Visitors: approx 1020
Bulbs distributed: 1480

CO2 saved (lifetime): 77,670 kg
Retained economic benefit (lifetime): £35,786

This was the first event in a series of five for Stafford Borough Council. We were assisted for the day by Natasha and Ben from Stafford Borough Council and MEA also brought a volunteer along as well.

We were kept quite busy most of the day, with Natasha and Ben directing people to the stand which was located next to the start finish line. Most visitors already had low energy light bulbs in some of their fittings but not all. Many had struggled to find spotlights and GU10 replacements and we were able to direct them to online retailers as well as outlining the costs and savings associated with the bulbs.

On the few occasions when the stand was quiet we were able to give Natasha some training in climate change and energy issues as well as outlining recent research in to attitudes towards energy efficiency. She was alarmed to find out her carbon footprint using our paper footprint calculator, having just flown back from Australia.

As well as light bulb enquiries we had discussions with community groups, one in Doxey needing a speaker on climate change (this has been passed to Sebastian). The second group are considering re-roofing their community building and wanted advice on solar panels.

There was some confusion amongst people about the different types of solar panels and we were able to advise and point them to reputable installers as well as give them factsheets and discuss the new feed in tariffs. One lady had nearly fallen foul of one of the disreputable installers who recently cold called offering her a discount on a solar thermal system - £8000, down from £12000, when really the maximum should be £6000 and averaging £4000.

The energy bike was popular with the fun runners and especially the children, but not with the half marathon runners, many of whom were struggling even to hold on to the bulbs we gave them.

A very busy day and we look forward to the next.