- Record amount raised for local charity Etatu of £1,725
- Organisers report more visitors and stallholders than in previous years
- Etatu aims to improve the lives of children in Kenya through the power of education
The fourth annual “Made in Somerset” held on Thursday 10th May turned out to be a bumper one, organisers say. Record numbers of visitors enjoyed the bigger-than-ever event, which showcases the finest designer-makers and artisan-producers from around the county. There were even more stallholders – 33 – up over a third on previous years.
Jane Swayne of Gilbert & Swayne, award-winning chocolatiers from Baltonsborough, Somerset said, “Made in Somerset was a lovely day once again; wonderful venues with lots of visitors and lots of interesting stallholders and products. It was so well-organised, and the friendly atmosphere made it a great day for everyone.”
Jacquie Lindgren, who founded charity Etatu, says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have raised a record £1,725 at this year’s event and we thank everyone that took part. The funds raised at Made in Somerset go towards our Girls’ Sponsorship Programme. At Etatu we believe education is key and by helping girls to go to school and stay in school, we can enhance their future prospects and that of their communities. Through funds raised at this year’s event we can sponsor a further 4 girls through secondary school. Made in Somerset is making a life-changing difference to these childrens’ lives and we are deeply grateful to the people of Somerset for helping make that happen.”
For the first time this year Made in Somerset was held in two venues: The White Hart Inn, the well-known Somerton landmark, as well as the beautiful, top-floor gallery space of ACEarts, on the other side of Market Place.
About
Etatu literally translated from Swahili, means ‘three E’s’, in this case ‘Education, Enterprise, Empowerment’. Founded by Jacquie Lindgren, who grew up in Kenya and now lives in Street, the charity aims to improve the lives of children in Msambweni, Kenya through the power of education, and ultimately help build a resourceful community. In the past year, Etatu has focused on the secondary education of girls, which enhances their life opportunities and increases prospects for employment.
Made in Somerset is held to coincide with the week of celebrations for Somerset Day, a day chosen to honour King Alfred. All makers, producers and designers are based in Somerset and especially selected by the Made in Somerset organisers from the wealth of creative talent within the county.