• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Wednesday February 16 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

New chairman appointed to Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy’s charitable fund

One of Wiltshire’s largest not-for-profit energy solar energy enterprises, Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy, has announced the appointment of Royal Wootton Basset resident Jon Bateman as chairman of its charitable giving arm, the WWCE Community Fund Group.

Jon replaces outgoing chairman Peter Newell, who held the post for five years prior to his departure at the end of 2021.

Retired civil engineer and utility regulation specialist Jon has an in-depth knowledge of the organisation and is well placed to take up the mantle, having already facilitated financial aid for several deserving causes in his capacity as director of WWCE and board member of the Community Fund – positions he’s held since 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Julian Barlow, chair of Devizes-based WWCE and trustee of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said of Jon’s appointment: “I’m delighted that Jon is assuming the role of Chair for WWCE’s Community Fund.

“He is an active supporter of the local community and incredibly knowledgeable about environmental conservation and sustainable energy, so he’s the ideal candidate.

“Community energy groups like ours are essential in responding to the climate crisis, and through the Fund we are able to help other climate-focused initiatives to get off the ground which can only benefit Wiltshire and indeed, the planet.”

Established in conjunction with the Wilshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) in 2013, the Community Fund seeks to engage with and support local groups involved in the pursuit of wildlife conservation, climate change mitigation, carbon reduction and fuel poverty relief across the Wiltshire area.

To date, it has allocated in excess of £45,000 to a range of innovative schemes throughout the region.

WWCE Community Fund Group is always keen to hear from local organisations who may benefit from a grant. Applications are easy and further details about who can apply can be found at https://www.wwce.org/_files/ugd/c061ee_5c607b91e1cd494cbf206d44eec17646.pdf.