Welcome to the Net Zero Carbon Staff Newsletter – this time all about food!
As a reminder the Net Zero Carbon team is:
Ann Wise, Barbara Young, Ruth Garman, Emma Critchley, Kate Ford, Nichola Baker, Dave Pickett and Tom Abraham.
Having a meeting?
When planning a meeting, consider where everyone is based and choose a location that works well for everyone which could mean meeting somewhere else. Across the diocese, there are plenty of great options beyond the usual Holywell Lodge office vibes.
From garden centres with welcoming cafés to the peaceful setting of Knebworth Golf Club, or even one of our beautiful churches, there are lots of places that offer a relaxed and inspiring environment for conversation and collaboration.
Too Good To Go: Save Food, Cut Carbon, Feel Good
Too Good To Go is a free app that connects you with local cafés, bakeries, and shops that have surplus food at the end of the day. Instead of letting it go to waste, you can buy a “magic bag” of perfectly good food at a fraction of the price.
Why use it? Because it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions—and every meal you rescue helps fight that. Plus, it’s a fun way to try something new, support local businesses, and save money.
Summer Gardening
On Thursday 14 August we’d love you to join us outside at lunchtime to tend to and enhance our garden areas. Bring your lunch*, a trowel and any biodiversity enhancing plants you may have to add to the collection here. There is marjoram, rosemary and sage in the beds if you want to sprinkle a little more flavour into your day.
*additional snacks may be available
Catch a ride
Thank you, those who car shared, cycled or walked to staff away day! Lift sharing is something we’d really like to encourage at all times. Staff or team meeting days can be particularly challenging in the carpark, so please think about who could share some or all your journey.
Our full staff meetings would be ideal opportunities to cycle or lift share.
Office updates
Office heating is something that we hope we won’t need that much until next season. We’ve had some work done to improve pipe runs and to flush out radiators in the central section of the building which will improve efficiency and prolong the life of the whole system.
Now that the days are long and warm could you cycle to work? There are showers here at Holywell Lodge for you to use.
Afternoon Tea
Many of our churches are opening their doors for afternoon tea—offering not just a cuppa and a slice of cake, but a chance to connect with community, soak in some local history, and enjoy a peaceful moment in beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re after a quiet corner or a chat with friendly faces, there’s a church near you ready to welcome you in.
Where to Find Tea This Summer
St Mary’s, Haynes
Dates: Sundays – 20 July, 27 July, and 3 August
Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Details: Plants, bric-a-brac, and live music
St Mary’s, Ashwell
Dates: Every Sunday throughout the year
Time: Afternoon (exact times may vary)
Details: Regular Sunday teas in a cosy setting
Afternoon Tea at Albury Village Hall
Dates: 3 August and 7 September 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Details: Tea, coffee, cake, and a craft activity for children (up to primary school age). Proceeds support St Mary’s Church, Albury.