Made here at Bradford on Avon and sold here

1:00pm Friday 15th June 2012

By Craig Jones

A new community hub, showcasing the work of Bradford on Avon’s independent craftspeople and businesses, has opened in Lamb Yard.

The Made in Bradford outlet stocks textiles, ceramics, books and artworks, ranging in price from £1 to £1,000, produced by people from the town and nearby villages.

Wellie O’Driscoll and Jackie Allan have lead the MIB community co-operative project celebrating local producers’ work, which was launched at an event in St Margaret’s Hall, attended by 2,000 people in March.

The new store, which offers advice to businesses, local information and will also soon be holding crafts workshops, opened on Tuesday, May 22, when the Olympic Torch Relay came through the town.

Ms O’Driscoll said: “The last few months have just been an amazing spiral of events. Following the successful launch in March, we were asked to display at the town’s tent for the Queen’s visit to Salisbury and then the shop popped up soon after.”

Bradford on Avon Community Area helped MIB find the premises in Lamb Yard, which Linden Homes has given to the group, rent free, for six months.

Ms O’Driscoll said: “We’ve had great support from BoACAN, the town council, Linden Homes, Wiltshire Council and the tourist information centre, which has allowed us to take this forward.

“The feedback has been tremendous and we want the outlet to showcase local products, share community information and eventually offer workshops.

“We just want something that will reflect the dynamic industry and enterprise we have in Bradford on Avon.”

So far, MIB has had 200 requests to join the group and Ms O’Driscoll said it aimed to reach the 1,000 milestone in the coming months.

Jim Lynch, of BoACAN, said: “We are always keen to support organisations and workshops in the town. I think this combo of us and Made in Bradford will be great for Bradford on Avon.”

The Lamb Yard outlet is open seven days a week and Made in Bradford is keen to hear from anyone who wants to join the group or volunteer for shifts at the store.

For information, call Ms O’Driscoll on 07944 313075.

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