You can also find us on facebook.com/oldprintworks.

More information in due course.

Please apply for handicraft display stalls to Ian Greenwood: 449 0278

The ability to repair articles, conserving energy and materials is becoming increasingly important and those with the ability to repair articles made of leather, wood, glass and metal will be welcomed in the Make-it Zone.  

Neil’s Cycles

A month ago Neil Kinnaird moved in. He offers sales and repair of BMX bikes to enthusiasts from Birmingham and surrounding areas who come to Balsall Heath to ride at CREATION SKATEPARK.

The Skatepark facilities include ramps and climbing walls within The Old Bus Depot on the corner of Moseley Road and Trafalgar Road. 

Creation is a charity. In its governing document, the charity undertakes to promote its facilities for individuals living in Birmingham and the surrounding area, who need such facilities “by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the condition of life of the said inhabitants.”  

All over the country, indoor and outdoor facilities are being encouraged by local government and charities, in recognition of their value in promoting health though exercise and developing social skills. 

Neil provides several services, including: 

• repair of the BMX bikes used in this demanding sport;
• giving youngsters use of the special tools and helping them to repair and maintain their cycles;
• offering local riders bikes and components at the same price as that given online. 

Bicycle motocross or BMX is an Olympic sport involving racing on banked tracks over jumps. Neil is no stranger to Extreme Sports having tried BMX, Skateboarding, Snowboarding and Mountain Biking. He is also a graphic designer, specialising in print and web. 

Go to Neil’s site here.

Contact Neil about design needs, sales or repairs here.

• Festive mince pies and mulled apple juice
• Short film event – Stalls free of charge

Organised by Brainwash Brum

All welcome on Saturday 6th November from 2pm

Hear the plans and see the potential !

The event will showcase Made goods for Display

in the run up to Christmas

IT’S FREE to Display goods MADE IN BIRMINGHAM

AND THE GREATER MIDLANDS. 

Why not send something along in advance of the day and

be there on the 6th?

As the Make-it Zone’s home page says, you can rent a workshop at a very reasonable cost at the Old Print Works and have ‘a shop front to the world’.  

 

His workshop 

The building they are preparing is in the yard of the main Make-it Zone premises, for safety reasons.  Part of the roof needs attention and the place must be lined with fireproof blocks. 

The forge will be used outside in all but the harshest weather but is mobile and will be used inside if there is snow, for instance. It will only be used in one particular indoor zone, lined with extra fire-reinforced blocks. Fire extinguishers will be bought and an extractor fan and security door fitted. 

All the work will be done by Leo and Pete and materials and equipment are being bought gradually from income because Leo does not want to incur debt – though that would enable it to be done very quickly. He expects all to be finished well before December. 

Training young people 

Leo shares the the Make-it Zone vision of providing after-school learning opportunities for young people interested in acquiring real hands-on skills. 

He has trained young people in the past and after discussing the process – and some pitfalls – with Leo and MIZ’ founder Ian Greenwood, the latter mapped out a fair and practical training outline, which could well be set out in a leaflet for other tenants who are prepared to offer training in their particular disciplines.  

 Come to the launch party on October 2^nd and look around for Leo and Ian if you’d like to hear more.

Hear the plans and see the potential!