MakerSpace

From billharvs on the mailing list, 6 May 2026 21:11 UTC

Hi all,
Several years ago I built a MakerSpace at our school. It’s not a huge space, but does have a large workbench, 8 Raspberry Pi Computers / Screens etc, 2 x 3D Printers, Bench Drill, Hobby Lathe and a selection of tools.
The original
plan was to use this in school as we as opening up once a month to the community.
I use it a couple of times a week in school, however have not managed to open it up to the community.
This could be worth exploring again?

Thoughts

From Chris Bolton on the mailing list, 6 May 2026 21:36 UTC

Hi Bill,

Thanks for sharing this!  My initial thoughts are if we could arrange an informal visit from interested members of the club to have a look and discuss possible options?

Could you let us know the location and suggest a convenient date/time that would work for you... and will there be a Dalek ( https://www.facebook.com/reel/975609681534612 ) in attendance ;) ?

Many Thanks

Chris

From Patrick on the mailing list, 6 May 2026 21:39 UTC

Bill, are you able to share the school's name or approximate location - I'm assuming Barnstaple?
Sounds like a great starting point! Also, on a slightly morose note, does anyone have any insights to share on why FabLab closed/wasn't successful?
Cheers,
Patrick

From Jon Harrison-Hughes on the mailing list, 7 May 2026 18:43 UTC

Bill, I was also saddened when they closed the FabLab , it was such a useful resource for the community. At least Pi Jam is still going.

Patrick, I believe it was a staffing issue ; even though there were vols willing to run it.

Jon

From Patrick on the mailing list, 7 May 2026 19:00 UTC

Thanks Jon! I googled Pi Jam but can't find anything recent (there was a FB link on google, FB won't let me join... apparently I'm a robot :-) -- can you connect me?

From Jon Harrison-Hughes on the mailing list, 7 May 2026 19:04 UTC

Patrick, haven't been for ages but email Matt Chamings at matt.chamings@***rariesunlimited.org.uk , it runs every other Saturday from 10-12 in the IT Suite at Barnstaple Library , the next one is this Saturday (May 9th 2026).

Jon

From Patrick Lidstone on the mailing list, 7 May 2026 19:14 UTC

Sadly (not really :-) on hols, but would would be up for the next one!

From billharvs on the mailing list, 8 May 2026 10:28 UTC

Braunton / Caen School

Ref the FabLab closure, AFAIK it was connected to staffing and a flawed business model, from what I have gleaned finding was available at the start to set it up and pay for a technician to run it for a limited number of years, after which it was presumed it would be generating sufficient funds to coverall running costs (inc staff). It was never going to raise enough money to pay a wage and this should have been incorporated into the plan.
Several people suggested that it could be run by volunteers, but when I asked the decision had been made.
We were hoping that some of the equipment would remain and be used by the Pi Jam, but everything was sent to Exeter (apart from the small mobil Ultimaker Go Printer).

From billharvs on the mailing list, 8 May 2026 10:29 UTC

Chris,

Probably on any weekend, subject to personal commitments.
Busy this weekend paint a  Dalek!!

Bill