Wiltshire Scrapstore showcases 25 years of 'scrappy treasures'

Volunteers take on creative projects to sell to help fund the charity

A scrapstore is holding a series of events to celebrate its silver anniversary.

The charity collects resources that would otherwise go to landfill and shares them for use in creative activities including arts and crafts and DIY projects.

Opened in 1999, in tiny premises in Devizes, transferred to its present warehouse home in Lacock 15 years ago.

Assistant director Glynis Cosgrave said: "Saving our scrappy treasures from landfill is part of our job, making sure they are well used is the second part."

The Scrapstore moved to a large warehouse in Lacock 15 years ago

The environmental and community charity depends on its team of volunteers to sort the materials, run workshops and assemble its 'SmArt-Cut' craft kits from items such as donated card, felt, gold club coat hooks, doorstops and hand knitted toys. These are sold to help fund the running costs.

Anyone wanting to visit has to become a members, which is free, and then makes a donation every time they visit to collect general craft materials.

Director Jane Wheeler said: "This year we have already saved 1,500 cubic metres of material going to landfill. We are so happy to be celebrating our 25th birthday and feel that we have a strong future ahead of us."

She added the charity's success was founded on the work of its volunteers the business and and organisations that provide materials and financial support.

"We have any agreement that we collect within our own county, from businesses and industry, but whatever we get too much of we swap with other scrapstores."

Director Jane Wheeler and assistant director Glynis Cosgrove are planning multiple celebrations of the 25th anniversary

In 2010, the charity lost £200,000 funding from national and local government and has since focused on become financially stable.

Mrs Wheeler said: "We had to look at what we're really about and what the core is of what we do. So we were 75% dependent on government contracts, but in the last 10 to 15 years we've turned that around, and we are now 75% self-funded."

Mrs Cosgrove said opening Barty's Little Eco Shop in the village of Lacock had given the Scrapstore a "showcase" and was their "pride and joy".

"Our cafe here at the main site is also very popular and we have regular craft groups and WI groups meeting here, even a walking group has booked a table."

Plans for the 25th anniversary celebrations include an open day, a new selection of "treasure bags" and craft workshops.

Evidence of "scrappy treasures" can be enjoyed throughout the Scrapstore