Before the workshop closed in 2024 there were 20 people with physical or learning difficulties who worked with staff and volunteers to make toys for playgroups and MenCap, one off personalised items for local residents and for many years were the UK supplier of Godly Play. Items were supplied all over the UK and overseas as well. Most trainees are involved in the finishing of wood items by hand-sanding, wax polishing and oiling. Some have been trained in the safe use of other woodworking machinery but every item was hand crafted and finished.

Back in 1978 there was a vision, and that was to provide a worship and work area at the heart of Bowthorpe. From this vision the Bowthorpe Community Trust was set up and its founding members started three projects; Bowthorpe Counselling Concerns, which was a free service for those in need of a listening ear, the Rest Cottage which was run for 20 years by Barbara Fox until 2002. It provided short term accommodation and help for people in need. And St Michael’s Workshop whose role was to help people with learning difficulties and physical disadvantages to develop their full potential through working with wood. The Workshop is the only project out of the three that is still going and it recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. A pilot scheme for the Workshop started in a double garage in 1984 and continued there for 4 years. Then in 1988 it was moved to former milking sheds that belonged to the City Council. It soon became apparent that purpose built premises were needed and in 1992 plans were drawn up to convert the Old Harness Rooms into the Workshop we see today. In 1993 they moved in and have been there ever since.

“Through the understanding that God created us all as equals, we will embrace diversity and show compassion and respect to everyone in our service, to give advantage to the disadvantaged.”

Our Vision

St Michael’s Workshop before it was converted

The commemorative stone

Derek Fiddament and the Bishop of Norwich laying the stone together

“It doesn't have to be 100% to be perfect”