Frome starts sharing

Story posted on May 5, 2015

The UK’s first ‘sharing’ shop launched on the Bridge in Frome on the 30th April and opens its doors to the public this week, on 7th May. 

The shop offers a wide range of items; from tools to toys to cooking equipment, instruments and even a chocolate fountain! The items are lent or donated to the shop by local residents and can be borrowed for donation.

Anna Francis, energy and recycling officer at Frome Town Council said, “The average electric drill is used for just 13 minutes in its lifetime and produces 45 kgs of carbon in its production. By sharing items we hope to reduce waste and carbon, as well as saving people money and storage space.

“We really want the shop to be as useful as possible, so do bring us any items you think might be shareable. We also need volunteers, even an hour or so every now and again would be brilliant. The shop even has a kids space and reading/tea area so it’s a great place to hang out.”

Frome Mayor, cllr Peter Macfadyen who officially opened the shop at the launch said, “Frome is becoming a sharing town, from sharing electric cars via the car club, to sharing land at Whatcombe Fields to this amazing Share Shop. It’s fantastic to see more and more people getting involved. A sharing community will be more resilient in the face of ongoing cuts.”

A team of eight apprentices from Edventure have worked tirelessly to set up the shop from scratch in just six weeks, with funding and support from Frome Town Council.

The shop will be open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from midday until 6pm and on Saturdays from 10 until 4.

For more information, to see the wish list and what is already available to borrow at the shop see:  www.sharefrome.org or call 01373 475574