Dukeries Community Workshop - A Brief History
1986- Unemployment was high. Members of the Adult Unemployed Centre expressed a desire to use workshop facilities.
As school rolls fell, under used accommodation was identified. In April, a project submission was put before the Dukeries Complex Council of Management and a steering group was set up.
A fourteen-week pilot scheme commenced in July. This was successful but funding to continue the project could not be provided by Notts County Council Resources.
Main target group - adult unemployed. Those made redundant emerged as the most significant user group. Facing the possibility of long-term unemployment these were the most consistent users. Almost 50% were ex-miners, 99% were male.
Today in 2024 we have over 200 users and are open 5 days a week and Monday Evenings
Honorary Officers and Trustees
Chairman: Terry McLaughlin;
Vice Chairman: Bill Woodcock
Treasurer : Sarah Thorpe
Secretary : Alan Perry
General Committee Members
Elaine Mirfin, Colin Thompson, Nabeel Hadadd, Phil Parr, Audrey Kew
Key Volunteers and Other Helpers
Tutors and regular session leaders:
Alan Perry: General woodwork and working with students from the Academy
Ann Haynes: Kiln fused glass
Elaine Mirfin: Stained glass and silver jewellery
Bill Woodcock: Wood carving
Bill Woodcock: Walking sticks
Phil Parr: Woodworking
Mel and Sarah: Silver Jewellery
Stand in session leaders: Mel (stained glass)
Authorised Machine Maintenance: Phil Parr, Alan Perry, Colin Thompson.
1986- Unemployment was high. Members of the Adult Unemployed Centre expressed a desire to use workshop facilities.
As school rolls fell, under used accommodation was identified. In April, a project submission was put before the Dukeries Complex Council of Management and a steering group was set up.
A fourteen-week pilot scheme commenced in July. This was successful but funding to continue the project could not be provided by Notts County Council Resources.
Main target group - adult unemployed. Those made redundant emerged as the most significant user group. Facing the possibility of long-term unemployment these were the most consistent users. Almost 50% were ex-miners, 99% were male.
Today in 2024 we have over 200 users and are open 5 days a week and Monday Evenings
Honorary Officers and Trustees
Chairman: Terry McLaughlin;
Vice Chairman: Bill Woodcock
Treasurer : Sarah Thorpe
Secretary : Alan Perry
General Committee Members
Elaine Mirfin, Colin Thompson, Nabeel Hadadd, Phil Parr, Audrey Kew
Key Volunteers and Other Helpers
Tutors and regular session leaders:
Alan Perry: General woodwork and working with students from the Academy
Ann Haynes: Kiln fused glass
Elaine Mirfin: Stained glass and silver jewellery
Bill Woodcock: Wood carving
Bill Woodcock: Walking sticks
Phil Parr: Woodworking
Mel and Sarah: Silver Jewellery
Stand in session leaders: Mel (stained glass)
Authorised Machine Maintenance: Phil Parr, Alan Perry, Colin Thompson.