31st December 2024 was our very first “year end” as a charity and I thought I would share some highlights from the year.

In April we held our “Mend in Public Day” in support of Fashion Revolution 2024 global week of action, when groups across the world stitched in protest against disposable fashion. We were very grateful to the support offered to us by the staff at St Vincent’s Hospice Shop in Bridge of Weir.

On the day we, by chance, met the lovely Pauline Bell from Glasgow Caledonia University. This led to a collaboration between ourselves and the University. Our charity was chosen by Pauline and her colleague Anne Smith to be used as a case study for students in the Fashion and Entrepreneurial disciplines to further their studies. We are grateful to all the students who have shown an interest in our endeavours and we are excited to hear about your ideas for our charity.

In August we were invited to host workshops at Lochwinnoch Feel Good Festival. We had a lovely day making recycled ” climate bunting” and sharing my passion for growing perennial vegetables using plastic free seed starting methods.

In August we also heard that our funding application to Renfrewshire Sustainable Communities Fund to set up a Repair Cafe had been successful. Although there were some delays to us receiving the funding, this was a big day for us as it meant we could start planning our first project. We have had a great time finalising our plans as well as meeting and training with our wonderful volunteers.

We are pleased to announce that our monthly Repair Cafe will launch to the public on 11th February 25 from 12md – 3pm at the Freeland Hall Bridge of Weir. More news about this to follow.

Finally, to end the year on a high, we are excited to be involved in the newly created Houston Community Growing Association and look forward to sharing in the development of allotments and/or community gardens in Houston.

We have a lot to look forward to in 2025 and we have a busy year ahead. Thanks again for your support.