The group was born out of a series of fireside meetings that took place late in 2004. After about a year it became apparent that for the group to develop it would be necessary for at least an individual to step forward as leader. Looking around there was no-one wishing to put his or her head above the parapet and so the group went into abeyance where it remained for about two years. The individuals were still around in the community, and kept in contact with each other, but no one felt able to take on the task of organising meetings. Meanwhile Dorset Community Action had created the opportunity for one individual to do voluntary work, and was wishing to compensate the parent organisation BREG for the individual’s time. For this to be possible BREG had to become constituted, initially as an Unincorporated Association, and then almost immediately reconstituted as a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee adopting model rules from the internet. It did this in order to limit the potential liability of the members in the event of possible wayward activity. The cost was £30, and BREG was fortunate in securing a local solicitor as the Company Secretary. The model CIC structure offers a number of benefits for the community, but appears to fall short in some areas of democratic accountability.

With the company established, it became necessary to build a business plan. This was done by capturing all of the things that came up as ‘good things to do’. These were then sifted to identify those where there was some ownership in the community – on the basis of a zero tolerance policy on, ‘why don’t you…’, and enthusiastic support for, ‘I would like to…’. The outcome of this process is reported in the attached progress note which runs up to Summer 2010 at which time the regular BREG meetings ceased. The main activity at that time had become the setting up of the Bridport Energy Services Company, an ESCo established as an Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community. The details of this will form the basis of a further project profile, but put simply the IPS is a vehicle for carrying out a share issue to raise capital for investment in renewable energy schemes, for the benefit of the community. At the time of writing (March 2011) the IPS has been signed into existence, and the programme of BREG meetings has restarted. It also happens to be the second anniversary of BREG as a CIC, and the work programme as a whole represents an extraordinary achievement for a community group in the space of two years.

Throughout this time BREG have put great emphasis on engaging the community (Activity 41 in the attached summary). This has resulted in the development of a ‘travelling road show’ (see picture of the BREG stall on the road) incorporating amongst other things a solar powered pump for spraying children and dogs, a solar concentrator for frying eggs and bacon, and a bicycle generator that meters all the electricity generated so that BREG can pay the Feed-In Tariff to the cyclist. Picture 2 (R talking to Mr Tanakpur about AD) shows the equipment erected at the Apple Day in the Community Orchard, where I can be seen talking to Mr Tanakpur from Nepal about village scale anaerobic digestion.

The approach has (hopefully) been one of benevolent leadership. Perhaps the most important lesson is that the group be allowed to go where it wants to go, and at the speed at which it is going. Next might be the ability to listen and to acknowledge individual contributions. There is an enormous range of talent out in the community that is often very willing to be involved.

Since inception all meeting have been open to everyone, and the resulting supporters list currently numbers about 80 people. Particularly successful have been the attendances at field events such as the Bridport Food Festival, Charter Fair and Community Orchard Apple Day when the BREG stall has had a steady flow of interested local people and tourists. Children in particular are attracted to the various gadgets, and with them come their parents. On one memorable occasion the stand was besieged by a choir of angels who had been performing elsewhere in the field.

The level of community acceptance has also been evident in that the project has had financial support from the Town Council, the District Partnership, and at County level for work on various committees.

Case Studies

Setting up Bridport Renewable Energy Group