It’s Mick here with a post about asking for potential volunteers for the digital devices work we do. At the Makery, we’ve done a fair bit on finding new homes for digital devices of laptops and phones. And also helping people to use phones and laptops them with a monthly Tech and Tea.
It’s been working really well. people are happy to donate us their old devices, we wipe them and test we can get them working well and people on limited funds really need these devices.
I am going to be really busy at work this year and need to step back from doing this, and so far no one has stepped up to take on coordinating it.
Although it’s important to say many great volunteers have been up for volunteering to tech and tea, and resetting the laptops and phones. Thank you for this!
I’m really reluctant to stop doing this work at the Makery, so before doing so I want to reach out and try to bring people who are interested together to see if we can keep doing it. That meeting may end up working out that there’s a gap that volunteers can’t meet, which is the coordination of other volunteers and working with partners. If so we may need to apply for funding to fund that part of the work.
So could you email on todmordenmakery@gmail.com if you are interested (no firm commitment) in any of the the following. Comments here are welcome but an email will help us to invite you to events.
a) volunteering to help people at Tech and Tea events – mostly simple phone app use and web browser use
b) resetting / wiping phones or putting new software on laptops
c) helping coordinate volunteers on the above – (emails reminding people it’s happening, hosting sessions, and helping spread the word)
d) potentially fund raising, if we need to, with the help of our council’s digital project officer
Once I have this I’ll pull together a meeting to work out a plan for the next year. So if you email, please tell me if you can’t meet in the day / evening.
I’ll also do some training on how to put different flavours of ubuntu (free software) onto old laptop computers as we have a whole bunch coming in.
These workshops are run by some of our members as unpaid volunteers as a way to highlight some of the ongoing skill sharing that happens at our drop in sessions. The resources for these workshops have been provided as part of our ongoing support from Todmorden town Council. We have some more workshops coming up in November too so watch this space.
A form to sign up for the workshops is included at the bottom of this page.
Where: The Makery, Todmorden Community College, Burnley Rd, Todmorden OL14 7BX
Price: FREE No need to book – just drop in
Katrina Heath, a Todmorden resident and a freelance in theatre as a producer, director and facilitator, has invited the Makery to host and for the Makery members to take part in the Northern Broadsides project Iron People.
What is Iron People?
A community project for CultureDale inspired by Ted Hughes’ The Iron Man and The Iron Woman. Northern Broadsides are inviting people from Calderdale to work with extraordinary local artists as part of the year of culture (CultureDale). Throughout the year, there will be workshops open to all ages in performance, making, creative writing and environmentalism.
What’s happening in Todmorden?
We will be using this event at the Makery to inform what comes next and find out what kind of work local people want to be involved in. Activity will happen early in 2025 leading to a community event in February. If you can’t attend this event in October but are interested in joining in after Christmas, then sign up to the Iron People mailing list and we will keep you posted.
Additional info on Katrina Heath who is running the session on the Northern Broadsides website :
In early August 2024 our colleague and friend John Sutcliffe was admitted to Calderdale Royal with acute liver and kidney failure and long standing heart failure. We are sorry to say that John passed away in the early hours of 21st of August. His passing was thankfully painless.
John was a well liked and irreplaceable member of our team at the Makery. He will be greatly missed.
Picture: John on a typical day in the Makery workshop – fixing the motor of a vacuum cleaner with a cup of coffee at hand.
The following tributes have been collected from Makery volunteers and wider members who knew him from his regular volunteering at the Workshop.
There is also this tribute from Cath Holder, a friend of John for 50 years +
Thank you for all your wonderful comments about John,he was godfather to all my boys. He was a unique character and we used to say’ if John cannot mend it no one can’. However I would like to thank all of you for making John so welcome and giving him a purpose in his week as deep down he was lonely especially after his brother’s death. I had to move away to care for my mum and before that we went out weekly for a meal and he was good to me after my husband passed away. There will be an empty seat in our house this Christmas. So again thank you all, you gave him as much as he gave you.
John, nearest the camera, in the Makery workshop on a busy Saturday morning session.
Your name
Elaine
John was a fascinating character. I am glad he found us at the Makery not because he was the best fixer ever but because he was a lovely kind man, so knowledgeable. We will all miss him terribly. I hope he enjoyed his time with us as we did with him.
Ged
Dedicated, hard working, reliable, persevering, kind, knowledgeable. A sad loss for the Makery specifically and humanity generally.
