Sutton Upon Derwent Village Hall

Sutton Upon Derwent Village Hall, located in the heart of the village near York, has long served as a vital hub for its community. As the designated emergency centre in the Parish Council’s emergency plan, the hall plays a crucial role during power outages and other local disruptions. With a strong commitment to sustainability and resilience, the hall continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s residents and future generations. Sutton Upon Derwent is a small, close-knit village in York, where community spirit thrives. The Village Hall is central to this spirit, hosting events, gatherings, and serving as a safe space during emergencies. With a history of proactive community engagement, the hall is managed by a dedicated committee that organises regular fundraising events and ensures the facility remains a welcoming and functional space for all.

Pictured from left to right; John Newlove Chairman , Linda Samwell (a village hall helper) Helen Hollingworth Trustee and Vice Chair, Honor Morton from the foundation, David Bristow Trustee, Treasurer and booking secretary, Pat Penny Minutes secretary.

The challenges for Sutton Upon Derwent, York residents.

Residents of Sutton Upon Derwent face frequent power outages, which can disrupt daily life and community activities. The Village Hall, despite having solar panels installed over a decade ago, struggled to fully utilise its energy generation due to limitations in evening usage and restrictions on earning income from feed-in tariffs. These challenges highlighted the need for a more resilient and energy-efficient solution to support the community during emergencies and reduce operational costs.

A brick building with a solar panel on the roof. The solution for Sutton Upon Derwent, York residents.

To address these challenges, the Village Hall committee proposed a project to install a battery storage system alongside its existing solar panels. This upgrade would allow the hall to store energy for use during peak times and emergencies, ensuring a reliable power supply when it’s needed most. The project aimed to transform the hall into a truly sustainable and resilient community asset.

John Newlove, Chairman says ‘’ We’re incredibly grateful to the Northern Powergrid Foundation for their generous support. This grant has enabled us to take a huge step forward in making our Village Hall a resilient and sustainable hub for our community’’

David Bristow Trustee, Treasurer and booking secretary says ‘’ This project has made a real difference. It’s not just about energy; it’s about giving back to the community. The hall is now better equipped to support residents during emergencies and continue hosting events that bring people together. The money we can save through this project can allow the hall to run events for the community to attend for free. Ensuring inclusivity to everyone regardless of their financial situations’’

A white box (tesla battery) with a red isolation switch. Support from the Northern Powergrid Foundation. The Northern Powergrid Foundation has supported this vital community project with an £18,222.96 grant. This funding went towards the solar and battery installation, paving the way for a more resilient and self-sufficient community.

A Mission to Empower Communities. The Northern Powergrid Foundation’s mission, complementing Northern Powergrid’s ambition to be a force for good in the communities it serves, is to support those most affected by changes in the economy, environment, and society due to the shifting energy landscape. Funds are available to support communities across the North East, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire served by Northern Powergrid.