World-famous athlete, sponsored by Opus Energy, pays visit to clean energy farm

23.11.2011

European champion gymnast Daniel Keatings paid a visit to Beech Tree Farm, near Melton Mowbray, last week to celebrate a new renewable energy initiative pioneered by sponsors Opus Energy.

Opus Energy and Keatings visited Beech Tree Farm in Sproxton to take part in a photo shoot and see how the owner, Craig Birch, is using renewable energy from a wind turbine to power his business.

Keatings, who brought home Gold and Silver medals from the European Championships last year and is regarded as one of the leading talents of British gymnastics, braved a cold and misty morning to perform his routine in the shadow of the huge wind turbine. Keatings also took the time to meet and speak with local schoolchildren, Dominic, Hannah, Edward and Joseph Birch.

Opus Energy helped complete the installation and connection process of the turbine to enable local farmer, Craig Birch, to generate energy for his green waste composting business. The business helps to deposit large amounts of carbon in the soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers, which require large amounts of energy in their production.

Local farmer Mr Birch said: “It’s not every day that you have a world-famous athlete performing routines on a pommel horse on your farm! It was fantastic for us, and the children, to see Dan perform and get the chance to meet him and ask questions. We also really enjoyed being part of the photo shoot and meeting the Opus Energy team who have helped us get the farm running off of renewable supplies.”

Andy Nash, Director – Operations said: “We really enjoyed meeting Craig and seeing the wind turbine in action. It is fascinating to see how the farm and its composting business are powered by the turbine and helping Craig with his commitment to renewable energy. It was also fun being able to watch Dan as he performed during the shoot - we were all massively impressed.”

For further information on Daniel Keatings and Opus’ sponsorship of him, please visit the Opus Energy Challenge website.

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