August 2008

27th August
Olympic Handover Flag raised at Three Rivers District Council to celebrate Handover Day


Pictured: Sarah Walsh (Sports Development Officer), Jerome Federico (2012 Young Ambassador), Cllr Chris Lloyd (Chair of the Council) and Cllr Chris Whately-Smith (Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure). Photo by Sue Lacey.

Sunday 24th August 2008 saw the iconic London Olympic Handover Flag raised at Three Rivers District Council simultaneously with other flags around the UK. 

Jerome Federico from Abbots Langley, one of two 2012 Young Ambassadors for Three Rivers, raised the Olympic Handover Flag along with Cllr Chris Lloyd, the Chairperson of the Council, Cllr Chris Whately-Smith, the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Community and Sarah Walsh, the Sports Development Officer.

The Olympic Handover Flag in Three Rivers was one of over 500 flags delivered to locations including HM Armed Forces, embassies around the world, City Halls, British Council offices and Foreign and Commonwealth offices. Amongst the locations in the UK, Olympic Handover Flags were raised at landmark areas such as Unst in the Shetland Isles, the most northerly point in the UK, Land’s End, the most southerly point, Lowestoft, the most easterly town, and the Isles of Scilly, the most westerly point. 

Cllr Chris Whately-Smith said: "This Olympics has been an inspiration for 2012 and it has been a fantastic performance by the whole GB team."

The Games can help support the achievement of a number of aims that the Council are working towards. These include: inspiring people to participate in sport/physical activity and the subsequent improvements to people's health, and an increase in the number of volunteers wishing to volunteer in the community (which can contribute to them gaining the necessary experience to become volunteers at the Games). Individuals can log their interest to become volunteers at the Games by registering at www.london2012.org.uk. 

Three Rivers Chairman, Cllr Chris Lloyd, commented: "The Olympics has been tremendous - particularly Chris Hoy winning three gold medals. I hope the Olympics will be a challenge for all of us to get out and try a new sport."

Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, Sebastian Coe said: 

"When the Mayor of London accepted the Olympic Flag on 24th August, the eyes of the world turned to London and the UK as the next Summer Host City. It was a very important and exciting moment for us. We were delighted that so many local authorities shared our excitement and are proudly displaying the Olympic Handover Flags to mark this very special moment on our journey to 2012. " 

12th August
Underground helps cool Councillors

Underground helps cool Councillors Water pipes hidden underneath Basing Gardens are cooling the political temperature in Rickmansworth. Buried beneath the gardens opposite Three Rivers House, the ground source heat pump is now cooling the main Council Chamber over the summer. The system, which will also help keep the Chamber warm in winter, cost about the same amount as a conventional replacement which was needed anyway, and it will reduce carbon emissions straight away.

Councillor Alison Scarth, the new Cabinet Member for Sustainability, said: "Council decisions are best made with a cool head, even if issues may be discussed with heated debate! Ground source heat pumps are a clever and practical idea - making a long term difference in reducing carbon-dioxide emissions and heating bills. In the long run, projects like this will reduce Council Tax bills."

The water pipes are buried two metres below ground where there is a heat level of 10 - 11 degrees Celsius. At this depth, the soil stays at a relatively constant temperature, compared to the much wider variations in the air of between minus 10 and plus 40 degrees C, depending on the season. Because the ground is warmer than the air in winter and cooler than the air in summer, the closed loop system can help provide both heating and cooling at different times of the year.

Watford Friends of the Earth's John Collier said:

"We welcome this initiative by the Council which demonstrates the effectiveness of larger schemes. These systems will become even more green when our national power is provided mostly through renewable sources. Ground source heat pumps are not always efficient for private homes so do get expert advice before making a decision about your property - for the average house the best thing to do is improve your insulation, use energy efficiency appliances and try to reduce usage."

Residents who would like more information about energy sources and energy reduction can ring Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre on freephone 0800 512 012.

An energy saving booklet is available from the Council on 01923 776611 or enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk