Centre for Alternative Technology

The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) "was founded in 1973 on the site of the disused Llwyngwern slate coal mine quarry near Machynlleth, in Mid Wales.

"When founder Gerard Morgan-Grenville started the organisation, he conceived of a project to show the nature of the problem and show ways of going forward." It was originally a community dedicated to eco-friendly principles and a 'test bed' for new ideas and technologies - the Visitor Centre was a later addition.

"In the beginning, progress in the quarry was slow, and the early attempts to raise money were frustrating. Volunteers worked long hours, often by candlelight - there was no electricity on the site at that time...

"In 1974, The Duke of Edinburgh visited CAT. After his visit, some members of staff suggested turning part of the site into a Visitor Centre Ü a permanent exhibition to explain CAT's work and generate interest in alternative technology. It opened to the public in 1975."

Contact

 * Web: http://www.cat.org.uk

Related Sourcewatch articles

 * Jack Parson's Archive
 * Schumacher Society
 * Mark Mathews - former manager
 * Richard St. George - early member
 * Roderick James - Founding Director
 * Peter Harper - cofounder
 * Paul Allen - External Relations Director