Let’s Make it Happen!
We are a collection of groups and individuals working together to make a community making workshop space happen.
If you just want updates about Repair Cafe sign up below as a Friend
Todmorden Maker Space is a member-run space where volunteers help people do the following activities in drop-in and workshop sessions.
- Repair – repair cafe activities – bikes, electronic appliances, anything that can be glued, knife sharpening & textile repairs
- Tool library – weekly rental of power tools such mitre saws, cordless drills and garden strimmers
- Art and Craft Making – woodworking, textiles, low-cost crafting materials
- Refurbishing Computers – for distribution to household that need them (Tech Tastic)
- Software training – code club, art and tech workshops for family, kids and adults
Good for the Planet – Good for People
There are many different kinds of maker spaces, (including fab labs, hackerspaces, hacklabs). We like to think our own version which we call a Makery – is special in its own way.
Our maker space will have a focus making/fixing that is good for the planet and which builds community spirit. Anything we can do to avoid things going into landfill has to be a good thing. But this project is more than just about building technical fixing skills.
There is already great fixing and making knowledge in our community. This space can help collect into one place and nurture it. We think that growing our collective understanding of what can and can’t be repaired and who has the skills to do it is a fantastic focus to pull people together. Once we’re part of the club, sharing our own knowledge and skills with others only adds to the magic.
Here are some examples on how this can be put into practice.
- Fast Fashion has a huge negative environmental impact but Upcycling textile materials is fun and creative.
- Learning some basic repair skills is something that everyone can do and can make you feel more empowered around the challenges of living in a consumerist society
- Making Art via recycling materials is a great motivator and a really accessible way to interest people in repairing and fixing activities
Frequently asked Questions
What is a Makery? There are lots of flavours of maker spaces – ours is a community workshop where volunteers run open access drop in sessions and other workshops.
How do I become a member and use the space? Membership is pay-what-you-can basis. Anyone is free to use the space once they become a member. For some equipment you will need to do some training before you can use it.
What equipment will be available? To start with the equipment will be relatively portable and low cost. What equipment will be available? Sewing machines, a good set of repairing tools, art and craft materials, a set of laptops for workshops, specialist wood, textiles and electronics equipment. The Tool Library will have brand new cordless power tools such as mitre saws, lawnmowers, circular saws, drill drivers, SDS drills, hedge trimmers etc.
Where is it happening? We have a workshop space in Todmorden College. Come and visit us.
How will you pay the bills? Through a combination of monthly membership fees by those that can afford it, one off grants to pay the rent from local authorities, and funding to run activities like workshops for young people, families and all flavours of adults.
What do you need right now? How can I help? The following would be really useful:
- Offers to share your skills with your friends and other members in the space.
- Donations of sewing machines, laptops, keyboards, mice, glue guns and repairing tools.
- Spread the word to your friends and family – especially to people who might volunteer to do workshops