SCRAPSTORE, the organisation that collects items that would otherwise be thrown away and instead uses them for art and craft projects, had another successful pop-event in collaboration with the Frome based charity, The Pod, on 10th May.
The Cheese & Grain main hall was filled with materials such as raw alpaca wool, fabrics, netting, shiny and sparkly items as well as card, paper, and pencils- all recycled and re-used from manufacture, retail, domestic and industry waste. The event was run by Pod Members and supported by staff and volunteers.
Becky Bird from The Pod explained “We have previously run three pop-up events in the town throughout 2021 which were supported by Children’s Scrapstore Bristol. We are being mentored by their team to enable us to take the leap and make our project independent, and to grow it into a resource for our members, the town and community.
“We are currently seeking a premises in Frome to house Pod Scrapstore and are hopeful that this will become a reality later this year or early 2023. The location is key as it needs to be accessible to all. We would be interested in hearing from any landlords of commercial buildings in the area that can be accessed by public transport.
“But for now, we were excited to be holding another pop-up event in the town. We received great support on our last three pop-up events and are hoped to build on that again this time. From this amazing response it seems that we really did. Our members had roles in setting up and running the day, which is a huge boost to confidence and a great work experience opportunity. There is a role for everyone.”
Groups of children from Vallis and Selwood school attended the fourth Scrapstore event with staff, to choose materials for their projects and to get inspired by the selection of materials. Entrance was just £1, and children under 12 or home educated children could attend for free. Any pupils accompanied by their teacher were also admitted free. To arrange this for future events or to find out more about Scrapstore please contact becky@thepodcharity.org.uk
Everyone was encouraged to bring a bag for life to fill, or several. Scrap is sold by the bag, priced according to the size. A rough guide is, small £5, medium £7.50 and large £10 with some items individually priced if larger than a bag. Bags were available to buy if forgotten.
Becky added, “We would like to thank Frome Town Rotary and Paul Bairdstow for their support to transport stock to the venue and clear away. It was a huge team effort.
“Huge thanks for stock supply so far go to Sienna’s Valley Alpacas, Kevin Corcoran Carpets, Flooring Frome, Dennis Maps, Frome Printing Company, Wasteaway Clearances, CPI and Exisis.
“We would also like to thank the community in Frome who spread the word and gave us such positive feedback and support. If you have a business which produces excess or waste which you would feel may be suitable and like to donate, please contact us via email to discuss.
“Look out for the next pop-up event! The Pod will keep you posted on social media, look for Pod Scrapstore on Facebook, through local press and posters with dates of the next planned event.”
