May Wrap-up blog

In may we had an amazing array of events, projects and celebrations and it was fantastic to see so many of you!

In may we ran or were a part of:

• Efficient homes show 10th May.

• Tea & Chat session in Chessington 15th & 29th May.

• Mosaic cleaning 19th May.

• Revive-all open day 24th May.

• STWC 40th Anniversary 31st May.

Efficient homes show 10th May.

On the 10th May we attended the Kingston efficient homes show alongside a wide range of other organisations. Other environmental and conservation organisations from charities doing projects around waste, to installers of solar panels and heat-pumps to encourage local residents to explore the financial and environmental savings they could be making for more on the environmental savings, check out TTK's retrofit guidance on Kingston council's website here: https://www.kingston.gov.uk/energy-saving-hub/kingston-retrofit-guidance-households

Tea & Chat session in Chessington 15th & 29th May.

Throughout May we ran two Tea & Chat sessions, increasing our outreach to Chessington and hook. We came with food, charity flyers and some tech to enable us to help signpost people to where they could receive support through social prescribing. Across the two sessions we spoke to at least 45 people who told us more about their lives, the difficulties they face, and what the charity does or how what we do could help . Along with the surplus food we brought, we brought some of the new KICS (Kingston Intercultural Catering Service) menu items which were met with rave reviews by those attending on the day.

Reviews included: "Really, really lovely" and "absolutely delicious" for the apple rose cake and "The Quiches were lovely, they were really good".

See more about our current Surplus food catering offer and how it helps here

Mosaic cleaning 19th May.

Numbers 22 -(2 from STWC for 24)

On the 19th May Tariq Shabbeer (Director) and Kim Porrelli (Collaborative artist and co-producer of the mosaics) were co-ordinating mosaic cleaning on the Canbury passage mosaic with the help of 22 other volunteers. The mosaic, which for a time was the longest mosaic in Europe, with the Unilever Ice-cream department who very generously offered to help for the day. Along with the originally organised guests, we were blessed to also have an offer to participate from the new Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, their worshipfulness Noel Hadjimichael, and a number of other local councillors. Amongst all this we would also like to thank the Double Tree by Hilton next to Canbury passage who we originally asked just for a water supply, but ended up providing lunch to those helping out! Everyone had a great day and we managed to clean roughly 30 square meters of mosaic, removing staining and mosses. A massive thank you to both the Unilever team and the local councillors for their work restoring that section of the mosaic. While there's plenty more to be done to the Canbury passage mosaic, it's made a great start. If you're looking to do something local as a part of your company's corporate social responsibility, get in touch today!

Contact Tariq Shabbeer at: Tariq@savetheworldclub.org to arrange a session.

Revive-all open day 24th May.

On the 24th May we had around a dozen visitors checking out our Revive-all electronic and electrical repair hub for our open day. Visitors brought a range of items from microwaves to lamps and blenders. Everyone who brought an item we were able to help on the day.

STWC 40th Anniversary 31st May.

Lastly, and by absolutely no means least, on the 31st May we held our 40 years of Save The World Club event. Originally started in 1985 by Des Kay, becoming a constituted charity in 2002. We used this a a fantastic opportunity to launch our new Music Rehearsal Studio (Connect Studio) that you can put in an expression of interest for now below!

Express interest here

There was free food (Some of which was once again a part of the new menu for the KICS surplus food program), and alternative catering provided by the Norbiton kitchen.

We had an amazing turnout and hope everyone had a fantastic time with more than 120 visitors throughout the day. With notable guests including local councillors (Current and prior), prior directors of the charity, musicians (New Mugs - New Malden Ukulele group, Clinton Frasier, and a number of other performers as organised by the lovely Anna Dyson) ,the local mayor, Their worshipfulness Noel Hadjimichael, friends and family.

Some quotes from the event included:

"I was highly impressed by the speech of councillor and mayor, I found it very inspirational and heart touching, seeing how it all started and the thread connecting the dots from the start and seeing the impact of the amazing work done by the staff and all people around creates a truly unforgettable atmosphere."

"The music is fantastic and uplifting — it has created a truly unique atmosphere that kept the energy high."