News, Volunteer Stories
Our Tartan Team welcomes Maria
Meet Maria from GCP’s Tartan Team
Maria is one of our newest volunteers in GCP’s Tartan Team. Every Monday, you can see her sewing and selling quality items in our wee Greyfriars Tartan Shop on Candlemaker Row.
Maria retired over the summer, after 16+ years with John Lewis. She was looking for something new to fill her time,
‘I felt I’ve worked all my days and was not really ready to retire. I felt I’d miss the personal discipline, as work kept me focused and gave me structure in life.
‘I needed to fill the space that John Lewis left. I’m not the sort to sit about my house, there’s so much more to life!’
Alison Kane, a John Lewis colleague and a good friend of the GCP, told Maria about the us and suggested she explore volunteering opportunities.
Maria hasn’t looked back since. We are lucky, as she brings a huge range of skills to the Tartan Workshop, having worked across many departments including haberdashery and till management – she even knows ten different ways to fold a towel, having worked in the bed linen department!
Maria was nervous at first but the team put her at ease,
‘Anne is great with you; she couldn’t be more helpful. The atmosphere is very relaxed. Usually when I start something new, I feel a bit strange about it, but I didn’t get that feeling working with the Tartan Team.’
Maria settled in quickly,
‘At first, I thought I would be selling the beautiful items in the shop but Anne asked if I’d like a go at sewing. I hadn’t sewn since I was a teenager when I broke my Auntie’s Singer machine! I did have a go and really love it, I find it therapeutic. Now I serve customers and sew in between.’
After she retired, Maria says she felt a bit down, but now she looks forward to her Monday’s volunteering and is proud to help support the Grassmarket Community Project,
‘I was surprised at the work the GCP does and how it helps over 500 people. It’s amazing! Also what members learn in classes, such as joinery and computing to help them get jobs. It’s a marvellous organisation’ she continues, ‘there’s always a nice atmosphere and that’s important.’
Volunteering isn’t Maria’s only retirement activity. She has started Tai Chi, Over 50’s ballet, Yoga and attends Fitness sessions at the gym.
When asked if she’d recommend volunteering with us, Maria was keen to talk about the mental health benefits too,
‘What’s a day a week out of your life to help others? I get excited to come here on a Monday and you get appreciation back and that’s enough.’
A big thank you to Maria for all her help supporting the Grassmarket Community Project.
Choose Greyfriars Tartan, a truly exceptional tartan, available online today
Greyfriars Tartan is available as a traditional or weathered tartan. Our amazingly talented Grassmarket Social Enterprise team work tirelessly to create a beautiful range of hand-crafted products.
If you are interested in a bulk order, please contact our Tartan Team today. We’re here to help!.
Accessories
Accessories
Accessories
Accessories
Fabric Jewelry
Accessories
Accessories
Clothing
Something extra special in mind?
We love a commission, hand-crafting our beautiful tartan fabric to your exact requirements. We are also happy to discuss bespoke wedding packages which include items such as bow ties, ties, pocket squares, bridal garters and brooches/pins.
Contact our Tartan Team to discuss what you’re looking for. We’re here to help!
Interested in volunteering with GCP?
We are often looking for more volunteers to support our Tartan Workshop. If you have the time and skills and would like to work with an award-winning, friendly and passionate group of volunteers, we’d love to hear from you.
All our volunteers receive ongoing support and have access to free training throughout the year.
There are lots of opportunities for individuals to participate and join in! Everyone is welcome.
A BIG THANK YOU
The Grassmarket Community Project’s Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Nationwide Community Grants, The Robertson Trust and EVOC/Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.
