Angelbears

At Admaston Methodist Church we have a Craft and Chat group which meets every Monday from 1-3pm.
We enjoy trying out different crafts and decided also to have a project which everyone could do at any time. We decided on knitting bears for a charity called Angelbear http://www.angelbear.org.uk/ who send these bears to conflict zones and anywhere that they know a child would appreciate a bear for comfort. The knitters amongst us have knitted bears, others have stuffed them or sewn them up and we have all contributed to the cost of sending them. Since this picture we have about twice as many bears. They will be on display in Church on Mothering Sunday (3rd Apr) and then they will go on their way. It's been a good way to enjoy ourselves at the same time as being useful!

Favourite shop

 I said I would tell you about my favourite shop. This shop is such fun as I have a good root around, get amazing bargains and feel virtuous and ethical all at the same time! It is a charity superstore near Cannock with fantastic prices, called the newlife trading company  http://www.newlifetrading.co.uk/ . The store receives clothes, shoes, bags, etc. from companies. They are excess stock or end of lines which are new and not usually at all damaged. I have bought new men's shoes for £4.99 and dresses for under a tenner. This week the women's clothes were on offer, if the item cost £2.99 and you bought 2 or more they were reduced to £1.99. I got a lovely purple cashmere cardigan and a grey ribbed jumper for that price. Dressing gowns (see the photos) were only £4.99 and the children's hats and gloves were only £1 each.

 The shop raises money for it's designated charity, the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children  http://www.newlifecharity.co.uk/  which exists as 'specialists for special children' . The charity provides a nurse service, equipment grant service, medical research and campaign & awareness.

So it's a win-win situation as the companies are able to reduce their waste, materials are reused and goods that would usually be disposed of get a new life and money is raised for a fantastic charity.

I have to say it has spoilt me for High Street shopping as those prices seem so high and I get a buzz from the bargains.

So if you feel like an ethical shop and live near enough pop along and check it out. If not, they do sell some things on e-bay, so look there.