The Phoenix has risen from the ashes.: My work with Bridges ( Ornamental Garden Products ) 2012

Bridges is a small business and training facility. It is situated on the Felin Puleston Industrial Estate, opposite the car washing service.

It produces and sells a wide range of quality concrete garden products. The workshop is separated into a ‘Wet & Dry Areas’ where the cement is mixed and other constituents are added as required, depending on the particular item being produced. There is an area for storage and drying, along with an area for painting and finishing the ornaments, pots and slabs.

We teach new skills and offer training in concrete within a safe working environment. We help individuals improve confidence and self-esteem as well as create opportunities to promote independence and job satisfaction.

Each individual has a Service Delivery Plan where strengths and needs are considered with personal choices offered. Each person has a variety of activities and a timetable reflecting this.

Jobs there are within the business:
Helping to mix concrete and pour into moulds;
Taking dried products out of moulds;
Painting and sponging products;
Cleaning work areas and equipment;
Dealing with cash sales;
Computer input.

We are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm.

Contact Details

Bridges (Ornamental Garden Products)
Unit 3, Felin Puleston Industrial Estate
Ruabon Road
Wrexham
LL13 7RF

Tel: 01978 366858

The information is taken from the link below

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/council/social_services/day_ops/bridges.htm

I was fortunate enough to be at Glyndwr Uni. when there was a a day of events going on in the Catrin Finch center and Gym. I had nipped in to give a friend some support as she was helping out. Before leaving I went and had a look at the stalls. I had spoke to helpers on the stalls and asked if they were looking for a photographer that was willing to join them for experience in working in a professional practice environment. Then I also left my details with the other 2 and the 3rd stall I left my details with was Bridges. I enjoyed talking to the members on the stall as they were very passionate about their work. I looked through the portfolio of images that they had brought with them and I really liked the products that I saw they produced. Especially when they were all individually hand made and painted. I was blown away.

To my surprise and delight out of the 3 this was the organisation that got back to me. A day was arranged for me to go and see the place and talk to the team. I was at first a little nervous but soon began to relax because the team were so welcoming and we chatted like we had known each other for a long time.

I hadn't realized at first that there were also 3 areas within the establishment and the one that I was interested in was under the umbrella of Work Opportunities. We talked about what Skills I could bring to them and in what compacity I would be able to help. It was great to be able to talk and work closely with the team and be able to understand my brief that I set for myself and be able to deliver.

I went to Bridges once a week over a period of time. I had worked with the staff to help me be able to have excess to a small area where I could take photos. I also asked for a new list every time I attended of what items would be available for me to photograph, as it was easier for me to work to. I had thought about how I was going to take each image with the product on a green base of carpet which luckily I had acquired from a friend. I used a doule-sided black/white card as a background.

The working members of the team were also very friendly and helpful and this was such a great environment to be a part of.

The work I produced for them was -

A selection of images - items taken from different angles - This was then able to be used as advertisement on each product and was to be accompanied by measurements so a prospective buyer could see.

Mini Portfolio - Once completed, the above and images could then be put into a portfolio and be taken along to events and be shown. Just like the ones that I had seen in my first meeting with them.

Collages - seen below - that could be printed out into A3 size to be displayed on the walls in the work shop.