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We've got tubes for struts and axles, cogs, pulleys, drive wheels, connectors, pivots and clips. Put them together and you can create all manner of stupendous structures and marvellous machines.

We had intended to bag all the components up as kits but we are running low on storage space so have to get them moving. Come along to the store and bag a bargain.

Find out more about Connect-O-Mech on our website. [Connect-O-Mech Page]

Spot the Difference Competition

Can you spot the difference between these two pictures of a chair? Our photographer has introduced an extra item into the picture on the right. Hint: the chair on the right would be more comfortable. Call into Orinoco on Saturday and give us the answer (terms and conditions apply etc.)

Gorgeous felt cushions in a variety of colours. Brand New and still in their packets. In store now just £2 each.

Music Machines

During the Winter and Spring of 2007-08. Orinoco worked with Oliver Wright, a student from Ruskin College, to look at ideas for making musical instruments from waste materials.

Oliver's sketchbook of ideas and plans is now available as a PDF to download. [Oliver's Sketchbook]

One of Oliver's creations - the Thump-a-Phone, has been on a number of outings this summer and has been very popular. [more]

New Stock

Fresh supplies of the BIG rolls of white and off-white fabric are back in stock. It is available either on or off the roll. We've got 2m and 2.5m width in stock and lengths from 4 to 60m. We have had to put the price up to £1 per metre to cover the increased cost of picking this up but it's still unbelievable value and great for all manner of play.

Also in: decorative fabric edging, useably large offcuts of velvet, useful clear plastic boxes with lids and big plastic front panel things (great as shields and for building dens out of.

Plus, fresh supplies of printing kits, cards from a 'plan your garden' kit that have been printed with a variety of stone and brickwork patterns.

This Saturday is SWAP SHOP Saturday

Come along and dump stuff you no longer want OR take away stuff you fancy. Remember, you can take stuff without leaving stuff, you don't have to haggle and it's all free. [more info] [download flier]

Approximately 220 swappers came to the July Swap. This is less than our highest attendance but we were more stretched than usual with two other events running at the same time (the Scrapmobile was over in Farmoor and we were running a printing event in Headington Quarry).

We took in around 800kg of unwanted goods on the day and had collected 450kg in advance. At the end of the swap we were left with around 340kg of goods: 160kg were donated on for consumer re-use (charity shops & the OCVA furniture store); 20kg were sent for recycling; 160kg were sent to landfill. In total the swappers took away 910kg of stuff that would otherwise have been binned. All these lovely items are now enjoying a new lease of life.

And finally...

Howie Watkins is a familiar sight around the Scrapstore and many of you will have been sold a load of rubbish by him at some point. Howie has been instrumental in the regeneration of Orinoco over the last two years and has been working for us as our Chief Executive Officer since September 2006.

From September 1st Howie will be moving to Oxfordshire County Council working as the County's Playbuilder Development Officer. We wish him luck.

Howie will continue to be involved with Orinoco as a consultant and we will be looking to appoint a Part-time Store Manager. The job description and application pack is still being finalised but it will be available shortly, watch this space. In the meantime if you would like an informal chat about the post, contact Howie at the store.