One week ago today, we were very busy in preparation for our event of the year….
On Wednesday 29th July 2015, the weather held out and the sun shone just enough to ensure that the Suffolk Carbon Charter Summer Garden Party hosted by Woolley at our beautiful offices in Freckenham was a great success enjoyed by all. Once again, we are very grateful to Groundwork Suffolk for all of their support.
The marquee
The event was kicked off with an introduction from David Walton (Suffolk County Council) and Ned Harrison (Suffolk Carbon Charter), explaining the importance of these networking events as a means for businesses to explore and discuss new sustainable practices. Ned also reminded guests of the two free hours of support for members – just one of the fantastic incentives to become a member.
David Walton’s introduction
Our own Nick Woolley spoke first on the sustainable measures that have been introduced to the Woolley office environment both at Rectory Cottage, and our former premises – The Old Rectory. These measures include installation of loft insulation, draft proofing, secondary double glazing, solar thermal, water saving devices and water butts and solar photovoltaic panels amongst others. He also stressed the importance of helping and working with our natural environment, and how this contributes to creating a better place to work. Nick also explained how Woolley try and encourage sustainability in all of our work managing development projects for both institutional and private clients.
We were then extremely grateful that Simon Tilley of the Hockerton Housing Project made the considerable journey down south to speak at our event, to talk to guests on the fascinating concepts and principles behind the autonomous passive housing built in Nottinghamshire 17 years ago. Whilst there is so much more to see on site, Simon explained the art behind insulating and ventilating the properties, as well as a little bit on how they work successfully in practice. Judging by the number of questions asked throughout his presentation, it is fair to say that all of the guests were extremely keen to learn more! To do so, please visit www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk
Simon Tilley speaks on the competition to use the least energy between the Hockerton Housing Project’s residents.
Finally, congratulations must go to Saxon Packaging Ltd (see www.saxonpackaging.co.uk) and Two10Degrees (see www.two10degrees.com) for collecting their new awards at the party.
Suzy Harrold of Saxon Packaging collects their award
Carina Winget collects the award for Two10Degrees
Guests were then free to network and enjoy the delicious refreshments that were very kindly sponsored by Adnams ( see www.adnams.co.uk ) and provided by Realise Futures (see www.realisefutures.org/our-enterprises/catering) to whom we are very grateful. Everybody was also encouraged to walk the grounds of the Old Rectory, as a number of signs had been put out to show how the area is managed.
Having been awarded the Carbon Charter’s Gold Award (for sustainable business management) twice now, this is also the second time that Woolley have hosted the annual garden party, and we are already looking forward to hosting next years’ event, so watch this space!
Some guests with members of the Gorundwork Suffolk and Woolley teams