Build, Make & Mend / Sunday 3rd June / 11am-4pm / Free
A day for residents, children and families to explore the potential of a new community space built by and for the people of Bearwood featuring a packed programme of talks, workshops, an exhibition and lots of free play for all ages.
In this blog post we're featuring one of the sessions at Build, Make & Mend, the very awesome Toy Swap 'n' Mend with Community Led Design & Fabrication experts - KIONDO and Design specialists - PopIN, which will be held in the main hall at Dorothy Parkes from 11.30-1.30pm on Sunday 3rd June.
Join us and a group of families as we squeeze some glue, clink our ratchets, twirl our screwdrivers and brace our needles, repairing and exchanging our accumulated kid's Toys & gadgets. Even better, why stick to traditional tools? Let's go digital with Laser-cutters, Mini-CNC's and 3D Printers!
In today's society it is very easy to pick up something new and simply dispose of what has become no longer relevant to us. Sometimes these things are broken and forgotten, and at other times we simply got bored of them. Nevertheless, we find that these items begin to clutter our lives and we find ourselves needing to free up some space around our homes.
With a little T & C, most items can be given a new lease of life. KIONDO & PopIN want to share this experience with you. Join our friends at #KiondoLabs for our Toy Swap 'n' Mend Workshop, learn how to fix things, make new friends, swap what you no longer need, get your kids involved learning & sharing too!
What will we be doing?
1. Gather, Greet, Mingle and Share Food & Experiences with others
2. Nominate your items for Mending, Swapping or Both?
3. Join the Mender’s Area – Learn & Repair together using all the available tools & techniques
4. Or - Enter the Swap Shop to trade your items for something else you or your child will love
5. Share in a social post-reflection & help award trophies to our most notable participants.
Do I need to bring anything?
KIONDO Labs provide the tools and the safety equipment you will need to get started. You will need to bring:
- Any childhood item that you would like to share by swapping or have mended for a new lease of life. (toys, dolls, instruments, kid’s furniture, kids clothing, etc.) There is nothing too big or too small, as long as you can get it the venue safely.
- Bring Food or Drinks to Share - or - Support the Venue | sharing is caring, and is the way we like to encourage people to break the ice at our workshops. It does not cost a lot, but the rewards go a long way.
Do I need experience?
No experience is required. All you need is curiosity, the drive to learn or the urge rid yourself of an unloved object.
Are there any Age Restrictions?
No, this is a family friendly activity. Any one from 0 - 99+ is able to get involved (be it spectating or getting stuck in). All children should be accompanied by an adult.
This workshop will take place at Dorothy Parkes Centre as part of the Build, Make & Mend . Full programme available at www.bearwood.cc, refreshments will be provided by Bearwood Action for Refugees.
This community day is part of wider programme by Bearwood residents Amy Martin and Sally Taylor, the #RadicalChildcare programme based at Impact Hub Birmingham, and informed by research undertaken by We Are Bearwood.
Places are limited so please register your attendance at our eventbrite - here.