Run by four friends, including mother and daughter pair Annette Baskerville-Smith and Tash Baskerville, Make Stuff Happen CIC aims to make creative and heritage activities accessible to everyone in the community. Having started the project earlier this year, we caught up with Annette and Tash to chat through their plans and what Make Stuff Happen CIC could do for the community. 

With their own individual creative prowesses, Annette and Tash have the right skill sets and connections to provide creative activities for the town, which include workshops and events. Workshops this year include everything from card making and beginners sewing, to ancient braiding and jewellery. Their sights are set on working more collaboratively with local organisations and projects to reach as many people as possible through arts and culture-based initiatives.

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Tash, an accomplished flautist and conductor of Launceston Orchestra, said: “We’ve both been working and living in the town for so many years, and have done a lot of work with local government. We realised our passion is creating opportunities for people to connect with each other, maybe try something new and have a good time when they do. People love coming along to events and Launceston locals are proud of their town, so we want to put on more events here starting small, and in time, some big ones. Importantly, we want people to come along and have fun!”

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One of the main targets for the CIC is to celebrate diversity and tackle rural social isolation. Annette, a local business owner and lampshade maker, said: “It’s also about trying to engage with people who might be isolated, and encourage people to get out of the house to meet new people and learn new skills. I love passing on knowledge to people who want to learn.”

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Spreading positivity around the town through new and exciting arts, heritage and cultural activity, with a focus on building skills, is important to Annette and Tash, who have seen first-hand the positive impact events and activities that bring people together can have on the community. 

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With Christmas on the horizon, Make Stuff Happen CIC is facilitating a number of festive crafts at M4ke, Annette’s business on Race Hill, plus a brand new musical event - Jingle Jam. 

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Jingle Jam is perfect for beginner musicians or ‘rusty players’, who might want to step back into their passion after some time away from it. Between 10am and 3pm on Friday, 20th December, people wandering around the streets of Launceston will be followed by the sweet sound of folk, rock, classical and, of course, Christmas music. Musicians will be allocated a 20-40 minute slot to play, and are welcome to play Christmas songs, covers or their own music. 

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Festive workshops are taking place throughout December, and include wreath making, decorating Christmas crackers, keyring making and much more. 

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So, what’s next for Make Stuff Happen CIC? Annette and Tash are keen to work with community groups and organisations, and would love to hear from anyone who would like to see a particular activity take place in Launceston and further afield too. Tash added: “If anyone wants to see something in the town, we would like to hear your ideas! We want Make Stuff Happen CIC to be a platform for local arts and culture, and to help lift up the many existing groups with a similar ethos.

“We’re also looking at doing stuff outside Launceston, to encourage people to visit our town and create more awareness about all the amazing things going on here.” 

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Joining Annette and Tash in running workshops and activities are directors Samm and Kate, who are both artistic and passionate about bringing creativity to the forefront of the community. The team would love to welcome people who would like to give up some time as volunteers for various projects, including running workshops, fundraising and event planning, while spreading ‘good vibes and positivity’.

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For more information about Make Stuff Happen CIC, their events and workshops, or how to volunteer, email hello@makestuffhappen.org.uk. Like their Facebook page for regular updates. 

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