Tools For Self Reliance Cymru

Tools For Self Reliance Cymru We are a Crickhowell based charity supporting artisans in rural Tanzania. By providing tools, sewing machines and free training, we help families build sustainable livelihoods.
Donations of tools, sewing machines and money are always greatly appreciated.

This enables families to improve their livelihoods in areas where life is challenging. Tools for Self Reliance Cymru, also known as TFSR Cymru, Tools for Africa and Tools 2 Tanzania collect old and unwanted hand tools and sewing machines from all over Wales and further afield. We clean, recondition or repair them and send the tools and kits to grass roots community groups in Tanzania. We are a re

gistered charity, and work towards a more equitable sharing of the world’s resources. We were originally a part of Tools for Self Reliance (based in Netley Marsh), but since 1995 we became a separate charity, working co-operatively and amicably with them and other similar charities who subscribe to the same ethos. We work with three TFSR groups in Wales and on the borders: Clun, Bridgend and Llanelli. We also have a number of tool collectors who can receive donated tools for us in other parts of Wales. TFSR Cymru also part-fund a workshop in Bukumbi, near Mwanza, Tanzania, where we employ six local Tanzanians to refurbish the tools. We also engage a local project officer to organise the distribution to the artisans in the Lake Zone (around Lake Victoria). Additionally we fund training for artisans in a number of disciplines . We welcome tool donations, sewing machines and enthusiastic volunteers! Our Patrons: Sir Paul Silk KCB, Dr.Jane Davidson and Lynne Allbutt in Wales and Mike Laiser in Tanzania. Charity 1055483.

From Thursday 28th May to Sunday 31st May, you’ll find us at the wonderful Fire in the Mountain festival —  we return to...
26/05/2026

From Thursday 28th May to Sunday 31st May, you’ll find us at the wonderful Fire in the Mountain festival — we return to every year and always love being part of it.

https://www.fireinthemountain.co.uk/

You can find us on the site map, carefully circled in blue. Please come and visit our pitch, where you’ll discover refurbished tools and some unique collectables for sale. You will also have an opportunity to learn new craft skills.
We’ll be running blacksmithing and woodworking workshops throughout the festival, and this year we’re excited to introduce some new print workshops also. Full details will be displayed on our A-board by the main path.

We’re bringing along an amazing and highly skilled crew, and everyone is very friendly, so do stop by and say hello.

All proceeds go towards supporting our charity.
See you there!

TFSR Cymru

24/05/2026

We had a lovely and successful day at the Crickhowell Market Hall on Saturday and we will definitely be back. This was our very first time there and we thank everyone who came along to visit us and the market co-ordinators.

The two crew members shown are claiming to be the best looking crew we have ever had? I'll leave that, dear reader, for you to decide. Heat stroke?

They also convinced me (quite easily) to buy a lovely old chamfer spoke-shave which, trust me, was quite a find and I love it. We do have some wonderful old tools and collectables for sale.

See you there soon, details will on our website, Instagram and posted here.

Thank you – all at TFSR Cymru.

Container 23 is well on its way to Tanzania, packed to the brim with thousands of tools and hundreds of sewing machines....
24/05/2026

Container 23 is well on its way to Tanzania, packed to the brim with thousands of tools and hundreds of sewing machines. All of which will support the artisans there helping to create sustainable livelihoods and thriving communities. You can track this container on the link below, you will need to zoom out and it will give you an understanding of how big Africa is. The ship, The Vancouver Express is currently off Gambia doing 18 knots.
https://www.myshiptracking.com/?mmsi=636018701

As ever, all the contents have been donated and it is a wonderful thing to see these tools and sewing machines get a second life and doing so much good in the process. We would like to thank to everyone who donates to us. We always need more donations BTW, we have container 24 to fill now.
Note the picture of some our hardworking depot crew - Simon, Paul and Ian - who along with others at our depot work so hard to sort the donations and pack the containers. None of this would be possible without these big hearted (tea drinking) volunteers. Contact us at – [email protected] if you would like to join them, you will receive a warm welcome (and plenty of tea).

Also you will see that we have had some very kind donations towards the shipping costs which were very much appreciated as these costs are a major part of our outgoings.
All at TFSR Cymru.

This Saturday May 23rd between 9am and 3pm we will have a stall at the Crickhowell Market Hall. We will be selling our l...
20/05/2026

This Saturday May 23rd between 9am and 3pm we will have a stall at the Crickhowell Market Hall. We will be selling our legendary refurbished DIY, woodworking and gardening tools along with some collectables. As ever all proceeds go towards the running of our non-profit charity.

This is our first time at the market and we hope to become a popular regular there. Do please pop along to our stall for a chat and a browse, you will be made very welcome.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crickhowell%20Market/169827199840438/ #

14/05/2026
This Saturday and Sunday, May 16 th & 17th, we will be at the St Michaels Hospice Plant Fair - https://www.st-michaels-h...
14/05/2026

This Saturday and Sunday, May 16 th & 17th, we will be at the St Michaels Hospice Plant Fair - https://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-for-us/events/plant-fair/

Please pop along and support the wonderful work that they do. We will have our usual selection of quality refurbished tools for sale there, some collectables and a very friendly and helpful crew on hand – just don’t feed them. Do try and visit our stall for a browse and a chat, you never know what you may find and you are sure to learn something from our knowledgeable crew.

As ever all proceeds from our tool sales go to our non-profit charity and we will also be making a donation to the hospice.

Best wishes from all at TFSR Cymru and see you there.

28/04/2026

Tomorrow, Wednesday 29th Apr, we’ll be at the fantastic Cartshed Spring Plant Fair near Hereford—and the weather is looking great!

🛠 We’ll have our usual range of refurbished garden, woodworking, and DIY tools available, along with a selection of collectables—and perhaps a few surprises too.
Do come along to support the event, visit our stall, and enjoy a browse and a chat with our friendly team.

🌍 As always, all proceeds go towards our charity, helping Tanzanian artisans build sustainable livelihoods for themselves, their families, and their communities.

We’re also always on the lookout for new volunteers and would love to hear from you. If you’d like to get involved or find out more, please speak to a member of our team or email us at [email protected].


Address

The Tools Workshop, Upper House Farm, Standard St
Crickhowell
NP81BZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+441873810675

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