VIDEO – Vintage Viola has opened its doors as part of the Changing Lives in Warrington store, based in The Cockhedge Shopping Centre.
Local artists, David Hindle from Kula Bay and Charlotte Davies from Thirsty Girl Collective provided sounds to make the opening day go with a swing.
In its vibrant new setting Vintage Viola will serve as a pop-up charity shop/community space and was founded by the River Reeves Foundation, providing space for some of the River Reeves Foundation projects to take place.
The provisions include free guitar lessons for young disadvantaged students, a new ‘art gallery’ providing the first permanent gallery space in town for young art students and local artists to showcase their work plus Vintage Viola clothing which will provide pre-loved clothes and accessories in excellent condition, primarily aimed at 16-25 year olds.
Changing Lives in Warrington provides donated refurbished furniture, which is recycled and reused by selling back cheaply to low-income families to furnish their homes. The store also provides volunteering, training and work placement opportunities for those who are unemployed, those with physical or mental health issues, or maybe just looking for a way to give back to their community. They also work with local authorities providing for their crisis schemes and bulky waste collection services.
Vintage Viola has big ambitions to grow into an ‘Afflecks Palace’ type hub for artists, musicians, design students and traders to create a community space; as well as being a one stop shop for vital youth provision within the town centre. The River Reeves Foundation want to create a multi-use building which meets the needs of the talented youngsters in the town.
It is hoped that the store will be part of an amazing legacy for Viola Beach and Craig Tarry.
The store has been designed and put together by Sharon Dunne and Lisa Leonard along with help from family and friends. Sharon and Lisa were inspired by Viola Beach’s constant search for alternative fashion via charity shops. The result of their hard work is a chilled out space where people can browse, listen to music and enjoy a coffee at the same time.
There is also a designated music room which can be booked by the hour as a rehearsal space. Sharon and Lisa are both keen to support young performers looking for a space to practise as this is something Viola Beach didn’t have.
Lisa remembers Viola Beach rehearsing for many an hour in her garage as they couldn’t afford anywhere else.
The music room at Vintage Viola is £10 an hour and can be booked by contacting Sharon or Lisa at the shop.
Donations of clothing, accessories, books and records for Vintage Viola can be made at the Changing Lives in Warrington store in the Cockhedge Shopping Centre. For collection of furniture and white goods for re-use please call Changing Lives in Warrington on 01925 634112.
For more information on Vintage Viola and the projects it is involved in and/or volunteering opportunities please contact Sharon Dunne via the FaceBook page or email to [email protected].
