Artisans join forces to revive craft quarter

THREE Saddleworth artisans are doing their bit to resurrect Uppermill’s craft quarter.

Viki Taylor, Helen Robinson and Joanne Ward are launching a venture just yards from the village’s one-time Alexandra Craft Centre, which closed in 2001 before the mill involved was turned into apartments.

“Authentic”, which opens on Friday merges Viki’s Woolzewood wood craft, Helen’s handmade soaps, candles and body-butter business, Ma’s Bars, and Joanne’s Twisted Designs jewellery company.

After years selling online and at craft fairs, the three friends decided to set their stall out permanently and have transformed the former Emmaus building in Mill Street. They have opened the door to several other local craftspeople.

Viki, from Greenfield, said: “Individually we have been making our products for years, so got together and decided Uppermill needed somewhere.” The centre’s open weekend starts at 10am on Friday until Sunday.