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.

Saying Goodbye to our second container of tools destined for the Mwanza Workshop
March 2007

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 5 TFSR groups in Wales and on the borders: Clun, Hereford, Llanelli, Ystradgynlais & ourselves and a new group is starting up in Pembrokeshire

TFSR Cymru are a bunch of about 75 volunteers, men and women aged 14 to 85. We meet at one of several sessions a week in our fully-equipped workshop where we repair and renovate hand tools in their thousands.  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.

Our Workshop in Mwanza, Tanzania.
The workshop staff together with freshly refurbished shovels. 

Tool kits from TFS in Belfast on the left, Matokeo is the new workshop manager, centre right, November 2006

In the past 25 years we have sent more than 450 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 help show you what needs doing.

and are being continually shipped overseas, so we also need cash to operate.  It still costs us £20 to buy 4 new 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 include in every blacksmiths kit we send. 

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

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

Simply contact us by clicking here

or ring us on 01874 730155

Opening Times for refurbishing:

Tuesday & Thursday evenings, 7.30 - 9.30 pm
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings 10.am - 2pm

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

We respond to requests for specific tools from our overseas partners

These are the tools we are very short of NOW

*These tools only needed by TFSR Cymru for re-sale in UK

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Site Last Updated - 10th May 2008