For those who know me, you’ll know how passionate I am about uncovering, preserving, and sharing the history and heritage of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. From videos and articles to guided walks and creative projects, every bit of my work is fuelled by a love for this incredible area and I rely on the support of amazing people like you to keep going.
I don’t get paid for most of what I do, and while I’m applying for grants, they’re competitive and only cover specific projects. For me to dedicate more time to recording and sharing the incredible stories of our area, I need to create a more sustainable way of funding my work. But I also want to give back, support local businesses, and ensure you enjoy what I offer.
That’s where you come in. I have some exciting ideas to share, but I want your input to help me decide what to focus on next. Your feedback will guide me and ensure that what I offer brings real value to you and the community.
One idea I’m exploring is weekly raffles!
How they’ll work:
🎟️ Tickets will be just £1 each, no matter the value of the prize.
🎉 Every week, I’ll feature amazing prizes, including locally made products, unique local experiences, and vouchers for independent businesses.
💖 A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to local charities, ensuring your participation gives back to the community.
🛍️ All prizes will be sourced from local businesses, helping to support and spotlight them while offering you the chance to win something special.
🔒 The raffles will be run securely through Raffall, a trusted and specialist UK raffle platform. This ensures fairness, transparency, and peace of mind for everyone who takes part.
I’d love to know your thoughts about this idea, along with others I’m considering!
Which of these options appeals to you? Vote below and share your thoughts.
Here Are the Ideas I’m Considering:
1. Weekly £1 Raffles with Local Products & Experiences
These raffles would spotlight local businesses and offer prizes like handmade goods, unique experiences, or vouchers for local shops and cafés. Tickets would be just £1, no matter the prize value, and a percentage of proceeds would go to local charities. The raffles would be run securely through Raffall, ensuring fairness and transparency for everyone involved.
2. Crowdfunding for Specific Projects
I could launch crowdfunding campaigns for individual projects, such as a mini-documentary, a special heritage guide, or an exclusive resource for the community. Contributors could get unique rewards like early access to content, behind-the-scenes updates, or signed prints as a thank-you for their support.
3. More Guided Walks & Talks
I love sharing Stoke-on-Trent’s history in person, and I’m considering hosting more events like heritage walks, storytelling evenings, or photography-themed tours. There’s also the option of small VIP group experiences with added perks like printed guides or exclusive locations.
4. Limited-Edition Signed Prints
Photography has always been a big part of my work, and I’d love to offer limited-edition signed prints of some of my favourite shots. These could include iconic Stoke-on-Trent landmarks, capturing the area’s unique charm. Each print would be signed, numbered, and available in limited quantities.
5. Prints & Canvases for Sale
I already sell some of my photography and art as prints and canvases, but I’m considering expanding my offerings. More sizes, finishes, and themes could make it easier for you to bring a piece of Stoke-on-Trent into your home.
How You Can Help
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these ideas! I’ve created a short poll so you can share your preferences and suggestions. Your input will help me focus on what matters most to you and guide my next steps.
Thank you for supporting The Red Haired Stokie and for being part of this journey. Your feedback truly makes a difference!