The Goodlife Centre

The Goodlife Centre is an independent learning space situated near Tate Modern, Central London. Ou She asked how I found the the time.

After a childhood of endless drawing, playing with plasticine and cluttering the surface of every table with wood scraps, glue, paper and fabric, it was a natural choice to set my heart on a lifestyle where the scribbling and making would never stop. The 3D design department workshop at Ravensbourne was generously equipped (using Margaret Thatcher’s funding) with tantalising industrial scale machi

nes that sawed, formed, moulded, cast and helped to produce whatever an imagination could muster. I learned how to think with my hands and the years there trained me for a long career as a designer maker. Years later, a friend called round one day after I had spent a morning building a bespoke unit to contain sheet music. I remarked that she has spent the same amount of time shopping. So I began to teach my friends basic skills from my cosy basement workshop. When the nearby City of London Adult Education Centre opened, I offered to teach a similar course called ‘Tools for the Terrified’. I was turned down as I do not have a teaching qualification and so I turned to teaching in rented community halls on rickety tables where I hauled heavy crates of tools stored in my shed. I was constantly looking for a space where I could build proper benches and stop driving the tools around. In the post crash gloom of 2009, I found a modest empty ground floor unit in Webber Street in Waterloo, where its central location encouraged weary and wary office workers to come and learn the pleasure of solving practical problems while working with their hands. A mindset that I referred to as ‘The Goodlife’. I registered our name, we built a website and started promoting our ‘course’- which quickly split into more courses as requests and suggestions flowed in. Adult Education centres have continued to be starved of funding, while my experience was showing that people want those skills – not just to save money but to reconnect with the deep ancient need to make. I dug deep into savings and rallied all the talented fellow crafts people I knew who were gracious in agreeing to pass on their skill and passion. Although the beloved City and Guild ‘soft’ courses had largely closed down, local authorities do continue to back accredited training in woodwork and trades. As I had taught time poor Londoners, I resolved to deliver content rich courses where neither the tutor or learner would have to plough through paperwork. We prefer wading through wood shavings. A well made wood joint or a finely upholstered chair stand on their own merit. When a jaw dropping rent hike meant I would lose the small unit we had lovingly fitted out, I dug my heels in and determined to stay in a central location so people could muster the energy after a day at a computer to come and be revived and refreshed. So, we found and renovated a beautiful 1950's cardboard factory in Bankside, using the labour of our tutors, who are multi skilled craftspeople, as well as some of our willing learners. We created five individually equipped studios, a machines room, a cosy kitchen/reception and we use the original glassed in office – where the owner’s mum worked – as….an office. We kept as many original features and repurposed as much as we could. People who have carried on attending courses here since we began often recognise the quirky features we have transplanted. We started our first courses here in 2016 and this is where we will stay. I believe that we offer a collaborative creative space because of the variety of disciplines and skills that are taught here. The interaction between tutors, helpers, and learners is a very special. Good coffee and an endless plate of biscuits helps too.

12/08/2026

Gain confidence using a power drill and tackle everyday home tasks with ease. Learn how to drill into different surfaces, hang shelves, and choose the right fixings for secure results. A practical, friendly workshop perfect for beginners. 🔧🏠

Ready to level up your DIY skills? See details and dates: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/diy-in-a-day-drills/

11/08/2026

Create a bespoke lampshade that suits your home perfectly, whether you choose a drum or empire shape. You’ll learn how to stitch fabric onto a frame and transform it into a stylish piece for your space. No experience needed — just enthusiasm and a favourite fabric. 🪡✨

Join us and make something beautiful — find info and schedules here: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/traditional-modern-lampshade-making/

10/08/2026

Give your tired furniture a fresh lease of life in this hands-on one‑day workshop. Learn how to remove marks, refinish surfaces, and fix wobbly joints with simple, effective techniques. Bring a small piece from home and start restoring it with confidence. ✨🪑

Come along and discover what you can revive — full details and dates here: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-wood-restoration/

09/08/2026

Learn willow or rush weaving techniques to create a beautiful, durable basket in a single day. These traditional methods produce strong, long‑lasting pieces and are perfect for absolute beginners. A relaxing and rewarding hands‑on experience. 🧺🌾

See the workshop info and reserve your spot: https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/basket-making/

03/08/2026

Stop taking simple clothing repairs to the dry cleaner and learn how to alter your own wardrobe. This hands-on day class teaches you how to shorten hems, mend linings, repair rips, and adjust garments to fit your body perfectly. Bring along your outgrown or worn favourites to give them a stylish new lease of life. ✂️👗

Sign up today to start personalising and altering your clothing with ease!
https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/sewing-upcycling-clothes/

01/08/2026

Demystify houseplant care and learn why your indoor plants might be struggling in this beginner-friendly half-day class. Professional gardener Jane Rogers covers light levels, soil mixes, feeding, pest management, and humidity for every room. You will also make your own Japanese kokedama moss ball to take home and display. 🌿🏡

Head over to our website to secure your place on this popular houseplant course!
https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/gardening-house-plants/

31/07/2026

Bring a shabby 60s book rack, occasional table, or box into our workshop and learn restoration skills as you work. You will be guided through joint repairs, veneer fixes, and classic wood finishes ranging from modern stains to French polishing. It is the perfect hands-on introduction to assessing and restoring vintage furniture. 🪵✨

Visit our website to secure your bench space for this immersive restoration project!
https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/restore-your-own-project/

30/07/2026

Revamp your tired wooden furniture and give car boot bargains a shining new lease of life. Learn practical solutions for white cup rings, surface scratches, loose veneers, and wobbly legs using professional glues and clamps. Bring your own small wooden piece and practice stripping old finishes under expert guidance. 🪑🛠️

Reserve your spot today to start restoring your favourite wooden treasures!
https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-wood-restoration/

29/07/2026

Spend a relaxing day learning the classic warp and weft techniques needed to weave a seagrass chair seat. Guided by John Page's step-by-step instructions, you will complete a gorgeous 30cm x 30cm x 30cm beechwood stool. This fast-paced, beginner-friendly class leaves you with a sturdy custom stool that is easy to carry home on the tube. 🪑✨

Sign up today on our website to weave your very own natural seagrass stool!
https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/woven-sea-grass-wood-stool-2/

28/07/2026

Learn the art of hand binding your own books to create bespoke journals, notebooks, or personalized gifts. This one-day workshop covers paper handling, folding signatures, hand sewing spines, and attaching protective covers. It is a relaxing, enjoyable skill that is easy to continue practising at home. 📚✒️

Check out our website today to view available dates and book your seat!
https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-bookbinding/

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Location

London

Telephone

+442077607613

Website

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/

Address

49-55 Great Guildford Street
London
SE10ES

Opening Hours

Monday	10:30am - 9pm
Tuesday	10:30am - 9pm
Wednesday	10:30am - 9pm
Thursday	10:30am - 9pm
Friday	10:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm