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.

16/06/2026

For everyone who wishes to learn about plants but doesn’t want to set off on a full-time training course, come and find your passion for green spaces. This half-day workshop with professional gardener Jane Rogers will cover light levels, watering, humidity, soil mixes, and problem-solving to help your indoor plants thrive. Plus, you will construct a flowerpot with individually mixed soil and create a traditional Japanese moss ball to take home. 🪴

Ready to fill your home with beautiful plants that will flourish? Check the link for our upcoming schedules. ✨

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/gardening-house-plants/

15/06/2026

Delve into the fabulous world of upholstery and give your tired furniture a beautiful transformation. Learn the professional method for stripping out old staples and tacks before building up density-correct foam, calico, and top fabric. You will even practice using a traditional magnetic hammer and a hand web stretcher.

Bring your own drop-in seat or use our panels by signing up today.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-upholstery/

12/06/2026

Stop spending a fortune on call-outs and tackle basic plumbing tasks around the house yourself. Moira Tighe will guide you through practical 'dry' exercises to isolate water supplies, fix leaky taps, unclog sinks, and replace non-working cistern parts. You will even get to practice removing and replacing bathroom silicone sealant.

Gain true self-sufficiency and join us for this weekend course.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/diy-plumbing/

11/06/2026

Unlock the timeless secrets of bookbinding with professional restorer Joe Dixon. Over one single day, you will learn how to fold, sew, trim, and 'case in' a blank hardback notebook or a travel journal complete with a pencil holder. Writing your thoughts down in a bespoke book you made yourself is a truly special experience.

Create a beautiful custom notebook or gift by booking your bench today.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-bookbinding/

10/06/2026

Celebrate Great Britain's long tradition of weaving with an immersive one-day workshop in London. Choose between working with natural, fragrant 'Bull' rushes or traditional English Willow to build a durable structure using the classic 'stake and strand' technique. It is easy to pick up and totally beginner-friendly.

Weave a beautiful, unique basket of your own and check out our dates.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/basket-making/

09/06/2026

Brush up your interior decorating techniques by messing up our workshop instead of your living room. An experienced professional decorator will guide you through filling gaps, sanding surfaces, and using primers to achieve a flawless finish. Master the trick to painting crisp, sharp edge lines without any drips.

Transform your home without it costing the earth by booking now.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/prepare-paint/

08/06/2026

Intrigued by the precision and elegance of Japanese joinery? Learn unique, creative ways to join timber entirely without screws, nails, or glue. Guided by enthusiast Auram Desforges, you will practice using traditional tools with the focus and discipline needed to master these stunning designs.

Immerse yourself in a calm, focused environment by joining our course.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-japanese-joints/

05/06/2026

Realized your new home didn't come with a landlord to fix things? Learn how to confidently drill into wood, brick, tiles, and hollow walls so you can handle your own home maintenance. We will teach you how to choose fixings, check what is behind walls, and hang heavy objects like mirrors, shelves, and TVs.

Take control of your home projects and secure your place now.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/diy-in-a-day-drills/

04/06/2026

Let our expert tutors guide you through a beautiful, relaxing experience as you learn correct woodcarving techniques. By following the contours of a real leaf, you will master the practical steps to create a stunning low relief carving in lime wood. You will even discover how to keep your chisels in top condition for crisp results.

Come and discover a beautiful new hobby with us.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-intro-to-woodcarving/

03/06/2026

Ditch flatpack furniture assembly and experience the pure satisfaction of making something from scratch. In this safe and friendly one-day introduction, you will learn to use chisels and planes to construct two 'gallows style' brackets and a 50cm shelf. We will even show you how to buy the right timber and keep your basic kit sharp.

Join us for a hands-on day of practical making.

https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/intro-to-woodwork-make-a-shelf/

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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