New shop with eco focus opens at West Norfolk village windmill
“Reduce, reuse or recycle” is the ethos behind a new eco-space and shop in Denver.
Cat Price Williams opened The Grain Loft at Denver Windmill in September, selling eco-friendly products and offering a community space for workshops and yoga.
Mrs Price Williams, who moved to West Norfolk six months ago, said the inspiration for The Grain Loft came from her own brand of sustainable alpaca knitwear, Ted & Bessie, which she launched about four years ago.
“Since starting that business, I’ve been shopping eco-friendly,” she said.
She keeps a herd of 15 alpacas on a farm near Downham, whose fleeces, along with other ethically-sourced alpaca materials from around the UK, are used to create their knitwear.
They also offer alpaca experiences from £20 per person.
“I was approached by the owner of the windmill who asked if I wanted a
shop there, but I don’t have enough product to fill the shop myself,” she said.
“So I decided to collaborate with other makers around Norfolk who also make products – either they hand-make, upcycle or recycle them – with natural fibres or organic products.”
The shop offers a wide variety of eco-friendly products, from soaps and jewellery, to artwork and clothing – all of which comes from businesses in the UK, and 80 per cent from within the county.
“It’s been so lovely that all the makers have got so well-involved with the opening of the shop,” Mrs Price Williams said.
“There has been so many people working towards being more eco-friendly, and not pushing it down people’s throats, but selling nice, quality products.”
A number of workshops are planned in the coming weeks, including making plant hangers, Japanese book binding and Christmas Eve present boxes, with yoga classes from Restore & More Yoga, being held from 4pm to 5.15pm on Sundays.
The Grain Loft is open from 10am to 4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays and from 11am to 3pm on Sundays. To find out more, or to book on to an event, visit @thegrainloftdenver on Facebook.