Say No to Nuclear - Peace Launch 11th August

The Powerpod was at the Scottish Covenant for Peace
Launch on Saturday 11 August at Wiston Lodge, nr Biggar.
Scotland's for peace is a new and broad based campaign
with a desire that Scotland should be known for its
contribution to international peace and international justice
rather than for waging war.

As well as the activities of the Powerpod the children's activities at the event were being organised by Woodcraft members Rachel, Chis and Jane from Portobello in Edinburgh.

Heavy rain throughout the day kept visitors to the Powerpod to the dedicated few. We found time to build the new solar car kits and try out the new powerful lamp on them - however the cars proved disappointing especially to the children who had spent most of the morning session putting them together. Of course it didn't help when it was found the motors had been wired up wrongly by the manufacturers. Hopefully they shall work better next time when there is some sun.

The Powerpod was the guest of the Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre.

Traquair Fair! 4th and 5th August

"Traquair Fair goes Latin American!" was the theme, so we stuck to it and brought the sun down with us on the Saturday. Handy for the solar workshop... and a lot of youngsters and adults alike were transfixed by the solar-powered motor they managed to make. One group started plans for a comedy solar powered fan-hat, but were disappointed to hear they'd already been made.

Even many of the Fair's characters were introduced to the delights of renewable energy.
(Piccie: "I wish we were renewable...")


Sunday was a lot more drizzly, but the atmosphere was still buzzing with carnival music and parades. And even with the clouds, it was possible to demonstrate solar power working in Scotland (although at least 4 cells had to be connected in series for the motor to move...)

The power from the pod wasn't being used for anything apart from boiling a kettle for a few cups of tea, but the hot water was definitely appreciated on the Sunday.

(Picture 2: unfortunately the drizzle made Zoe shrink...)