Barbara Balloch and Liz Boyd from the Farnborough College of Technology (FCoT) run City & Guilds creative study courses in upholstery and soft furnishings. This involves learning the practical skills as well as encouraging a flair for design, and every year each student will need to restore at least five chairs. Where do they find these old chairs in need of tender loving care? – at their local HWRC!

This is just the kind of ‘reuse’ that Hampshire County Council and Project Integra (a partnership of all Hampshire’s local authorities in dealing with household rubbish) is keen to promote. Anyone can do it, so get your creative cogs into gear - and learn a new skill while you’re at it!

FCoT students will be hosting an annual open exhibition on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 July at the Farnborough College of Technology, and exhibits will include the lovingly restored chairs - some of them for sale! The college runs various courses – call 01252 407040 or see their web site for details – www.farn-ct.ac.uk.

Barbara remarked "Pupils come from as far as Stockbridge for this unusual course, and get a great feeling of satisfaction and achievement from turning something old and seemingly useless into a beautiful piece of furniture to be proud of."

A special invitation-only cheese and wine evening on Tuesday 11 July will be attended by representatives from Hampshire County Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, Hart District Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council – who are all partners in Project Integra.

‘Reusing’ discarded items is even better than recycling, because it extends the life of something and stops it going in the bin. Integra’s War on Waste publicity campaign encourages everyone to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – we call that "the alternative three Rs"! Hampshire is currently recycling 22% of household waste. For more information, see the Integra web site - www.integra.org.uk.

All of Hampshire’s HWRCs have an area for bric-a-brac, so next time you visit, have a good look around. Most items are for sale at a bargain price - always ask site staff before taking anything away.

Photo opportunity
Students with their restored chairs and the War on Waste campaign mascot General Waste will be available for a photo call in the Main Hall of the Farnborough College of Technology, Boundary Road, at 7.15pm on Tuesday 11 July 2000.

5 July 2000