimise draughts, from chickens to compost toilets to bees – there’s something to interest everyone.

“There is even two local hydro schemes participating using the power of the River Frome to generate enough energy for 200 homes, a guided tour of the newly refurbished Cheese and grain and an Open Homes exhibition at Rook Lane Chapel.

FRECo say they hope that visitors get inspired and say ‘Oh I didn’t realise I could do that in my home’. Supporter Kevin McCloud explains, “There’s no better way of leading than by example, no better way of demonstrating than show and tell.  So visit one of Frome’s Open Homes to be inspired as to how you can help fight climate change.”

Maps will be available throughout Frome as well as a printed booklet of case studies and tips and a free app ‘Greendoors’ is also available for the event.

FRECo is also planning a green energy fair at the Cheese and Grain in September and are running regular ‘keep warm cafés’ at the farmers’ market, helping people switch energy supplier, reduce energy and save money.

Frome Open Homes is a free event open to all. Some homes do require booking – see website or maps available at the library and Cheese and Grain to organise your visits. www.fromeopenhomes .org  email: fromeopen homes@gmail.com or call Anna on 07939 060688 https://www.facebook.com/fromeopenhomes