24 hours with: East Essex Hackspace

The communal space in Hawkwell has around 300 members who go there on a weekly basis.

The activities on offer include: wood workshops, metal workshops, laser cutting, a 3D print lab, a computer lab, crafts clubs, as well as boardgame events, cider making, Scout groups and more.

East Essex Hackspace is the brainchild of Ashingdon man, Tim Neobard, along with a team of volunteers.

Based at the old cricket pavilion in Park Gardens, Hawkwell, it opened in 2021 after being refurbished into the new and improved facility.

“Hackspace has become exactly what I had hoped it would be,” said Tim.

“The community have really got behind it and it is used for so many different workshops and clubs. We let people know via Facebook about our regular events as well as the occasional events such as the games nights.”

Youngsters make the most of the facilities too and there are regular Minecraft events as well as boardgame nights to keep them occupied in a safe space.

The project, was three years in the making, is a great community space with a lecture area where groups can meet during the day for learning and social activities.

Cider making - Hackspace has a wide variety of activities on offer.

The community focused team are preparing to donate 120 laptops to Ukrainian refugees in the UK.

“The laptops are for children aged six to 16 who are currently in youth centres and not able to attend UK schools yet.  These people have arrived here with nothing and so the laptops are a way for them to access education now.”

Previously the team made 10,000 face shields and 5,000 ear protectors for the NHS and keyworkers during the pandemic.

A Just Giving page was set up to raise funds for the mammoth task.

For more details search East Essex Hackspace on Facebook.