Peter Stewart

Now, in episode 70, I told you about plans to build a solar farm near Lye that could power more than 5,000 homes. And how those plans have met opposition from a nearby school. Well, a lot of comments on that on social media when I put that post out. Robin said those solar panels should be banned on agricultural land. Pauline said when the panels are no longer working, they'll all be landfill.

Now, in episode 70, I told you about plans to build a solar farm near Lye that could power more than 5,000 homes. And how those plans have met opposition from a nearby school. Well, a lot of comments on that on social media when I put that post out. Robin said those solar panels should be banned on agricultural land. Pauline said when the panels are no longer working, they'll all be landfill.

Most come from China. They're a complete eyesore. What are we thinking of? to which des replied this is the reality if we don't support our farmers by buying local for a fair price then they'll be able to make more money by renting for solar and if people don't like solar then pop down to the local butcher and farm shop rather than supermarkets and

Most come from China. They're a complete eyesore. What are we thinking of? to which des replied this is the reality if we don't support our farmers by buying local for a fair price then they'll be able to make more money by renting for solar and if people don't like solar then pop down to the local butcher and farm shop rather than supermarkets and

Pauline also said there must be enough roofs to put these ugly things on instead. Well, this following article appeared in the recent edition of the Charlewood Parish Pump magazine from Laurie, who runs the farm. And she says, it is with a heavy heart that I'm writing this article. We farmed a Charlewood place since 1950.

Pauline also said there must be enough roofs to put these ugly things on instead. Well, this following article appeared in the recent edition of the Charlewood Parish Pump magazine from Laurie, who runs the farm. And she says, it is with a heavy heart that I'm writing this article. We farmed a Charlewood place since 1950.

And what you might not know is that we own our farm buildings, but not the land. the land that's on each side of the farm tracks that many of you walk daily. We've taken such pride in the land and have planted hedges, trees and encouraged as much wildlife as we could. We farm the land on a farm business tenancy, which is an annual licence which rolls on year on year.

And what you might not know is that we own our farm buildings, but not the land. the land that's on each side of the farm tracks that many of you walk daily. We've taken such pride in the land and have planted hedges, trees and encouraged as much wildlife as we could. We farm the land on a farm business tenancy, which is an annual licence which rolls on year on year.

However, in September last year, we were given notice to quit by our landlord, which is a large pension fund. And we've had to vacate our land by the 28th of September 2025. This is the entire home farm, which is 365 acres. She says we own or rent parcels of land around the home farm, namely farm fields and Westlands. But we can't link to these fields because they're all separate parcels.

However, in September last year, we were given notice to quit by our landlord, which is a large pension fund. And we've had to vacate our land by the 28th of September 2025. This is the entire home farm, which is 365 acres. She says we own or rent parcels of land around the home farm, namely farm fields and Westlands. But we can't link to these fields because they're all separate parcels.

She says farming is an industry where you have to plan at least a year or two ahead. We now can't do that. We've got a plan for September the 28th when we won't have our land to graze our cattle and our sheep. We've got some monumental decisions to make. And she says I'll do an update for the parish pump magazine when I know more.

She says farming is an industry where you have to plan at least a year or two ahead. We now can't do that. We've got a plan for September the 28th when we won't have our land to graze our cattle and our sheep. We've got some monumental decisions to make. And she says I'll do an update for the parish pump magazine when I know more.

well obviously Laurie those are her own views there and I've not been able to check out any or all of those so we're going to have to take those on face value but it is interesting isn't it to come from the horse's mouth about what the background is for that planning application to build those solar panels on that farm down in Charlewood and I just thought I'd pass that on to you so you know a little bit more background about it

well obviously Laurie those are her own views there and I've not been able to check out any or all of those so we're going to have to take those on face value but it is interesting isn't it to come from the horse's mouth about what the background is for that planning application to build those solar panels on that farm down in Charlewood and I just thought I'd pass that on to you so you know a little bit more background about it

So it was last Saturday night that I found myself at a slightly unusual venue for a gig going on. And you may have gathered already that it happened at the Belfry. Yeah, Red Hill Shopping Centre. A rather unusual location, as I say. Red Start are the people behind that gig that was going on. It's a new local group formed by volunteers to bring original live music and performing arts to Belfry.

So it was last Saturday night that I found myself at a slightly unusual venue for a gig going on. And you may have gathered already that it happened at the Belfry. Yeah, Red Hill Shopping Centre. A rather unusual location, as I say. Red Start are the people behind that gig that was going on. It's a new local group formed by volunteers to bring original live music and performing arts to Belfry.

Redhill, Merstham, Woodhatch, Rygate, Earlswood, that whole neck of the woods. And it was their first ever event last weekend. I was among the specially invited audience to see how it played out. Yes, not often I'm specially invited to something. Usually I'm specifically asked to leave.

Redhill, Merstham, Woodhatch, Rygate, Earlswood, that whole neck of the woods. And it was their first ever event last weekend. I was among the specially invited audience to see how it played out. Yes, not often I'm specially invited to something. Usually I'm specifically asked to leave.

Steve Trigg is one of the people behind it all and I caught up with him at the inaugural event to ask him more about the night, its unusual location at the Belfry and how the group is going to go on to provide spaces and opportunities for local and touring artists to perform. So, Steve, we've just heard you on stage. Tell us a little bit about where we are and what we're doing here.

Steve Trigg is one of the people behind it all and I caught up with him at the inaugural event to ask him more about the night, its unusual location at the Belfry and how the group is going to go on to provide spaces and opportunities for local and touring artists to perform. So, Steve, we've just heard you on stage. Tell us a little bit about where we are and what we're doing here.