A CHARITY craft shop in Worcester was bursting at the seams when it celebrated its first anniversary.
Remade Worcester marked its first 12 months of trading in Crowngate’s Friary Walk with a visit from Worcester mayor Coun Mel Alcott, who was thanked for backing the organisation with funding since their start.
Crowngate manager Michael Lloyd, a keen advocate of sustainability, had invited Remade Worcester to set up shop in an empty unit overlooking Broad Street, with hundreds of square feet of storage space in the basement.
The shop sells high-quality furnishing fabric, leather offcuts and craft materials, all of which might have ended up in landfill if not collected by Remade.
And plans are already being made for the next 12 months.
Remade’s founder and chair of trustees, Sue Fry, said: “We aim to develop new business partnerships so that we can rescue more of their waste materials to sell on for re-use.
“Attracting a wider range of volunteers as our reputation spreads will mean that we can increase our opening hours, make more from sales and develop our services. We want to run more workshops here and in the community.”
Coun Alcott acknowledged Remade Worcester’s dedicated and skilled team of volunteers, who have already increased trading from just one day a week to five days a week.
Also in attendance were Couns Jill Desayrah, Hannah Cooper and Karen Lewing, who all spoke with volunteers, trustees and members of Worcester Craftivists who were sewing banners using fabric and trimmings from the shop.
The shop enjoyed a busy morning with curious crafters of all ages, including students.
One shopper was Elaine from North Wales, who had learned about the shop online when planning a short break in the area.
The keen crafter said: “These leather pieces will be perfect for patching up my felt log basket and I will make teddy bears with these pieces of felt. I try to use recycled or reclaimed materials wherever possible and I’ve had a great bargain today. I could spend hours in a shop like this.”
Remade Worcester, which champions the use of recycled and reclaimed fabrics and craft materials, also exhibits at events in the community and will be setting up stall at Malvern’s Autumn Quilt Festival from October 18 to October 20.
For further information about Remade Worcester email [email protected] or telephone 07432 038046.
