On this week’s Dian Skelton blog, I will be discussing the
announcement that an Old Blundellian is set to appear on BBC One’s Countryfile
programme on Sunday November 2nd. The programme will reveal the entrepreneurial
spirit of Paula Steer and her nineteen year old son Lewis who run the
successful Lily Warne Wool as a partnership.
Dian Skelton is
Director at ViewPoint Software Services Limited, founder of the MostlyManx artisan shop
on the Isle of Man and co-owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills. The Mills
specialises in producing Laxey Manx Tartan which is unique to the Isle of Man.
Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
This innovative business was
set up at their Dartmoor farm and in 2012 and specialises in producing wool and
woollen products made specifically from the fleece of their traditional
Greyface Dartmoor Sheep. Lewis was given his first sheep of the Greyface breed
after receiving strong GCSE results at Blundell’s.
Naturally, as their
flock grew, the Steers saw an opportunity to produce a unique range of products
from the Greyface wool. Many of their products, such as brooches and headbands,
are now stocked in high street retailer John Lewis, as well as the National
Trust and other shops.
The programme will
address Lewis’ work on the farm and his contributions to the Dartmoor Sheep
Breeders Association (of which he is the youngest ever council member). The
programme will also feature two local women who knit and crochet for Lily Warne
Wool.
Charity Work
The programme will
also focus on the charitable work done by the Steers. £1 of the proceeds made
from the sale of the Lily Warne poppy brooches goes to the Royal British Legion.
These poppies are also produced in the colours of the Blundell School with the
same charitable donations.
Dian Skelton and MostlyManx
The story of Lily
Warne Wool is not dissimilar from that of Dian Skelton and MostlyManx. Dian
founded MostlyManx under the premise that it would serve to promote the
heritage of the Isle of Man as well as the unique artisans on the Isle by
providing them with an outlet to display their work. Dian is also familiar with
charitable work as MosltyManx occasionally donate
hampers at special and charity events.
