[New post] MFH Woodworking – What’s the story? How did it all begin?
mfhwoodworking posted: " The prep ~ The opening of the workshop in September ~ And now... Well, well, well. What a few months it has been! The prep. The unit that I took over was well and truly a mess. Left alone for a number of years, it was full of... '"
The prep ~ The opening of the workshop in September ~ And now...
Well, well, well. What a few months it has been!
The prep.
The unit that I took over was well and truly a mess. Left alone for a number of years, it was full of... 'rubbish'. I remember opening the door the very first time and it shocked me. How on earth will I be able to move here in a month's time? I was unable to walk further than 2 metres inside. It was packed to the roof and it was scary. I felt numb thinking of the amount of work needed to be done before I could start concentrating on my new business idea. Luckily, the unit's owner and family kept positive, discussed a plan of action and we rolled our sleeves up.
Once empty, it looked bigger than I thought, I was pleased but a lot of work was still in front of us. The metal beams had to be cleaned and painted, the front gate needed to be straightened and re-hanged, the roof renewed with new 'see through' panels, the floor to be scrubbed, the walls cleaned and painted, a brand new bathroom needed to be built and fitted, a complete new electrical system including lighting needed to be fitted too.
Once completed, it looked amazing! I was so happy to finally see my vision turn into reality. I had been preparing for this for a while, my public liability insurance was in place, I had manufactured the workbenches, purchased the tools, power tools and some machinery already. All I needed was to put it all in place.
The opening of the workshop in September
The opening was great. I had advertised throughout the summer on Facebook and the bookings were taking place. It is always difficult to imagine how well an idea can actually take place.
I opened the workshop for the first time on a Saturday morning offering a taster day to the children from Live to Learn and Tutoring Exmouth and their parents. All the children made a hanging chalkboard and decorated it. The feedback at the end of the session was great.
And Now...
Each Friday morning, I guide young adults from 'Live to Learn and Tutoring Exmouth' with woodworking tasks. So far, they have each been able to produce a bird box, a bird feeder, an insect hotel and are currently busy preparing Christmas items. They are doing super well and progressing with their hand skills, independence and most importantly enjoying learning.
During the week, I open on Wednesday and Thursday evening to deliver classes for adults. This has been amazing!!! All of the people that have attended have been so wonderful, thank you. What's really nice to see is the pleasure that people get from working with wood and hand tools. Having no knowledge or skills to begin with, but able to complete a challenging project by the end of the 6 weeks course is so fulfilling. The skills learned in that short time are just magnificent.
On Friday afternoons, I offer personalised sessions to individuals who are after getting skills to be able to work by themselves on their own projects. This also has been superb.
I also offer an 'After school woodworking club' on Fridays from 16.30 to 18.00. So far, there has been no takers but I'll see how it goes for now.
On some Saturdays (once a month), I open the workshop to families. An opportunity to get together and build something as a team. This has been great and very satisfying. The children, as well as the parents have thoroughly enjoyed cutting, fixing, putting together an item of their choice to take home.
Nearly 2 months have passed and I could not be happier.
The feedback left has been very constructive and rewarding. It has helped me to continue on improving every day. With Christmas coming in fast, I am currently working on a Christmas nativity scene and on providing sessions where you can build a Christmas present for your loved ones. Photos to appear on my Facebook page soon!
I am so pleased to provide and offer sessions that are affordable, fun, new and stress free for the community of Devon.
If you fancy joining in on a session or class, let me know
Thank you so much. Marc
For more info on the different classes & more, click on the links below...
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