OPEN ACCESS DAYS
pay-what-you-can
Come along to our pay-what-you-can woodworking sessions that run from 10-4.30pm most Saturdays. You will get your own bench, be given a set of your own tools, and you will be able to access a store of up-cycled and recycled wood to use. These workshops are for anyone who identifies as a woman & any other marginalised gender (trans and non-binary inclusive!)
What does the day entail?
Throughout the day your pace is entirely down to you. Learn and explore at your own bench with supportive guidance when you need it, or be instructed in more depth with specific tasks and exercises that will help you build confidence and understanding of tools and building fundamentals. You could work on something of your own design, or contribute to the on-going renovation of our workshop space by building a raised flower bed for our garden or a simple tool box for our storage. The aim of the workshops isn't like that of a commercial course where you leave with a perfect finished product, but to build up your confidence, skill sets and knowledge. That being said, if you're determined and passionate there's no limits to what you might achieve in a session!
Don't worry if you're unsure where to start or not sure what to think, you will be welcomed to an open and compassionate space that will help you build that groundwork and get going! No experience necessary - this is a place to start from scratch, build upon a growing set of skills or for more confident makers/tradesfolk to come and enjoy a supportive and empowering space.
A basic communal GF and vegan lunch of rice and lentils will be prepared, but please bring your own snacks for throughout the day! Additionally, we have an open request to bring a vegetable to add to the communal lunch if you would like to do so :) Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions when you book.
How does the pay-what-you-feel work?
We are running our workshops on a pay-what-you-feel basis so that regardless of income workshops are available and inclusive to anyone. We'll leave it in your hands as to how much you're able to contribute but we've come up with some guide prices based on the cost of materials, facilitator time and refreshments. Unemployed £0-£10 // Low-income and students £15-25 // Standard £30-£40 // Pay it forward (give a little extra to help pay for someone else's session) £45+. We will give you details for online payment on the day.
Our service is not free to run and we will rely on a community centred
and conscious mindset from those participating to contribute fairly.
We feel really strongly that our workshops are for everyone and your financial situation should not be a barrier to building skills and feeling empowered so please get in touch if you're unable to contribute at this time. Bursary places are available for all sessions.
Important information
- Please arrive at the workshop at 10am ready for your induction.
- Covid Precautions: Please do not attend if you have any symptoms or have been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19. We have shared ear defenders sand safety glasses but if you'd like to avoid sharing these items please bring your own.
- Currently, these sessions are for participants age 18 or over but we welcome minors 15 - 17 when accompanied by a parent/guardian. If you're interested in youth sessions keep your eyes peeled as these sessions will be developed in the near future.
- Please make sure your calendar is free if you book a space - we understand cancellations can be inevitable for many personal reasons (ideally give us as much warning as possible to share on the opportunity), but please try to avoid double-booking yourself or booking before you're sure.
How to get here and travel considerations
Manor Farm, Buncton, Washington Rd, Steyning BN44 3DD
We don’t have our actual workshop space linked on google maps yet but this address will take you right into our stable yard. You’ll come off the A283 and come down a thin gravel track. Our yard is the first right, and you will see our barn.
Unfortunately public transport access to the countryside is pretty abysmal, despite the workshop being very close to many towns and the city. At the moment we can't offer any guaranteed lifts or pick ups to the workshop - we're working on it! - so for the time being you need to be able to get yourself here. Please see HERE for a few researched public transport options.
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TESTIMONIALS
"I loved the progression and process of taking apart a pallet and creating a different object. The emphasis was on using a free resource and regenerating it into something new. The pace was very relaxed allowing for discussion and questions. The teaching was respectful, detailed and totally practical which I really enjoyed. I use the word 'respectful' as the workshop was deliberately not oversubscribed because the facilitators were keen to foster a safe and intimate space in the workshop to enable the participants to get the focus and attention they needed. I felt totally catered for and would definitely recommend this experience to anyone."
"Every part of it was interesting, relevant, useful and excellently delivered!
I found Georjie's approach was fantastic for supporting me to feel welcome, comfortable, able to ask questions, try/explore tools and techniques that were new to me - and generally to learn. Her approach shows clearly her knowledge and skills she's learned, whilst also she seems to remember how it is to be brand new to something, and explains everything very well."
"The perfect balance of instruction, opportunity to try without being too closely watched, and an offer of support at just the right time (before I lost confidence). Very natural, intuitive and supportive teaching."