26th June (Day 4)

Today I found out how difficult it already is to buy Polaroid 600 film (I wouldn’t be so worried if I didn’t own one!) I called Jessops and the assistant was so negative I nearly packed up and set off home! “You can only get them on the internet now”, so where do I buy 10 Polaroid 600 films, for the next day and they are only available to buy online?

Trying not to be phased I continued to call around and my success came when I called Jacobs on Corporation Street, they had just taken delivery of 11 twin packs priced at £27.97. I also came across an online company called Polaroid Direct, wholesalers (min. Order of 5) who sold the twin pack for £21.98 incl. VAT and next day delivery. I spoke with Andrew and he said Jacobs was fine and I called to reserve for pick up later that day!

A little later I then went into the city centre to pick up the films along with some HMV vouchers ready for the Youth Panel event on Friday. Earlier that morning I helped to make the name badges for each of the schools attending.

I continued to research of events and Networks in the Stoke-on-Trent area; I wrote emails to the people I know actively working in the sector and drafted a branded email to send to my friends, colleagues and new contacts.

I also started to put together a calendar of events for the area so I can begin to attend. I found this is a really good way to find out what projects are going on in the area and it’s nice to touch base with old contacts. (I will post these on my events page, for anyone that is interested!)

The 26th was also the date of the Creative Republic Networking Event at Concrete, the Big Peg. Lorraine (Ambassador) called me in the afternoon letting me know she would be here at 5p.m to begin setting up for arrivals at 6.

I made my way down to Concrete at around 5.30 and I met some other members of the Board and Lorraine in person. Firstly I was introduced to John Mostyn and we chatted about Stoke, and his roots from the Staffordshire region, he said he was good friends with Steve Tilley from the Sugarmill in Hanley. He also said he knew some exciting news about a project and Steve…but he wasn’t allowed to tell anyone (why is it when someone says ‘they aren’t allowed to say’…you really want to know?) I was re-introduced to Karl Binder; he was a speaker at one of the Metapod sessions so I remembered him.

All the board members wear flowers at events for easy identification, this time they were orange gerbera’s (I think!). The event was an informal networking event, “No pack drill… No speeches… And no charge.”

On arrival you were greeted at the entrance at the bottom of the stairs by a table laid out with Charter forms for those who were not on the list, Jemima, Helga and me. Once they had confirmed or signed up to the Charter a free glass of wine awaited plus a free drinks coupon.

I met a range of really interesting people, some more briefly than others (mainly on arrival) but this was a really enjoyable experience. I met Chris Unitt the Created in Birmingham blogger; it was very nice to meet him in person since he featured my blog as a link for the 24th June – Thanks Chris!

There were a range of creatives in the building, and it was surprising that so many were from Wolverhampton showing that support has already begun to spread throughout the region. We had 26 people sign up to the Charter on the evening! It was a great turn out and an enjoyable evening for all!

Here are some images from the Creative Republic website, by Karl Binder.