Page 24 - Engage Spring 2024

SHOPS
Our shops
We hope all our readers had a fantastic start to 2024 and perhaps you have all been having a good clear out and bringing your clothes, books, and bric-a-brac to our shops in Northamptonshire.
In November our Higham Ferrers shop took part in the Festival of Angels at St Mary’s church in Higham Ferrers, where the church wanted to raise £10k for much needed repair. As soon as she knew the shop was taking part, Anne Milne had got a vision in her mind of a very big display she wanted to create.
The theme chosen was recycle, reuse, re-love so everything on our display was recycled. We appealed for crafters of any type to knit, sew, stick, crochet, glue as many angels as possible and we were thrilled
Anne and Emma were thrilled to be presented with a cheque for second prize by Russell Bates of ALIMAK Group UK Ltd who generously donated the prize money
for the winning angels. Pictured also is Rev Louise Bishop of St Mary’s Church.
Yvette, Retail Development Manager
Our prize winning recycled angel
with the results. Visitors to the church could vote for their favourite display with a cash prize for first, second and third place.
Anne incorporated a children’s competition to spot as many woodland creatures as possible. This drew in the children, and it also created a talking point for the adults.
Staff and volunteers were on hand to show visitors that the angels’ halos were made from cable ties, some angels were made from old candlesticks and various other repurposed items. They were
also able to talk about the services Age UK Northamptonshire provides.
Everyone I spoke to was very impressed with our display and also wanted to buy some of the angels. We were lucky enough to scoop second prize and the church raised over £15k so it was a very successful event.
The success of this event could not have happened without the commitment of some wonderful crafters.
24 | SPRING 2024