We should be able to reopen on a very limited and experimental basis by the end of this coming week
On the basis that perfection is the enemy of progress I’m making a very brief post now so that members will be able to start thinking about and planning for some making – apologies for the lack of communication so far
The front page of our website currently shows this:
We will move it to - 01 EQUIPMENT ACCESS as soon as we can make it safe enough to do so
A lot of work has been put in by a small but committed team, and we’ve identified what needs to be in place for this to happen: we’ll get some posts out calling for volunteers separately (there’s fun stuff and drudgery!)
In the first phase of opening members will be able to book a 3 hour time slot for specific tools/areas – and these will be limited to one or two per member per week in the first instance. Until we’re confident about the systems the max room occupancy of each workshop will be one member (we very much expect this to increase as we test and improve ventilation and air purification)
Please note (some of these present a real challenge for our usual ways of making, and won’t be easy):
- there will be no storage available: please bring along and take away everything you need
- single area work only: so plan your making accordingly (think about what’s in the workshop you’re booking a session in). We’re assembling some small boxes of general items for each area (tapes, craft knives etc) as you won’t have access to other areas…suggestions for contents of these very welcome
- strict 3 hour time slots (we believe this is a reasonable amount of focused making time, and will give access to a broad range of members)
- masks to be worn at all times while in the workshops. A non-valved mask is mandatory (plus an FFP3 mask if booking the woodshop – this can be valved)
- booking is 24 hours in advance
- lone working rules apply: you may need to buddy up to use dangerous tools
- kitchen will be closed: kettle and microwave will be accessible, and the garden area has been tidied for refreshment breaks
- everyone will have a COVID-induction prior to using the Space. This will mostly be online after initial trials
We understand that some will find the restrictions frustrating, but we urge members to react imaginatively to the challenges
This will be an iterative process: we want systems in place that work to keep us all safe, and are actually workable for members to achieve fabulous making: we’ll take feedback and real-world experience from this and blend it back in to improving the systems – it certainly won’t be anywhere near perfect at first
A mid-term goal (next fortnight) is to set up some outdoor work benches: we believe this is the safest way to work and remain COVID-safe. At the moment we haven’t got beyond the idea that this would be at lest two flat benches, with weather cover and likely power supplies. If you have any thoughts about how we can make a versatile outdoor workshop then let us know