Mick
I really liked that John knew what he really wanted from the Makery ang got a lot out of it and was a very determined character. I enjoyed introducing the people he fixed things for to him to thank him. A legend of fixing!.
Anna
John was such an interesting person to have known- he was quite simply the ” man who could fix anything” mechanical or electrical and he had endless patience with technology. He was always the first person in the Makery on Monday mornings and I used to look forward to having a chat with him before work started. He told us of his many travels in northern europe and sweden in particular, where he’d visited old friends in the last year. I remember him taking great delight in showing us some Scandinavian text which he translated with ease. Also his very useful tips for finding one’s way through Schilpol airport which were very helpful ! I remember him bringing in copies of a short book he’d written on his subject of medical physics … a very interesting/ lively read and also him telling us about the science talks he gave in local schools which he enjoyed immensely. All in all he was a most remarkable man and he will be sadly missed by us all… RIP John
Nicola
John was a singularly inspirational volunteer and integral to the Makery with prolific skills, energy and enthusiasm in repairing countless electricals for the community. He was a fascinating and kind man, the twinkle in his eyes I will miss enormously.
Caroline
I’ll miss John too and very sad to hear he has died. He found our kind and welcoming place and we found his great knowledge and expertise.He had friends around the world and enjoyed hosting his friend from France earlier in the year.Somehow we got talking about atomic research in Europe and the USSR, a man with a very wide-ranging knowledge and interests.As other folk have said, he was always determined to make things work and we valued his skills.
Ruth
Sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a kind and generous gentleman with his time and knowledge at the Makery. He helped to fix the telescope that belonged to my late father. I’m ever grateful for this gift of service. John shared his knowledge and stories with me of his time spent in observatories and fixing and building telescopes in his past. I could’ve spent hours longer than we did chatting about these topics! I’ll think of your generosity and remember the importance of continuing to share ourselves with the world and community every time I look through the telescope! Much love. Ruth
Daz
I always found John’s expertise invaluable when I came across an electrical issue, he will be sorely missed by everyone at the Makery, and beyond. RiP John
Tom
I’ve rarely been to a session at the Makery without John there….the smell of soldering iron, the drip of some oil or other, and an orderly chaos of dismembered mechanical parts dancing around a cup of coffee on the worktop. I am deeply grateful for the pop-up conversations with John about how a bike light works, some nuance of atmospheric physics, or how to engage school children in innovative science. A man in service of so many…keeping landfill’s emptier, and peoples electrical items whirring. If there were ever to be a statue built in John’s memory out of all the things he’s repaired it would be a mile high and made out of vacuum cleaners, radios, lamps and toasters (to name but a few)! A fitting dedication to an extraordinary human.
Liz
John came regularly to the Makery and worked tirelessly but happy doing repairs. He always did his best apart of the team volunteering and such amazing knowledge of all sorts. It goes without saying he was one of a kind.
Fran
John was a mine of information and a repairer Extraordinaire! As well as having interesting views on a lot of topics.He was always very appreciative of the cakes I brought in and I will miss his delight in looking to see what I had brought. He will be remembered for a long time.
Helen D
I am very sorry to hear this news but I’m glad that he is being remembered and to acknowledge his presence, talents and generosity in this way. I remember how he took each object seriously and did his best for them.
Cath HolderFriend of John 50 years +
Thank you for all your wonderful comments about John,he was godfather to all my boys. He was a unique character and we used to say’ if John cannot mend it no one can’. However I would like to thank all of you for making John so welcome and giving him a purpose in his week as deep down he was lonely especially after his brother’s death. I had to move away to care for my mum and before that we went out weekly for a meal and he was good to me after my husband passed away. There will be an empty seat in our house this Christmas.So again thank you all,you gave him as much as he gave you.
Come visit the Makery community workshop and find out what we do.
Makery Tour Wednesday 29th May: 14.30 – 15.00 pm
Wednesday 5th of June – 19.00 – 19.30 pm Makery Workshop – Todmorden College – Burnley Road
This is a chance to come visit the Makery to find out what is happening and what is available at Todmorden’s community workshop.
These event make up a series of orientation events to help you find out if there is something for you at the Makery or we can help you make new things happen.
Please book on via email or via the form below todmordenmakery@gmail.com
Above is a link to a discussion piece on the ethos of the Makery. Some of it is pasted below. Please do comment on the above especially if you are a member and want to input to it.
