posted by Sophie Unwin

Big
strides for Remade

26 Jul 12

Pitch Pledge PartyRemade in Edinburgh's community repair and reuse centre was part-funded by 10:10ers as part of our Pitch Pledge Party project. Here's their nine-month update.

Remaking at Big Tent festival

Remaking at Big Tent festival

We've taken some big steps forward since our last update in March, including signing a brand new constitution that gets us on the way to securing charitable status! It was a great moment when we all came together to agree our objectives, and it feels like we're establishing ourselves as part of the community in Edinburgh.

But the meeting wasn't all formalities – we also saw the official launch of our Volunteer Credit Scheme, which rewards our volunteers with free courses covering everything from furniture repair to print-making.

Big Tent festival

It’s been a damp start to the summer but here in Edinburgh the sun has come out (for a few days, anyway!). We recently went across to Fife to do a workshop at the fantastic Big Tent festival. Alicija made lovely brooches from scraps of fabric and Julie made mirror mosaics using old CDs, while Simon took some great photos. The workshop was packed – and afterwards we got to go and dance to the Proclaimers!

Becoming part of the social enterprise community

A Remade workshop in progress

The Melting Pot (a workspace for social enterprises in central Edinburgh) recently awarded us a start-up business grant that includs help with business planning, legal advice, as well as access to office space and services. It will be great to be part of a community of emerging social enterprises, and track our progress over the next year.

A home in return for boosted recycling rates?

We're trying to persuade Edinburgh council to give us a peppercorn lease on  one of their retail units, in return for helping boost recycling rates and other Council targets. 

Having a shop will mean we can accept the donations of unwanted computers and textiles and other furniture we’ve been offered – at the moment we don’t have enough space to store them, or to run classes in fixing them. 

Having a shop will mean we can accept the donations of unwanted computers and textiles and other furniture we’ve been offered – at the moment we don’t have enough space to store them, or to run classes in fixing them.  

It’s been a long debate as we have support from a lot of the departments, but the property team are keen to rent the unit out to the highest bidder.  We're putting our case to the Finance and Resources Committee on 31 July –  we’ll let you know how we get on.

Lush window space for sparkling remade goods

Finally, Lush have offered us some window space in their Edinburgh branch to do a Remade display in August while the Edinburgh fringe is turning the town upside down! We'll be doing some trial demos of computer repair, sewing and woodwork, and hope to sign people up to other workshops in the future. Lush have got a great ethic about using as little packaging as possible – and we’ll be selling their Charity Pot soap to raise money for Remade and hopefully boost our membership too. Should be a fun event at the end of the Festival. So, if you’re local, please come and say hi!

Join Remade in Edinburgh

Last but not least, we're now taking new members! Membership costs £5 a year (£2 concessions), and helps us turn our future plans – from a directory of local repair services to a new apprenticeship scheme – into reality. If you'd like to join, just email info@remadeinedinburgh.org.uk

PS: A few of the best ways to stay in touch with us: