I initially started watching Reading’s Circular Economy Club talks to get sustainability tips from other local people. So I was delighted when Erica invited me to take part in the seventh Circular Coffee and Conversation session (recorded 11.12.2020).
topics covered
my background – not just making toys but making relationships with things – my circular making process and each stage of my products’ life cycle – the importance of knowing where materials come from and supplier ethics – my growing wooden toy repair service
more about circular coffee + conversation
Just half an hour long the sessions are a virtual morning coffee (or tea) break. While you have your break listen to Sophie and Erica chatting with a range of local individuals, organisations and businesses on their thoughts and connections on the Circular Economy ( often with links to in and around Reading, Berkshire). Each guest brings a “Circular Conversation Starter” – an object, product, anything really, that connects them to the circular economy at home or in their work. Then they’re asked questions for about 15 mins. After that people on the call are also welcome to join in the chat and ask questions. If you’re interested in joining in , don’t forget to sign-up. See ‘ways to get involved’ below.
BERKSHIRE BUSINESS SHORTLISTED FOR TOP RURAL AWARD
A local company is in the running to be named one of the best rural businesses in the UK after being shortlisted as a Rural Business Awards finalist.
Love HeartWood from Burghfield Common, just outside Reading, has been shortlisted for the Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award at the 2020/21 Rural Business Awards, held in partnership with Amazon. The local small business will battle it out against fellow rural businesses, entrepreneurs, and enterprises from across the country for the chance to be named a national winner.
Love HeartWood is the name of Liz Pearson’s woodturning business founded in 2017. Based in her garden workshop, former teacher and product design graduate, Liz creates toys, gifts and homeware on her lathe. The common thread through all her work is sustainability and natural materials. The business grew out of her appreciation of wood and desire to share the enjoyment of using handmade objects. Her aim is to celebrate British woodlands and connect us to them in a positive way.”
The Rural Business Awards 2020/21, in partnership with Amazon, will mark the Awards’ sixth year of celebrating the success of businesses across the UK’s rural economy. The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business with the aim of celebrating the achievements of rural businesses and developing a strong network for rural business owners.
Speaking after being shortlisted for an award, Liz Pearson from Love HeartWood said:
“As a relatively young business and a one woman show I entered the competition for the experience so I’m very proud and delighted to have made the national finals.”
Director and Co-Founder of The Rural Business Awards, Jemma Clifford, said: “This year has been an unprecedented challenge for businesses across the country but we have still had a fantastic amount of entries from rural businesses, showing the true determination of people working in the rural economy. Here at the Rural Business Awards we remain committed to our vision of showcasing the fantastic work of rural businesses and believe that it has never been more important than now. On behalf of the RBA team, we want to say well done to Love HeartWood and all the shortlisted businesses, and wish them luck ahead of the national final.”
The Rural Business Awards is the brainchild of Leicestershire businesswomen Anna Price and Jemma Clifford, who wanted to showcase the wealth of entrepreneurial talent in rural areas of Britain.
The Awards are organised by rural business for rural business, with winners in the 13 categories – ranging from Best Rural Start-up and Best Rural Diversification Project; through to Best Rural Professional Services Business and Best Rural Innovation – decided by an independent panel of judges drawn from the rural business sector, rural public sector agencies, and rural charitable organisations.
The Rural Business Awards will be hosting an online National Final on Thursday 25th February 2021.
Introducing Independent Reading’s small business gift guide. This Christmas season it’s more important than ever to support our local, independent traders in whatever way we can.
This year’s interactive guide is divided into 5 sections with gifts to suit all pockets. Just click on the links in the guide to shop.
The Country Living Christmas Market is a virtual event that’s taking place from the 6th to the 8th November 2020. The lovely CL organisers will be bringing you a host of inspiring, festive and hands-on activities you can soak up from the comfort of your own home. Look forward to gift-wrapping tips and tricks as well as learning how to make your own Christmas wreath.
Celebrate Christmas at home – shop small and make a big difference
Sign up to Country Living’s Artisan Pop-Up Market, taking place from Friday 6 – Sunday 8 November. The event offers you the unique opportunity to shop at home and support hundreds of artisan British exhibitors. Plus, there will be over 60 hours of exclusive event only discounts.
★ Find hundreds of unique gifts, decorations and hand-crafted style ideas
★ Shop from a great choice of independent businesses in one place
Personalised wooden spinning tops make a great plastic free stocking filler.
