In 2008 we celebrated 25 years of sending tools to Africa from Crickhowell

TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE groups collect old and unwanted hand tools from all over the UK. We clean repair and sharpen them, and send tool kits to grass roots community groups in 6 African countries.

Celebrating our 25th birthday at our workshop in Crickhowell - August 2008

TFSR CYMRU is one of around 70 TFSR groups in the U.K.  We are based in Crickhowell in South Wales. We are a registered charity, and work towards a more equitable sharing of the world's resources.

There are currently 7 TFSR groups in Wales and on the borders: Clun, Bridgend, Hereford, Llanelli, Ystradgynlais, Pembrokeshire and TFSR Cymru.

TFSR Cymru are a bunch of about 70 volunteers, men and women aged 14 to 85.  We meet at one of several sessions a week in our workshop, where we repair and renovate hand tools by the thousand.  The tools are donated by individuals or collected by a wide variety of other organisations from across Wales - Rotary Clubs, Schools, WI groups, Church groups.  We have been very successful at collecting but we still have a shortage of certain items, especially tools for blacksmiths - see bottom of page . . .

Our joint SIDO Wales Tools Workshop in Mwanza, the new team in Dec 2008

In the past 25 years we have sent more nearly 500 tool kits (each valued at over £1,500) to craftsmen and women in rural communities of Africa.   Tools mean work, and the chance to shape their future, just as important to a young person in Tanzania or Ghana today as it is in Britain.

to join us in Crickhowell, or at one of the other TFSR groups in Wales.  Men or women of any age - bring along your skills, or come and learn how to handle a hammer.  There's always plenty to do. From cleaning and sharpening tools, to making and packing crates.  There is always somebody around to show you what needs doing.

The Tools pour in and are being continually shipped overseas, so we also need cash to operate.  It still costs us £20 to buy 4 new quality saw files which we include in every carpentry kit for a group of 5 or 6 workers.  We are also always on the look-out for anvils which cost us around £100 each to send with every blacksmiths kit we send. 

We are also funding our joint workshop in Mwanza for another 3 years, so we need money as well as tools. This is employing 4 people and producing more than 200 kits per year for local artisan groups.

Your help can really make a difference to our partners in Africa
Volunteers are always made welcome in our workshop

Simply contact us by clicking here

or ring us on 01874 730 155

Opening Times for refurbishing:

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings 10.am - 2pm

Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7.30 - 9.30 pm

Open For Sale of Tools:

Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays 10am - 2pm

Saturdays 10.30am - 12.30pm

TFSR Cymru, The Tools Workshop
Upper House Farm, Standard Street

Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BZ

Tools Wanted for our SIDO/TFSR Cymru Tools Workshop in Mwanza

We happily accept all hand tools but the following are urgently wanted

Top of Page

Site Last Updated - 28th June 2009