Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2006/January 2007 | Page 90

MOTORING

An engine that runs
on vegetable oil?
“I think it is part of the global warming
scenario, it’s all part of the jigsaw we need to
put together to eliminate climate change”.
Can diesels really run on
vegetable oil?
Well, yes
- from a technical point of
view it all works fine.
Chris Sprackling, manager of the
Isle of Wight grain storage, has
been researching the feasibility of
this alternative fuel since 1997 and
ended up running a pilot project
for 18 months producing bio diesel
- but there is more to the story than
actually producing fuel, as Chris
discovered.
Running a motor vehicle involves
more than just turning the key and
driving. In an age where there is an
appetite for anything Green and ecofriendly, the idea of recycling fish
and chip oil whilst saving money
sounds great – however, so far it has
not been that simple!
Unfortunately the government still
wants its share of the pie. It may be
a nice thought that you could collect
used vegetable oil from your local
chippy and fill up the car whilst
your cod and chips or Spam fritter
are being wrapped in newspaper.
Sadly, though, it is illegal to whizz
home without paying about 75p per
litre to the tax man.

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OK, depending on the process,
the price may vary slightly, just as
diesel does at the pumps at about
95p. So for a potential saving of 20p
per litre, I am not sure we are really
that Green just yet. For every five
litres - which is just over the gallon
- there could be a potential saving of
£1,although for many, the stumbling
block could prove to be the hassle
having to find it, process it, add
essential chemicals - and then
constantly living with the smell of
the Cod Father!
This is not to say it is not a great
idea, because it is. So far to date
Chris has produced some 50,000
litres of bio diesel from cooking oil,
but before he expands his project, a
close liaison with the Environment
agency is key to success. The obvious
plus side is a potential direct impact
on Island, raising the possibility
of alternative farming options and
adding value to Island crops. Given
time, and the convenience of filling
up at a bio pump station, Chris says
he is sure the future is Green.
Wight Made Diesel
Contact Chris Sprackling
on 01983 282022

Wight Motors
celebrate 80 years
1926 was a good year for motoring as the Island
roads were slowly giving way from horse and
cart to the motor car. DL plated vehicles were
all the rage and the desire to own the latest
technology was fulfilled by a new family run
business which was to endure the next 80 years...
Wight Motors. Going from strength
to strength, the dealership in College
Close, Sandown, now celebrate 80
years of success. It may not include
a portrait by Rolf Harris, however
the birthday celebrations will be
momentous. During December, the
party atmosphere will play host
to special trade-in deals, low rate
finance options, and all customers
will receive a draw ticket by post.
By comin g into the show room it
will give customers the opportunity
to see if theirs’ is a lucky winning
ticket and part of the 80th birthday
celebration prize giveaway.
With this many number of years

under their belt, it is not surprising
to learn that Wight Motors has
generated a huge loyal customer
base. Ron and Barbara Butler
– proud proprietors of the business
of the business recall that the family
atmosphere extends well beyond
employees through to customers
who start out acquaintances and
end up friends. The ‘one big family’
has seen employees consider
that it is not just a job but that it
is a career which is worth being
part of. In fact, Richard Williams
is the longest serving member,
commencing his career in the Ryde
branch back in 1970. Working

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