How to take part
The Country Living Christmas Market ‘s going to be the perfect way to start your festive shopping. The CL team have lined up hundreds of talented artisans and small businesses to be part of their Christmas market which will be heaving with fantastic ideas for gifts, decorations, hand-made crafts, yummy food and drink and gorgeous outfits for the big day. And much more! You can register to shop now – just click the link below!
Talk and turning demonstration given for members of Men’s Sheds Cymru on 7th August 2020 via Zoom.
This is a recording of the Zoom talk and demonstration I gave in August for Men’s Shed Cymru. It’s the first talk and demonstration I’ve ever done so I was quite nervous. However, once I got going I really enjoyed it, especially the discussion at end.
I talk for about 50 minutes about how I got into turning, give a tour of my workshop, which is very fittingly an actual shed, and then demonstrate how I turn a spinning top. Then we have a bit of a discussion and question time.
The technology used was just my phone. I had researched using my ipad as a second camera and planned to use a headset with attached microphone to improve sound quality but there were teething issues (aren’t there always?) so I hope to use these the next time.
I was really pleased to be able to support Men’s Shed in this way. As you can see from the info below they offer a very valuable service and are really helping to break the still (!) somewhat taboo subject of talking about mental health.
If you belong to a group who’d like a virtual talk and demo please get in touch. I’d be happy to tailor it to your interests.
What is the Men’s Shed Cymru’s Zoom Room – Virtual Shed
Things were going so well tackling social isolation and loneliness in Wales, one shed at a time, and then there was COVID 19, and then there was social distancing. How on earth do you tackle social isolation during a time of social distancing? It has been a challenge even for those of us with strong family and friend connections, but for some shed members lock-down is a frightening return to loneliness; perhaps even intensified by the loss of recently discovered camaraderie.
Zoom Room Virtual Shed The Men’s Shed Cymru Zoom Room is a virtual Men’s Shed. Where we invite skilled crafters and tradespeople to come and discuss their talents. Hosted live on Zoom, there is a great opportunity to meet men from across Wales and the world. Find out more https://www.mensshedscymru.co.uk/zoom…
Who are Men’s Sheds Cymru
Men’s Sheds Cymru are the organisation supporting the development of Men’s Sheds projects in Wales. We are a Hafan Cymru project funded by The National Lottery and have been operating in Wales for almost 6 years, during which time we have moved from no sheds to around 65. The project has been a great success and we have a range of sheds engaging in such activities as woodworking, gardening, photography, music making and even lunch making. Two things that sheds in Wales, in fact sheds across the world, have in common are the kettle and conversation. For some men their shed session is a genuine life line, and the social interaction they get at the shed has made immeasurable improvements to their lives.
Want to share your craft or skill?
Are you skilled, crafty or knowledgeable in a fascinating subject? Happy to share the above in a fun, informal way with ‘shedders’? Do you know what a men’s shed is? Curious to know more and take part in The Zoom Room Virtual Shed? We can setup a mini conference using Zoom and invite Men’s Sheds members from Wales and beyond to attend. If you have something contact Chris.Southern@HafanCymru.co.uk
Love HeartWood is one of a hand picked selection of 120 of the best British makers and craftspeople.
The digital craft festival is a really exciting Christmas craft event crammed full of brilliant makers and my main Christmas event for 2020. I was very pleased to be selected so I’m making some limited edition tree ornaments specially. These will only be available exclusively during the festival.
Personalised acorn baubles available exclusively at #digitalcraftfestival.
Join us for a celebration of makers and making. Meet and buy from 120 selected makers, listen to talks, watch films, book workshops for all ages, enjoy yoga and watch live demonstrations. Visit the website to meet the makers and so much more.
The event is running over 3 days, 27th-29th November. Each day there will be lots going on. I’m taking part in lots of the festival’s events as well as running my own events each day. These’ll include chatting live with other makers, a turning demonstration and picking my favourite makers from the festival.
It’s all happening online. The festival’s website will act as a hub from which you can access lots of amazing things. There will be live interviews on Instagram, recorded interviews for our Show & Tell series, live and recorded demonstrations, Master Maker Q&A, children’s activities and storytelling, live yoga, qigong, breathework, Kitchen Disco and more.
crafty socials
Like and follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram in order to access lots of the live content that’ll be happening over the weekend.
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