Shropshire based charity FCRS, which supports a school for refugees in Guinea’s capital, have launched a range of bags known as Simbaya. Named after the area in which the school is sited, the bags produced are ‘bags for life’ three times over, being re-usable, sustainably produced, and the source of much-needed income for the women of Conakry who sew them. The colourful tote bags are now being marketed in the UK and all proceeds return to the ladies who make them out of local cloth. They come in two sizes, one of which is great for laptops, books or folded into a handbag for shopping, and a larger size perfect as a beach bag, laundry bag or a colourful Christmas present bag. Bags are available from etsy.com/uk/shop/Conakry.
Christmas concert by candlelight
A beautiful, candlelit celebration for the festive season will be staged in Shrewsbury by one of the UK’s most renowned choirs. Ex Cathedra’s annual pre-Christmas
