I've spoken with Bob from Thamesdown Transport, so now I fully understand which batteries we need for the bus and why. Apparently it's all to do with the ‘cranking value' - and making sure our batteries are a minimum 665 amp-hour. Piece of cake!

So, the bus will be fitted with two new 12volt ‘663' type batteries this Tuesday. Then, all I need to do is plan a route to Exeter avoiding motorways, low bridges and weight restrictions. We're going to set off on Friday morning to give us time to stop for lots of breaks (coffee, lunch, afternoon tea ...) and we'll park up somewhere nearby so we're ready for a nice early start on Saturday morning.

We are going to be very well staffed for this event. As well as our own volunteers, we will be working with people from other Exeter based environmental groups including EasyGreen Exeter (who will be doing a puppet show at mid-day for us!) and Low Carbon Exeter. We also hope to have advisors from The Energy Saving Trust (South West) with us for the day, so we will certainly be well ‘up' on local knowledge. As an added bonus, Richard and James have very kindly agreed to come up from Cornwall to talk to anyone who is interested in microgeneration. Richard (Dick) will be doing a talk in the bus at 1pm.

Megaman have given us hundreds of their low energy light bulbs to give away and South West Water are sending loads of hippos, save-a-flush bags and ‘top tips for a waterwise home' booklets.

So, with our lovely volunteers, local environmental groups, a contingent from Cornwall and plenty of information, advice and useful give-aways, I'm hoping that Saturday will be a wonderful day. I just hope this lovely weather holds up for us!