About

A series of 11 workshops running through 2024. Booking fees will be used to cover our costs in running these events, and to enable us to develop similar initiatives in the future.

A series of workshops, where local people who have developed skills in business and voluntary work, can pass on their tips and techniques. The workshops are all about using resources efficiently: maintaining, preserving, and repairing to avoid throwing things away and consuming unnecessarily. Each workshop will be led by one or two experienced people, but we hope everyone who comes along will share their skills and experiences. If you are in receipt of benefits, you can book for half price.

Session Details:

21st January – Bicycle repair and maintenance

This skill-share session deals with the basics of bike maintenance. We will look at problem diagnosis, gear and brake adjustment, and lubrication. You are welcome to bring your own bike along.

18th February – Efficient control of lighting and heating

This session will look at how you can control your heating at home (or work) to give you the comfort you want, without wasting energy.

17^th March – Revive your laptop

If you have an old or underperforming laptop, we will look at how it can be made to run faster and more reliably. We will look at both hardware and software changes you might make. You are welcome to bring along your own laptop.

21^st April – Printers and audio-video equipment - Sorry: session cancelled due to illness

If you have an old or unreliable printer, we will look at both hardware and software changes you might make to keep it going. Similarly with HiFi, televisions and other audio-visual devices. You are welcome to bring along your own equipment, but please let us know in advance.

19^th May – Basic furniture repair

If you want to repair furniture to avoid having to replace it this workshop will give you some ideas. Come along with your own ideas and issues.

16^th June – Repairing textiles (sewing and darning)

Pick up some ideas and techniques for working with different textile materials at this session. Come along with your own ideas and issues – do bring your materials and suggestions.

21^st July – Repair of small domestic appliances and printers

Find out about the workings of all those domestic appliances that go wrong so easily; gizmos, gadgets, machines, tools. You hear some tips about working on things like fridges, washing machines, irons, and toasters. Bring your own repair nightmares and success stories. And if you have an old or unreliable printer, we will look at both hardware and software changes you might make to keep it going

18^th August – Preserving foods (fermenting and bottling etc.)

Before the advent of fridges and freezers there were techniques of preserving foods that can be reintroduced to store produce grown locally. Techniques such as fermenting, bottling and making preserves will be explored in this workshop. Join in with your favourite ways of storing and keeping foods.

15^th September – Controlling drafts and ventilation in the home

The UK housing stock is famously 'leaky' – our efforts to heat where we live are often defeated and wasted by cold air pushing out the air we've warmed. Come prepared with the techniques and means for controlling drafts that you use in your home.

20^th October – Choosing and installing insulation

The UK housing stock is famously 'leaky' – our efforts to heat where we live are often defeated and wasted by cold air pushing out the air we've warmed. Come prepared with the techniques and means for controlling drafts that you use in your home.

17^th November – Looking after your hand and power tools

Working on your home requires tools. Unlike professional tools, domestic tools are used infrequently but when they are needed they need to be working and in good condition. This session will offer some guidance on looking after the tools we are likely to have and to need to use occasionally. What sort of tools do you use? Are they ready when needed?

To book your ticket(s), click the date you are interested in, on the calendar shown on the right. For workshops in future months, scroll through the months using the < > arrows. A yellow button then appears which takes you to the ticket purchasing screen.

Location

Get directions

Lancaster Sustainability Hub
Unit 6, Marketgate Shopping Centre, (At the rear of Primark), Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 1JF

Contact Event Organiser