The current project team consists of local residents of Whalley and the surrounding area who share a commitment to developing renewable energy here who give our time voluntarily. We came together as a team in February 2010 under the auspices of Transition Town Clitheroe, a community organization addressing peak oil and climate change locally.

Directors

Andrew Geldeard BA (Accounting) MBA ACMA

Andrew has worked various financial roles predominantly in the textile industry covering preparation of management accounts, cashflows, product costing, VAT returns and preparation of statutory accounts. Currently still working in the telecommunications industry setting up and training customers in the use of billing software. Has lived in Whalley for past 20 years and enjoys tennis, running and fell walking in leisure time.

Henry Farrar BSc, MSc.

Henry previously worked as a teacher, most recently at Hothersall Lodge the local Lancashire Outdoor Education Field Centre.
He interests include environmental education and conservation as well as involvement in range of local sports clubs.

Rory Fergusson  BSc  MIOR

Rory is retired. A diverse career in power plant management has included twelve years at sea as a marine engineer before focusing on services management with Guinness prior to spending the remainder of his career in food manufacture operations with United Biscuits. In addition to volunteering with WCH he is involved with the Prince’s Trust, other local environmental initiatives and is an active member of a number of local sports clubs

D Dawson

David spent his working life in Purchasing and Project Management, lately involved with major Projects linking BAe and the RAF. He currently lives in Rawtenstall and is active with the East Lancs Railway on a volunteer basis.

T Ashworth

Tim is a retired engineer. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough College (now University). He has been a manager of research and development, measurement and control systems and technical service to the paper manufacturing industry, primarily in Northern Europe/Scandinavia. Specialist knowledge of more energy efficient pressing and drying systems led to presentation of technical papers worldwide as well as to a number of grants of UK and European patents.

Russ Hill

Joined the Board in 2018 after a long career at Calderstones.

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Past Directors

Bill Wilkinson / Graham Sowter

Secretary

D Lynch BSc (Economics), FCA.

David has worked as a qualified chartered accountant with many small and medium sized businesses, including many limited companies, covering statutory work, preparation of accounts, taxation, cash flow statements and management accounts.

Advisers

On legal matters we are advised by John Houldsworth, solicitor.
Micro hydro consultancy on the whole project is provided by Peter Hill of Power from the Landscape with funding provided by Green Communities.  Dave Hollings of Cooperative Mutual Solutions provides consultancy, funded by Cooperatives UK, on setting up as an IPS and issuing shares.

Governance

To govern the scheme we have formed Whalley Community Hydro Limited which is a Community Benefit Society (until August 2014 an Industrial and Provident Society). Each shareholder member of the Society has a vote in how the Society is managed at the Annual General Meeting.

The business of the Society is governed by the Rules.

Chris Gathercole – founder member and director

Read about Chris’ important role in the hydro development here