Chris Powell, our Community Champion, tells us about how it all began and what the Cone Exchange does today.
So how did it all start and why is it called the Cone Exchange?
The story of the Cone Exchange began in 2003 when I was showing a group of children with additional learning needs around our tea and coffee factory.
A young boy spotted a cardboard cone in the bin and asked to take it home to make an angel for a Christmas tree. Word soon spread, and before long local school children had made over 500 Christmas angels. Working with the local ‘In Bloom’ group, I set up a campaign to ‘adopt an angel for Christmas’. All the money raised helped set up a school gardening club and planted angel shaped flower beds in the local area.
It was the creative spark of that first child that inspired me to start thinking differently about our waste and how we could put it to good use. In the early days I ran a small Cone Exchange from a shed, but over the years it’s grown into a community scrap store, open two days a week, supported by a team of creative and committed volunteers.
"How does the Cone Exchange work today? What’s involved?
At the heart of the Cone Exchange is the commitment to see potential in waste.
We take our business waste, along with that of other local businesses, and then give it a new lease of life. The Cone Exchange shop is an Aladdin’s Cave of materials. From fabric off-cuts, to boxes, paper, hessian sacks, wool and plastic tubs, what we sell varies from day-today but typically you’ll find plenty of items for hobbyists, crafters and gardeners. And all the money raised from sales is donated to good causes.
Along with the shop, we also support social enterprises and charities by repurposing our waste and equipment and providing meaningful work experience for young people with additional learning needs. We also attend events and talks to encourage recycling and raise funds at the same time.
Who do you support?
We work with a range of brilliant charities and groups based in our local area. Some are put forward by our people, others by our volunteers and customers. Some we support via the funds we raise and others via materials and products. Last year, in 2022, we raised and donated over £22,000 for 24 local charities.
How can I find out more? When can I visit?
Just watch our film or visit the Cone Exchange website here to find out more, including our opening hours.
