Teresa Jay, Ruth Boyes, Alison Timmins and Salisbury Mayor Cllr Sven Hocking
Despite torrential rain, on Thursday 5 September over 100 visitors attended the SaSS Thriving on a Shoestring afternoon event at Salisbury’s Guildhall. Generously hosted and formally opened by Salisbury Mayor Cllr Sven Hocking, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Opening the Showcase, the Mayor said: “This afternoon is all about making the most of what we have and learning to thrive on a budget. Local charity Safer and Supportive Salisbury who are hosting today, see the current economic climate as an opportunity to connect the local organisations and individuals who can help with support, advice and help with everyone in our community who will benefit. I am really pleased that together with the City Council and the Area Board I have helped to make it happen. I would like to thank all the many local groups that have come to together today to connect with each other and our local residents.”
Chefs Fiona Ollerhead and James Butterfield with Salisbury Mayor Cllr Sven Hocking
Chef James, ably assisted by Fiona, gave live cooking demonstrations all afternoon with advice and tips on cooking great food on a budget. The team are pictured here with the Mayor trying out one of the tasty dishes. The food was generously donated by Prittcett’s Butchers, Tesco, Salisbury Market traders, and local growers. Additionally there was a Harnham Harvest Table and fresh vegetables and herbs grown by the F3 project, all of which was offered for people to help themselves to. Salisbury Pantry and Salisbury Foodbank were there to talk about the support they offer and the Wiltshire Council Resident’s Support team had a stand to talk to council tenants.
On the theme of Christmas there were beautiful home made Christmas decorations with patterns to make them at home, great ideas for Christmas gifts that can be made very cheaply and ideas for decorating your home for the festive season on a budget.
Several financial organisations came along to give advice and offer support including Community Money South and Acorn Bank. Warm and Safe Wiltshire offered advice on heating bills and the Bobby Van Trust gave advice and help with hone security. Community Transport talked to people about cheap and free methods of getting around the city. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau were on hand to talk to people and to give support and Age UK offered advice on benefits and living well and safely. Mencap sold items from their store and Silver Salisbury were there to talk about their forthcoming autumn programme. The local Information Centre stand offered ideas on places to go and things to do on a budget.
Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits were served for free all afternoon with a smile by Salisbury Soroptimists.
Linda Baker, Liz Batten, Anne Trevett and Salisbury Mayor Cllr Sven Hocking
SaSS is grateful to all the stall holders who supported the event, to our lovely Chefing team, to everyone who donated food items. Thanks too to Spencer Mulholland who took these lovely photos of the event!