Hello - from Sussex!

We love hearing from you, so here is your chance. Introduce yourself and tell us what makes you selfsufficient 'ish'. Go on don't be shy, we welcome one and all. You can also tell us how you heard about us if you like.
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Martin
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Location: Nr Heathfield, East Sussex
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Hello - from Sussex!

Post: # 19227Post Martin »

Found the site by "accident", had a good read, and noticed some posts that I thought were begging for answers, so I reckoned "joining in" would be a good idea!
I'm at the moment helping a friend set up a small company that sources and fits alternative energy products, and over the last few months have come to the conclusion that the government is "getting it wrong" extremely badly - the grants system being laughable (if it weren't so blessed sad!), and that there are far too many companies trying to "get rich quick" by flogging some very dubious equipment at stupid prices ) -often designed round a grant, rather than the equipment's capabilities or value.
I live quietly miles from nowhere, enjoying the peace and quiet of country life - I've been interested in the whole subject of self-sufficiency since I read John Seymour in the early 70's - and, of course, have been a lifelong fan of the "Good Life" - the sight of Felicity Kendall in a frock still brings out the beast in me! :flower:
For the last few years, I've been enjoying the Glastonbury festival, spending loads of time around the "green" areas - this year, it's "the big green gathering".
I wear several hats, I've been making a living for some years as a photographer and webdesigner - the alternative energy company was a chance to put into practice what I've been "tinkering with" for years!

Ermintrude
Jerry - Bit higher than newbie
Jerry - Bit higher than newbie
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2006 10:12 am
Location: Warwickshire

Post: # 19233Post Ermintrude »

Welcome Martin, I too have a minor Good Life obsession (but perhaps not for you reasons). I'm thinking of getting a solar heating system, but the back of my roof is North facing - is this a major obstacle?

Martin
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orientation

Post: # 19234Post Martin »

classically you need some south facing roof - anywhere from SW to SE will work fine - if you use the evacuated tube type, they will work to some extent in any direction, but to be useable you need them to be facing the sun! 8)

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The Chili Monster
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Location: East Sussex

Post: # 19243Post The Chili Monster »

Hi Martin, and greetings from the Sussex Coast.

The URL given on your profile is missing its .UK suffix ...
"Rich, fatty foods are like destiny: they too, shape our ends." ~Author Unknown

Support Team "Trim Taut & Terrific"

Martin
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thanks!

Post: # 19244Post Martin »

swiftly amended! - thanks for the pointer! :roll:

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hedgewitch
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Post: # 19255Post hedgewitch »

Hey Martin welcome to the site - I'm looking forward to reading your posts :flower:
Your site looks great - I'm going for a proper look now.
My Blog
My Website

Plant Seeds and sing songs.

Shirley
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Post: # 19260Post Shirley »

Hi Martin

Great to meet you - your site looks great...
Shirley
NEEPS! North East Eco People's Site

My photos on Flickr

Don't forget to check out the Ish gallery on Flickr - and add your own photos there too. http://www.flickr.com/groups/selfsufficientish/

Wombat
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Post: # 19270Post Wombat »

G'Day Martin and welcome to the site! Ah yes.......Felicity Kendall (he says dreamily............).

Nev
Garden shed technology rules! - Muddypause


Our website on living more sustainably in the suburbs! - http://www.underthechokotree.com/

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Millymollymandy
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Location: Brittany, France

Post: # 19286Post Millymollymandy »

Hi Martin and welcome :cheers:

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glenniedragon
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Post: # 19295Post glenniedragon »

Welcome to the site Martin- Your site is very good I enjoyed having a read- it's good to know that we won't have to save up quite so long!, Keep up the tinkering

kind thoughts
Deb

Martin
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thanks!

Post: # 19298Post Martin »

thanks for the warm welcome! I'm an enthusiast myself, and it irks me that it seems the powers that be are determined to pay lip-service to alternative energy, and instead of helping people to adopt it, they seem hell-bent on forcing the price up, and wasting most of the miniscule grant allocations on admin expenses! 8)
I don't know if anyone else has been watching "It's not easy being green" - but I've found it inspirational - the guy has "just done it" - for a fraction of the cost of faffing about with grants, he's sourced good sturdy equipment at good prices, and for the most part has installed it all himself (just calling in the odd specialist from time to time) 8)
I'm of the opinion that the threat to our world is so great, and so imminent that we need a grass roots movement, a bit like "dig for victory" during WW2 - only this time with a slogan something like "generate for life on earth" :dave:
http://solarwind.org.uk - a small company in Sussex sourcing, supplying, and fitting alternative energy products.
Amateurs encouraged - very keen prices and friendly helpful service!

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