Richard Drax MP visits the Society



It was a fine sunny day for the visit by Richard Drax, MP for South Dorset to visit the River Wey Society at Meadows Mill House on the River Wey near Weymouth.

The visit was organised to demonstrate what good work has been carried out by the Society since it was formed in 1994. This includes maintaining a good rapport with the Environment Agency, Councils and other environment concerned bodies to maintain a high standard of the river Wey and the Wey valley

The Chairman, Bob Turner explained how over the years, work has been done to improve water quality, control extraction, raise concerns over infrastructure, flag up pollution incidents especially from overloaded sewerage systems and generally protect Weymouth’s most valuable asset, The river Wey.

 

The Society has divided the river into sections each under the watchful eye of a River Watch Officer with good local knowledge.

More specifically, this visit was to show how using the power of the river can, from an energy aspect, totally support the house, mill and adjoining cottage. Sean Cooper, the owner led a tour of the hydro scheme which provides electrical power and the heat pump installation which provides heating and hot water all making the property energy self-sufficient.

Sean Cooper explaining the system which after overcoming enormous hurdles including the installation of a fish pass, was completed in 2017.

Richard Drax MP centre, Bob Turner Chairman on far right with members of the committee.