Countdown to the First Ever CAG Somerset Skillshare event 

Repair, reuse and reimagine: from ideas to action 

The wait is finally over! The first-ever CAG Somerset Skillshare event is almost here, and the excitement is building! Taking place at the Victoria Park Community Centre Bridgwater, this unique event is a fantastic opportunity for members, stakeholders, and the wider community to come together. It’s a day of learning, sharing and exchanging of ideas that will also mark the celebration of national repair week.  It’s also free! 

A day packed with exciting workshops 

The day will be packed with inspiring talks and hands-on workshops designed to help you learn something new and make connections with like-minded people. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store: 

Morning keynote with Jen Gale 

We’re thrilled to welcome Jen Gale as our keynote speaker! Jen is an ordinary mum who decided to take her family on a life-changing journey – a year of buying nothing new. As the author of The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide and The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting, Jen will share her insights on making do and mending, and the personal transformation she experienced along the way. Whether you’re looking to live more sustainably or just curious about her journey, Jen’s talk will leave you inspired to make small, impactful changes in your own life. 

Fork to Fork with Lesley Gates 

Next, we’ll hear from local star Lesley Gates, who will be giving a fantastic Fork to Fork demonstration! Lesley is an expert in making the most of surplus food, showing us how to stretch our budgets while making delicious, healthy meals. You’ll learn how to turn ingredients that would otherwise go to waste into mouthwatering dishes. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with date stones, you won’t want to miss this! 

Partnerships for long-term impact with Becky Lovegrove 

Becky Lovegrove from Edventure Frome will dive into the power of partnerships, sharing her experience managing one of the most innovative collaborations between a town council, a Community Interest Company, and a medical practice. Learn how to identify impactful projects, bring people together, and plan for sustainable, long-term success. Becky will also explore the health and cost-of-living benefits that drive meaningful community action. 

Tech Amnesty with Fixy 

Got an old phone, tablet, or laptop gathering dust? Bring them along for Fixy’s tech amnesty! This is your chance to responsibly recycle your old gadgets in a secure and environmentally friendly way, giving them a second life or ensuring they’re safely disposed of. Clear out your drawers and do your part for the planet! 

On Your Bike: Bike Amnesty and puncture repair workshop 

Got an old bike you are no longer using? On Your Bike will be hosting a bike amnesty.  They will also be running a practical puncture repair workshop. Learn how to fix your bike on the go and keep it running longer—because every bike deserves to stay on the road! 

Reusable products with Beth from Somerset Council 

Beth from Somerset Council will be showcasing reusable products for nappies, wipes, and adult continence, as well as reusable period products. Whether you’re new to reusables or looking to make a switch, you’ll discover the benefits of using these sustainable alternatives. Plus, Beth will share exciting news about the opportunity for local groups to become a cloth nappy library.  

Kate Rew from Crewkerne Community Kitchen – chop and chat set ups 

Kate Rew talking about the experience that she had working as a Health Trainer for the NHS in Chard, supporting people to improve their health through diet and exercise. She will explain how this led to her wanting to set up a practical group to help people cook delicious, healthy meals on a budget. During the pandemic, Kate and her husband Michael set up a food distribution outlet, distributing surplus supermarket food that would otherwise go to landfill. Connected to that she went on to set up another community cooking group, Chop and Chat, in Crewkerne to bring people together again in a post pandemic society.  

A delicious free lunch & plenty of tea and cake! 

All these fantastic sessions will be rounded off with a delicious free lunch provided by the Victoria Park Community Center Café. We’ll keep the energy high with an abundance of tea, coffee, and enough cake to fuel a movement of menders, repairers, and community enthusiasts! 

Collaboration café 

A welcoming space where individuals can come together to share their challenges, successes, and ideas. It’s a community-driven environment designed for like-minded people to offer support, exchange insights, and brainstorm solutions to common issues. Whether you’re seeking advice, offering help, or just connecting with others who understand, the Collaboration Café is the place to be.  

Don’t miss out – Come together, learn, and share! 

This is a day you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re looking to learn new skills, make connections, or simply enjoy a fun day of community spirit, the CAG Somerset Skillshare event has something for everyone.  

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Free event for everyone but booking is essential via the link below.

https://buytickets.at/cagsomerset/1544436