Making the most of Water Power

Dates Available

This course is led by Dick Strawbridge.

About this course: If you have a source of water then Dick Strawbridge will explain how to exploit it. This course will cover waterwheels, turbines, demand pumps and hydraulic ram pumps. Dick will help you get your head around the physics behind water power with easily digestible theory. There’ll be practical demonstrations of all the water powered systems at Newhouse Farm, and then it’ll be time to get hands on as you’ll turn a pile of plumbing bits into a ram pump, and with a little luck it will work! By the end of the day you’ll have a thorough understanding of how water power works, which systems are right for you, and how you can start to make the most of your water.

The day will be structured as follows:

How electricity works. It doesn’t matter if you flunked maths and physics at school, you’ll soon be able to get your head around AC/DC, Voltage, Current, Power & Generators.

How to use water. Dick will talk you through the pros and cons of waterwheels, turbines & pumps. How do the Newhouse Farm systems work, what are the problems we’ve faced, and which system is right for you?

How water power works. What is head and flow and how do you measure it?

How much power will be generated. Measuring, power conversion and efficiency.

Make a hydraulic ram pump. Dick will help you to build a hydraulic ram pump out of an assortment of plumbing pieces. Whatever your level of DIY ability you’ll soon be wielding a spanner as if you’re a regular on Scrapheap Challenge!

Quotes from previous attendees:
"This is just the course if you have water and are wondering how to make it do some work for you. An excellent mix of technical and practical demonstration, all delivered in a very informal and approachable way. There is something for everyone, no matter what project you are looking at or what your level is and, most importantly, the lunch was out of this world!" Edd Rayner

"I really enjoyed my day at Newhouse Farm. Dick was both engaging and knowledgeable, adjusting the speed, delivery and depth of the course content to match the attendees. Lunch was a pleasure, especially to be joined by other members of the farm and discuss a wide range of topics." Michael Turner

"I very much enjoyed the Making the most of your Water course at Newhouse Farm, everyone there made me feel very welcome. Spending the day with Dick was very interesting and informative. Good food and good company of like minded people, I would certainly like to do further couses in the future." Edmund Ovenden

Lunch: You will be invited to join us for an organic and tasty Newhouse Farm lunch. Onmivores, vegetarians, vegans… everyone is catered for and we’ll guarantee there’ll be more than enough food to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites! Local ales, organic wines and cordials are also on offer. Lunch time is always a good opportunity to fire questions at Dick and get to meet the rest of the Newhouse Farm team.

Booking: If you'd like to book one of the dates above please at [email protected] to register your interest. Payment details will be forwarded if an applicant is given a place. Full payment is required 21 days before the course date.

Price: Course prices are £165 (inc VAT).
In an attempt to make the course available to people on lower incomes, we offer a limited number of concessions. To apply for a concession please at [email protected]

Transport:
The course is held at Newhouse Farm in Cornwall. Full directions will be provided once payment has been cleared. We are a short distance from the local train station; transport can be arranged if necessary.

Accommodation:
New for 2010, why not stay at Newhouse Farm in Holly's beautiful gypsy caravan? Visit www.gypsycaravanscornwall.co.uk for more information and to check availability. Alternative details of B&Bs in the village will be provided upon booking.

What you need to bring:
Newhouse Farm is a working smallholding with plenty of mud, uneven ground and nettles. So please bring sensible footwear (wellies or trainers are good but definitely no flip flops). Also as we cannot guarantee the weather so a raincoat or umbrella could come in handy too.

Newhouse Farm Course days are typically organised as follows:

Time	Activity
0930 - 1000	Course meets with organic tea, coffee and nibbles
1000 - 1230	Introduction, theory (!), and practical demonstrations
1230 - 1330	Lunch break - you are invited to join us. We are never sure how many people will be there - long arms are an advantage!
1330 - 1630	More theory and practical work
1630 - 1730	Tea, coffee and more nibbles - an opportunity to discuss individual projects.
1730 ish	Course disperses