Make Do and Mend group for Pantyffynnon
Amman Valley residents are turning old into new, as part of a new recession busting project.
A ‘Make Do and Mend’ group has been set up in Pantyffynnon to help people learn sewing and craft skills.
Organisers say it has proved a big hit, with residents able to turn outdated items into new and fashionable ones, without breaking the bank.
The area’s Communities First team has set up the group following calls from people for an outlet to hone their skills.
Members meet every Monday in Elim Church from 2-4pm.
Communities First Development Worker Emma Martin-Jewell said: “Since the recession there has been a great emphasis on going back to a ‘make do and mend’ society, but having the skills to turn something old into something new and fashionable is often difficult.
“The group has been set up to learn these types of skills without the need to break the bank.
“It also encourages people to make new friends, develop a skill and share their knowledge.
“We hope the project will give the participants the skills and confidence to think about turning out well made potentially sellable products.”
Carmarthenshire County Council runs the Communities First programme.
The aim is to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in deprived wards of the county and ensure that funding is targeted at the poorest areas.
A host of events and educational activities are staged every year, along with specific regeneration programmes.
The ‘Make Do And Mend’ sessions will run until the end of July and childcare is available.
Organisers hope the group will become sustainable and continue in its own right.
Group member Shirley Epps said: “Every member has a skill or tip to share. So far we have made cushions and tote bags, and members have since brought them in to show the rest of the group how they have decorated them.”
The council’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The Communities First team perform a vital role in the area and I am delighted that so much proactive work to engage with the community is underway.”
For further information contact Emma Martin-Jewell on 01269 596821.
June Bowen from Parcyrhun attending one of the Make Do and Mend sessions.
A ‘Make Do and Mend’ group has been set up in Pantyffynnon to help people learn sewing and craft skills.
Organisers say it has proved a big hit, with residents able to turn outdated items into new and fashionable ones, without breaking the bank.
The area’s Communities First team has set up the group following calls from people for an outlet to hone their skills.
Members meet every Monday in Elim Church from 2-4pm.
Communities First Development Worker Emma Martin-Jewell said: “Since the recession there has been a great emphasis on going back to a ‘make do and mend’ society, but having the skills to turn something old into something new and fashionable is often difficult.
“The group has been set up to learn these types of skills without the need to break the bank.
“It also encourages people to make new friends, develop a skill and share their knowledge.
“We hope the project will give the participants the skills and confidence to think about turning out well made potentially sellable products.”
Carmarthenshire County Council runs the Communities First programme.
The aim is to improve the living conditions and prospects for people in deprived wards of the county and ensure that funding is targeted at the poorest areas.
A host of events and educational activities are staged every year, along with specific regeneration programmes.
The ‘Make Do And Mend’ sessions will run until the end of July and childcare is available.
Organisers hope the group will become sustainable and continue in its own right.
Group member Shirley Epps said: “Every member has a skill or tip to share. So far we have made cushions and tote bags, and members have since brought them in to show the rest of the group how they have decorated them.”
The council’s Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: “The Communities First team perform a vital role in the area and I am delighted that so much proactive work to engage with the community is underway.”
For further information contact Emma Martin-Jewell on 01269 596821.
June Bowen from Parcyrhun attending one of the Make Do and Mend sessions.
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