I have lived in Newtown for nearly 40 years and worked as a community artist and in health and social care for 20 years. Working with textiles and seeing the history of Newtown and the stories of the flannel trade, weavers cottages and celebrating the rich history and community this town has to offer. Having set up Men Shed Newtown in 2018, we have grown with more members and seeing the gaps in support for them to learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. With our new home at Platform 1 this has enabled us to grow and develop a cafe, art shed and wellbeing workshops supporting local artists and having an accessible creative space for the public to use. 

I’m a nature-inspired artist from Powys, with roots in Worcestershire. My passion for wildlife is reflected in my drawings and murals. I enjoy leading inclusive workshops for all ages, exploring art natural materials inspired by the beauty of the outdoors!​

I have been a volunteer with Men Shed Newtown for 5 years, and Scouts in Newtown, Llanidloes and Welshpool, I’ve completed A NVQ in catering and wanted to gain more work experience in catering. I enjoy volunteering and working with the community that I have been a part of for many years.

Neil is a dedicated volunteer with Men Shed Newtown for 5 years, he enjoys activities and making friendships Neil volunteers at the local community cafe and Platform 1’s cafe and Shed workshop. Neil has completed L2 food and hygiene and is a keen cook always eager to learn and take part.

Clare is a glass expert with over 13 years of experience in kiln formed fused glass—basically, she’s been melting things artfully for a decade! After graduating from the University of Wolverhampton, she dazzled crowds at the Royal Botanical Gardens and various local museums. Not one to keep her talents to herself, Clare runs glass workshops and mixed media classes for schools and community groups, spreading the joy of creativity like confetti. When’s not crafting beautiful glass pieces, you can find her busting a move on the dance floor or whipping up culinary delights, whether it’s good old-fashioned English grub, spicy South American dishes, or vegan treats that even your-loving friends will adore!

Roseanna, but you can call her Rosie, is the founder and designer behind RMJ Studio, a cool textile design company that creates art and textiles for fashion and interiors. Since starting the company in 2017 she’s all about keeping things sustainable. Rosie loves to create and her experiences through community workshops. With her RNMH background, she’s taught adults and with autism and dementia and delivers chats with university students about sustainability in garment and surface pattern. When the pandemic put a stop to tradeshows, Rosie jumped the chance to apply for a UK grant to innovate her business. She launched SwatchEditor, tech tool designed to fit into the digital manufacturing cycle, helping companies make their work processes more fun and interactive. Rosie believes in using digital exploration to create unique experiences and is currently working on making textile archives accessible to everyone in a fun way. Let’s get phygital!