Thoughts on the Ethos and the Uniqueness of the Makery
A discussion piece: There are a few models of spaces that are similar to the Makery – e.g. repair cafe, hack space, maker space, community centres – but it also seems to be a unique blend. This is a personal attempt to get down on paper some of the different threads of activity and the ethos behind them as a way of discussing them with members and steering group going forward.
We make it happen together: The Makery is created together by its members whether they volunteer regularly or pop in occasionally. While some projects do need some coordination to happen which people are paid for, the whole project is made possible only by the good will of people giving their time and chipping in resources.
In Club Makery drinks are free – the kettle and the sofa are key tools: In other words having a brew, a chat and relaxing is an important part of the project.
Peer Learning and Teaching: One great thing about the Makery is that it is a space which is designed to support and encourage peer learning. This learning is not only at specific workshops, nor only for people that bring in repairs that they would like to learn how to do themselves, it also happens through accidental learning and teaching. For example, someone that visits the Makery to get some trousers taken up may overhear someone else asking about how to do something else completely and be prompted to share their knowledge.
A space built on membership rather than consuming a product: While specific workshops are useful as an outreach tool, it is being a part of a community of members that underlies the ethos of the space. As such, everyone that enters the space is encouraged to join the project as a member. Other members are also curious about what they want to develop or create and what they could share with others if given the right support. Ideally people are helped to find a space for themselves in the Makery project.
Valuing diversity in background, values and approaches: When people have different approaches and backgrounds it is a rich ground for learning. It is worthwhile being proactive to try to attract a varied membership base using the space and to be honest about what could be better. Let’s also keep celebrating the contributions of regular volunteers who donate their time to help others.
A practical approach to reusing and repurposing: Permaculture approaches apply to growing but they also apply to other uses of resources. Where possible we act as a hub for donations of tools and materials to grow our skills and help people (for example the free shop). Reducing waste is useful and empowering.
Shared access to technology and skills: The tool library and 3D printer are examples how it can be more efficient and fair to have shared, community access to tools. It is also worth celebrating that people will volunteer to help.
Playful approaches and creations building useful skills: The process of making something that’s fun and frivolous can also build skills and inspire curiosity of others in the process of making it. For example creating a donations box that was a pinball machine, with LED lights.
A space for Family Learning and more isolated adults: There are some particular groups for which the Makery seems to provide space and experiences which are hard to get anywhere else. For families it’s a great space to make things together while being in a space that values repair skills and reducing waste. For adults that may be relatively isolated for whatever reason it is a great way of being in a social space with low pressure and the sense of being part of something that is created together with others and valued by the community.
Happy Leap Day! Here is a very quick newsletter for the Makery.
First of all many, many thanks to Todmorden town council for funding us towards our core costs of rent, insurance and materials etc. The town council were are first funders back in 2021, and while are have been very lucky to get generous donations from our members, we still rely on this support. Many Thanks Again!
Many Thanks for the support of Todmorden Town Council
New Timetable
Here’s our new timetable. Men in Sheds is now weekly.
Other Projects
Tech and Tea is happening March 1st – so tell your friends if you think they would benefit. We are also still collecting old phones and tech. That’s going really well!
This project is going really wellCome along if you can help or need help
Members meeting soon!
We usually have a members meeting a few times a year to get your ideas and help people get involve in the project. We’ll be having one soon in March. But if you have ideas please just reply to this email with your ideas.
In September to November 2023 we ran the following workshops for Todmorden residents with help from the local Ward council who paid for resources and workshop leaders and CFFC who provided support via Nicola our volunteer coordinator.
For quite a while we have been finding new homes for older laptops that people have donated. We wipe the hard drive put on low power operating system and make sure it works well enough to browse the web.
We are now widening this out to phones and tablets. They are tricker to fix so we are also doing a partnership with St Augustine’s refugee project who can fix the devices that we can’t.
To back up this offer we are also going to do monthy Tech and Tea events to support people getting online. If you could help us by donating devices or volunteering at Tech and Tea please do get in touch on todmordenmakery @ gmail.com.
The Makery has been a fantastic project to get involved with. As we come up to our second birthday we now have 6 weekly drop-ins and other regular Men in Sheds and Women in Workshops sessions. These are great spaces for doing repairs, getting on with your making projects or getting help to do particular project. These sessions are now usually thriving and lively. It can be a bit hectic for some. We now have a dedicated quiet session on Wednesdays at 1.30.
