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| A creative cooperative |
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TAKE 15 Cumbrian women with a range of skills, build a creative cooperative and a business base in Caldbeck and then watch as their approach develops and they create growth opportunities for neighbouring businesses and beyond. The Wool Clip Ltd was founded in 2002 by15 women living and working in Cumbria. All of them were engaged in creative activities: some as farmers involved in rearing newborn lambs and mohair goats, others experimenting with new methods of artistic interpretation of the raw fibres, imaginative spinners, weavers, felters, knitters and dyers. Originally 15 small businesses struggling to find ways of diversifying to increase their income, the formation of The Wool Clip cooperative became the catalyst for a surge of creative energy and also financial benefits. “The creative cooperative approach has certainly been mutually beneficial,” says Pam Hall, a producer of Herdwick wool and one of the founding members, “and we have seen new ideas blossom for both the group and for each individual.” Initially, The Wool Clip members were supported by a grant from The Carnegie Trust and then by Leader Plus and they received business advice and support from the Cumbrian Rural Women’s Network. In their first full year of trading they hit their target figures and in 2003, after their second full year, they were already sustainable and self sufficient. Success generates more success Working with wool is certainly no longer considered ‘mumsy’. Craft artefacts are in demand from collectors who are prepared to pay for the beauty of the piece and for the skill of the maker. Through their success so far, individual Wool Clip members have been encouraged to develop their natural talents and acquire new skills including teaching certificates, IT qualifications, an HNC in weaving, even BA degree qualifications in Textiles. Three members have also been involved in a publishing venture. “Writing is a creative activity in itself” explains author, June Hall. “I have worked with Lee Fitton on a successful children’s story book about the Herdwick sheep breed, Henrietta Herdwick. The illustrations were felts made by Lee and these were displayed in local bookshops.” Therese Southgate, another cooperative member, is co-author of a history and cookery book, The Herdwick Country Cook Book. “Things like the publishing all generate publicity for our core business,” says Therese, “and it creates new opportunities for The Herdwick Country Cook Book and for us.” Creative activity creates more business – the Wool Clip team is now engaged in organising an innovative venture and for two days in June (24-25) The Lakeland Auction Mart near Cockermouth will host the first Woolfest. This is going to be an annual international festival celebrating all aspects of natural fibres, their sources, uses and products. The show will include textiles, fibres, equipment, yarns, finished garments and household items such as travel rugs, cushions and wall hangings. It will also welcome representatives from similar cooperatives in Sweden, Lithuania and Slovakia, all part of the Wool Clip team’s network. Carolyn Rawlinson is on the organising team: “There will be demonstrations and workshops – plenty to see and do – and we will have raw fleeces on sale as well as stalls with sheep, angora goats, alpaca, llama and angora rabbits and any other fleece-providing animals we can find! The aim is to attract gallery buyers and other wool workers as well as the general public,” she continues. “We have already had a great deal of interest and we’re looking forward to an exciting event with benefits for the whole area.” So as a result of The Wool Clip’s creative business initiative, West Cumbria should benefit financially from the Woolfest and its influx of participants and visitors to the area – a fine example of how creative thinking creates successful businesses. For further details of exhibition opportunities at The Wool Fest see www.woolfest.co.uk and for more details about The Wool Clip, check www.woolclip.com . |
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