TWENTY-SEVEN years ago today I was recovering from rowing in a tough final (The Wyfolds) at the Henley Royal Regatta. Mobil Oil was our sponsor. My current ambition is to lead an ultra-low carbon life that is happy, fulfiling and infectious! On Monday evening on 12 July, ‘Henley in Transition’ is hosting a free event on the subject of ‘Carbon: why me, and why bother?’ – http://www.henley-in-transition.org.uk. The talk will explore how to harness renewable energy, how to do more with less, and how to conquer costly dependency on fossil fuel.

If you have any sort of emotional reaction to the words carbon, climate change or peak oil, or you consider these topics a tad ‘taboo’ in front of the children, then the event may be for you! It is my privilege to be the main speaker. If the going gets too tough I may talk about rowing instead!

Dave Hampton, Marlow.