Latest news with #Avonside
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- BBC News
New swap society aims to make pre-loved clothes 'trendy'
Two friends have set up a swap society which aims to make shopping for pre-loved clothes more attractive to Powell and Gracie May, from Melksham, only met earlier this year but have decided to revitalise their local pre-loved offering by holding swaps in independent venues, including coffee shops, florists and industrial say their aim is to make pre-loved fashion "trendy" while supporting local first event is taking place at Doubles coffee shop in Avonside on Saturday. Ms Powell moved from South Africa to the UK with her husband five years ago with one travel bag described her interest in pre-loved clothing as partially due to the British weather and the need to socialise during the Covid pandemic."Arriving in wintery November, I needed to fill my wardrobe [with appropriate clothes] and that then quickly changed into an absolute love and passion for pre-loved [clothes]," she said."Charity shops became a place of socialising as we came out of the pandemic."At that time I was working from home, and for me it was a space to chat - and from that it's grown and grown and grown." She added hosting the swaps in independent venues would support local businesses and create footfall in places that matter. "Whether it's a florist studio, pizza place or pop-up at a local festival, the event always brings something fresh to the town," she said."We are proving that sustainable, slow fashion doesn't have to be boring – it can be edgy, on-trend and full of personality."For Saturday's launch event, people are asked to take up to 20 pre-loved clothing items which can then be swapped while "sipping on coffee and enjoying homemade pizza".
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Yahoo
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway set to host Steam Gala in March
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) is set to host a Steam Gala from Thursday, March 20, to Sunday, March 23. Four days of vintage locomotion along West Yorkshire's picturesque five-mile branch line are promised. This year's line-up includes a diverse roster of historic locomotives, with two guest engines, two industrial workhorses, and the railway's home fleet coming together to "create a dazzling display of steam power." Leading the charge is the Class 8F freight locomotive No 48305, a Sir William Stanier-designed workhorse rescued from a South Wales scrapyard. Joining it is the Class 3F 'Jinty' shunter No 16440, a Midland Railway Centre favourite that recently completed a three-year restoration. Industrial railway enthusiasts will be treated to the sight of two 1927-built locomotives. Sentinel No 7832 'Ann,' a former British Tar Products stalwart, and Avonside locomotive 'Dora,' the last standard-gauge steam engine to work in a British quarry, will be on show. 'Dora' holds a sentimental connection to K&WVR, having been briefly based there in the 1960s - and she now makes a triumphant return home. For anyone craving an immersive heritage railway experience, the gala offers rare brake van rides aboard former Southern Railway 'Queen Mary' Class brake vans. Passengers can enjoy a nostalgic journey down the line, taking in rarely seen views from these unique vantage points. Adding to the excitement, visitors to Oakworth Station (known for its role in 'The Railway Children') can watch a working steam crane in action. Volunteer gala organiser Kieran Pilsworth said: "We strive to make every Steam Gala unforgettable, and 2025 will be no exception. "Whether you're a lifelong railway enthusiast or just looking for a unique day out, there's something for everyone at this year's event." Full details on ticketing packages and timetables can be found at or by calling 01535 645214.