We also have one off workshops which are a great way of getting involved in the project. Have a look at the flyers below for more information.
Recover and Remake is a series of creative, sustainable textile workshops in a relaxing and friendly environment designed to support the mental wellbeing of Todmorden residents. Feel free to ask us any questions.
Do you think this would be a good thing for you or someone you know. If so please do get in touch.
We’ll get in touch on the week of the workshop to confirm. If we can’t offer you a space you should still be able to complete the project as we’ll provide materials and some guidance at our drop in sessions. Come in and ask about out project boxes.
The Makery as a welcoming and supportive space.
We want to try to make our workshop as welcoming as we can for many sorts. The sessions above are especially aimed to help people’s wellbeing. We have found that one off guided workshops are really good at getting new people involved in the Makery. Especially for people that may find the drop in sessions a bit hectic or are not sure how to get involved.
Also each of these workshops aims to create a project box which will contain materials and pictures and where appropriate instructions. These boxes will be stored under the main tables of the workshop making it easy to get them out and have a guided project to get started on.
One job that needs doing is to test out a Project Box and check that it is easy to to use. You could then give feedback or if you want to go further improve it with photos or simple instructions. Just get in touch on todmordenmakery @gmail.com
Drop In Sessions Tuesdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm Monthly on First Tuesdays Makery Workshop – Tod College, Burnley Rd
“Build, brew & bond”
Upcoming dates Tuesday 5th September
Tuesday 3rd October
Come along to Women in Workshop at the Makery (Todmorden’s Community Workshop project). At these sessions you will have access to the tools and materials available in the workshop. Wood, Textiles and DiY etc. What happens? It’s an informal learning space. Women come to work on their projects or to ask for help with specific ideas. Sometimes there are demonstrations of specific skills. If you have questions feel free to get in touch on todmordenmakery@gmail.com
Elaine and Christine ran a fantastic workshop on making decorative repairs. You can come into a Wednesday or Friday drop in in the days if you want to try to get help doing the same.
Ben Duxbury ran this workshop which managed to fit in making stools into a very short timeframe by carefully planning the workshop to allow different pairs of participants to make one piece each which slotted together at the end.
We invite you to the Makery community workshop to use some of our equipment and materials at these workshops. These Events are kindly supported by Todmorden Town Council.
You can book in the following ways
Pop into the college and sign up at reception
Text your name and the date of the workshop to 07763395917 – we’ll text back to confirm
Email us on todmordenmakery@gmail.com
Follow us on facebook and message us there
If you have questions feel free to get in touch at todmordenmakery@gmail.com
We are open today Wednesday but closed on Friday the 17th March 2023. Then it’s back to normal service.
Secondly – you are invited to an event at the Makery next Friday
Come share ideas with us Every now and then we have a Meet Up & Eat Up to share food and ideas for project, events and other things at the Makery.
All welcome to this open Meet Up & Eat Up gathering
Friday 24th Mar 11-12 Makery Workshop – Todmorden College – Burnley Road
Finally, you are invited to a Photography Exhibition by Chris Foster – who made the photo frames with the support of the Makery and it’s volunteers.
1-31 March 2023 – Todmorden Information Centre – 15 Burnley Rd, Todmorden OL14 7BU
As the Covid 19 pandemic forced us into lockdown the word ‘gathering’ became synonymous with something we could no longer do, something which was in fact illegal. Yet, while we were forced to wave to each other from different sides of the street, to talk through windows, or to meet in some new virtual capacity, nature carried on without us. Perhaps even celebrated our absence from places we had previously dominated.
Forced to stay local, to be still, and seeking the connection I could no longer find with people, I began to wander areas I had not yet given attention, often due to a lack of time. As a commercial photographer it seemed that my work had dominated my creative output. The pandemic, it seems, forced many of us to slow down, to ponder, to reflect. As the weeks became months, and even years, I became the observer of these gatherings in nature; places where starlings chattered amongst the branches, badgers collected in the evening light and rain drops congregated on leaves and webs.
Now we once again gather, enjoying each other’s company and revelling in the closeness of each other. We come together for events, for groups, for company. Nowhere is this celebration of each other, of community more evident than in the Saturday Makery, where young and old gather to create, to talk, to share. In fact, it was in the Makery that I built the frames which hold the prints you see. As such 20% of all profits from sales will be donated to this group to ensure that we can continue to gather.
