THE new TechShed Frome will be a communal space for makers, hackers, coders, tinkerers – and anybody else who wants to learn.
In April of this year a small group of local people gathered to discuss the possibility of creating a digital maker space in Frome. Hosted by Edventure Frome, the meeting began the creation of what will be a technology hub. A mix of hardware and software activities, available for use by local people.
Plans include regular casual meetups for networking and general collaboration and events such as hackdays to tackle specific challenges. Learning days and visits from guest speakers are also planned. Organisers say that the aim is to deliver community projects for the benefit of individuals, groups and businesses in Frome and to help highlight and spur-on digital innovation in and around the town.
Having watched the Men’s Shed and Women’s Shed go from strength to strength in the last few years, Lisa Hawes at Edventure Frome saw an opportunity to expand on the town’s brilliant and established makery offering.
She said, “We meet local people all the time with amazing technical skills and were aware that no platform for digital collaboration existed in Frome.
“We did a shout out and got an amazing response. We’re excited to have the TechShed pitch at the upcoming Local Entrepreneurs Forum on 2nd July and can already see this group having a big impact in the local community.”
TechShed Frome is keen to reach far into the community. Collaboration with the Frome Young Persons Shed on projects such as live streaming of events and group sessions is in discussion. There is a determination to help tackle community projects that really count to the many demographics in the town.
TechShed Frome has already received positive feedback from Frome Town Council. Mayor of Frome, cllr Mark Dorrington said, “Frome Town Council is particularly interested in new and innovative projects in Frome which support the town’s residents. So we are excited to hear about this opportunity to work with TeschShed Frome, as they can offer a technology-based approach to local issues in a way that has not been available in the past.”
TechShed Frome will be launching soon. To register your interest, join their mailing list by going to www. techshedfrome.org. Or contact them directly through Facebook (search @TechShedFrome) or by emailing info@techshedfrome.org.
