Members of Forward are always very keen to help the environment and improve the areas they live in. Therefore, they regularly litter-pick, recycle, and upcycle to support their local community.
Our members do not only recycle around the centre, crunching tin cans and reusing packaging to create new craft opportunities, but they also litter-pick in the local community to make it a nicer place to live.
The Funky Furniture group take old and unloved furniture to create new, beautiful items that can be used in the centre or sold for charitable funds.
These groups are a hive of creativity and activity as they make new from old and work towards a better world.
On Friday, 26th October, we were honoured by a visit of the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Councillor Nick Daubney, who officially opened our Funky Gift Shop.
The idea behind the shop
The exciting new venture was possible thanks to the Awards for All grant, but the idea itself, like many others, was born during our group forum. Some of our members expressed interest in selling Ezone-made gifts to the the general public – we loved the idea and we made it happen! It’s a great way for our members to gain more work experience and improve their interpersonal skills. We’re hoping the shop will help at least a couple of them get into paid employment.
Opening day
When the Mayor arrived at our Millfleet office, where the shop is located, he was greeted by Jamie and showed to the shop entrance. One of our members welcomed him and asked for three cheers for the Mayor. The Mayor made a short speech, and then cut the ribbon officially opening the Funky Gift Shop to a round of applause.
During the tour of our Millfleet premises, he tried the sound-beam room and admired the training kitchen. When he walked into the dance group, Natalie managed to entice him to dance a few steps!
The Mayor commented on the happy atmosphere in the building and how much he enjoyed the visit. We’re very thankful for his kind words and for officially opening the shop.
Affordable gifts for all ages and occasions
Most of the gifts on sale are made by our members at the Ezone factory site. Open to the public, the shop offers a wide range of gifts at affordable prices, from early Christmas gifts and candles, to T-shirt, gift, and mug printing. We also have a collection of pocket money toys and stocking fillers for children to choose from. There is something for everyone!
We have already earned £75 on our opening day, and further £11.75 on our first official day of trading. All money will go towards buying new materials for our members to continue making wonderful and unique gifts.
We also promise to fill up people’s plastic water bottles for free to help save the environment.
Come and visit us today!
The Funky Gift Shop
St. Margaret’s School House, Millfleet
King’s Lynn, Norfolk,
PE30 5EG
Opening hours:
9:30am – 3:30pm (Monday – Friday)
We’re hoping to see you soon!
We made the best of the magnificent summer weather this year with a variety of different activities. We sailed. We visited London. We took a trip to the seaside and went gliding. One person did loop the loop in a glider!
Last week some of our members thoroughly enjoyed a visit to Colchester Zoo with a trip organised by Scope:
However, now Autumn is here and Christmas is approaching at a canter… With that said, we have very exciting news to share!
Please make a note in your diaries…
We are opening The Funky Gift Shop on our Millfleet premises on 26th October!
Our members have been busy creating a selection of wonderful gifts to sell from the shop, and everyone is extremely excited about this new venture. We are going to offer high-quality gifts for all of the family at a price people can afford. Gifts will include T-shirt printing, candles, cards, jewellery, holiday-themed decorations, and more.
In our new shop we’ll also intend to fill up people’s empty plastic water bottles for nothing to help save the environment from plastic pollution.
So watch this space!
