J&B News & Updates

02.07.24

Last week, Vikki Jackson-Smith (MD) and Isobel Hanley (Marketing Apprentice) had the pleasure of visiting Catcote Academy to celebrate their annual Trashion Show. This inclusive event aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and educate children on our ‘throwaway society’ through creative arts. All of the students at Catcote Academy have a diverse range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Their motto, "Focus on what we CAN do, not what we can't!" reflects their dedication to helping each student reach their full potential.

This important event is close to our hearts, and we have proudly sponsored it since it began 6 years ago. Throughout our long-term sponsorship, we have participated in many wonderful events held by Catcote, from delivering assemblies to engaging in Careers events. Supporting such initiatives is crucial as they align with our company's values and sustainability goals.

Over 12 weeks, students and staff at the Academy worked together to create their final pieces, drawing inspiration from various artists and using recycled and repurposed materials. At J&B Recycling, we love seeing the innovative ways people incorporate recycling into their lives, and this is definitely a standout example!

Vikki and Isobel had the honour of judging the show alongside an excellent panel, including Nik McDonald, Middleton Grange Shopping Centre Manager, and Leigh Keeble from Hartlepool Borough Council. The judges were blown away by the intricate designs and creativity displayed. It definitely was not an easy job to pick the winners. The students' passion for recycling was evident, and the educational value of the Trashion Show in teaching students about reducing waste and sustainability was inspiring.

The winner’s category was split into each class, with an overall best in show and top model also being awarded. Isobel commented "Being part of the Catcote Academy Trashion Show was an incredible experience. The creativity and enthusiasm of the students were truly inspiring. Seeing how they transformed recycled materials into stunning designs and put on such fantastic performances was amazing. It's events like these that remind us of the importance of sustainability and the impact we can make when we work together. I’m so proud to be a part of this initiative and can’t wait to see what they come up with next year!"

The day didn’t stop there. Catcote Academy’s very own Catcote spotlights opened and closed the show. The group performed amazing songs including ‘Mustang Sally’ and ‘Celebration,’ which got the staff and students present rocking! It was truly an amazing event which showcased the hard work staff at Catcote Academy have put in – from designing costumes to directing performances.

Jackie Mcgarry, Careers Lead at Catcote Academy said “Big thanks to J&B Recycling for sponsoring the prizes at our annual Trashion Show and collaborating with our students to highlight the importance of recycling and its environmental impact. Special appreciation goes to Vikki Jackson-Smith (MD) and Isobel Hanley (Marketing Apprentice) for being on the judging panel. We deeply value your continuous support in educating our students on these crucial issues."

Lastly, we want to extend a huge thank you to Catcote Academy for allowing us to be part of this wonderful event. It always puts a smile on our faces to see the children so engaged with recycling.