Driving towards a greener future

9:00am Thursday 24th April 2008

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RINGWAY resident Mary Perkins played host for the first time to a meeting of the national Battery Vehicle Society (BVS).

The BVS was established in 1973 and since then has become the leading society for the promotion of electric vehicles.

It has seen membership figures sky-rocket in recent years, as more and more people seek 'green' transport alternatives.

Mary, the society's newly appointed north west coordinator, said: "My interest in electric vehicles arose from a background in the physical sciences, an interest in technology and a concern for the environment."

Keen to spread the word about electric vehicles to others she got involved with the Battery Vehicle Society. Then she arranged a get-together for anyone who was interested, and BVS members, to see some electric vehicles and to have the chance to learn more about their use as an alternative to petrol cars.

Despite heavy rain and fierce winds, about 30 people turned up for the event earlier this month.The vehicles on display included a Berlingo Electrique and some hybrid cars (Priuses).

Some interested non-members were thrilled to be taken out for a spin in an electric car.

After looking at all the vehicles at Mary's home on Sunbank Lane, Ringway , the group headed over the road to Mary's local pub, The Romper.

Mary hopes that it will be the first of many meetings that the BVS will hold in the north west. Mary added: "We are already making plan for a larger event in the summer, and have pencilled in a date of July 5."