Rethink RockTron

RockTron, the pioneering mineral reprocessing company hosted Europe s first zero carbon charity golf tournament in aid of Rethink. The event was a resounding success. Over 40 players attended the by invitation only event which received recognition from golf enthusiasts and environmentalists alike.

The tournament was designed to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the UK s largest mental health support charity, Rethink, who provide invaluable support for over 50,000 people afflicted with mental illnesses (www.rethink.org). All the money raised at today s unique charity golf day will go directly towards expanding the support provided by Herbert House in Wiltshire to help those individuals who have a mental illness and are expecting a child. The Rethink team help them to fully understand their situation and give them the tools and support they need, enabling them to cope through this demanding period in their lives. Rethink is committed to supporting such families so that they can stay together during a very difficult time and be better prepared for the future.

Careful steps were taken to minimise and offset the negative environmental impact of the day s activities. Players were encouraged to carpool. RockTron also purchased 14 tonnes of carbon credits to offset the total CO2 footprint of the event. They allowed for over 12,000 miles for people travelling to the event more than enough as many of the players and guests came from the immediate local area.

The carbon credits purchased will go towards running BK Energia Itacoatiara a 9MW power plant that produces renewable electricity using waste wood from a wood processing plant in the Amazonas region of Brazil. Previously, this region had 100% reliance on diesel. Running the plant will help preserve 1,660 square miles of rain forest each year, helping reduce emissions by up to 166,846 tonnes of CO2 p.a. This in turn will allow 25% of the forest surface to be set aside for preservation while providing a reliable local power supply to fuel economic development (www.carbonpassport.com).

RockTron is a world leader in innovative recycling technology, transforming coal-fired power station waste (fly ash or PFA pulverised fuel ash) into valuable, environmentally friendly industrial minerals. It has two reprocessing plants in the UK located at Gale Common in Yorkshire and Fiddler s Ferry near Warrington in Cheshire and is currently negotiating the construction of others in Europe, USA and Asia.

Following yesterday s success, RockTron is being encouraged to make its zero carbon charity golf tournament an annual event. A number of clubs have already expressed interest in holding next year s competition. However, everyone has agreed, the scenic South West PGA Championship course at Farrington Golf & Country Club in North Somerset will be a hard act to follow.

We ve had a tremendous day! - A first for British and European golf. We wanted to create a piece of environmental sporting history and help a very worthwhile cause in Rethink. We have done just that! I would like to thank the players and indeed everyone involved for all their support in making this tournament a great success. We look forward to seeing you all next year.

Winners:

1st Place: Rethought Team: Philip Michael - Captain, Alan Lidgley, Philip Morgan, Terry Lawson.

2nd Place: Mika s Team: Graham Benjamin Captain, Wyn Turnbull, Michael Douglas, Stuart Fisher.

3rd Place: Laker Ventre Engineering Team: Michael Ventre Captain, Richard Ventre, Paul Ventre, Stephen Ventre.