TFS Downpatrick is run entirely by volunteers. They refurbish the tools, carry out the administration, train new volunteers and provide assistance for people on sheltered placements, organise international work camps, raise awareness on sustainability and development and conduct fundraising to keep the organisation going.

Global warming has not yet reached the workshop here. Clouds of white smoke, as if in surrender, fill the workshop. The tiny heaters pump out enough heat to warm the air 5cm in front, but when the sun is shining, like today, we are all warmed inside and happy to be working together.

This is a great crew of volunteers working in Downpatrick - our master sander, Jim, more Johns than the loos in the Europa, Alan and Brian , who have been coming here for more than two years, Trevor who works on his day off, Ami, deserted by her fellow Down High Girls, was not put off by the cold or the music. All of them and the others, especially the volunteer support from Belfast - Yvan, Henner, Marianna, Hamish and John make working here a real pleasure.

Many thanks to the people who have moved on since last time - special mention to Malcolm, without whom the workshop would not be here, Dominic and Nancy for their fundraising efforts, Al and of course all those in the Down Volunteer Centre.

We were very grateful to receive 3 year funding from the Community Volunteer Scheme, but not for all the bureaucracy that goes with it This will hopefully secure our future from the next few years. Meanwhile we are very excited to be working on our own consignment - a shipment of tools to an orphange in Malawi later in the summer.

Plans of expansion have been put on hold due to circumstances beyond our control but if anyone out there has a few Bangor Blues to donate - it would much appreciated. There is great big hole in the roof.