The Furniture restoration project began at the Centre in the mid 1990’s to provide training within a real working environment.  The project now supports over 20 people who have learning disabilities, who are involved in the many restoration projects that we cover. These can range from Chippendale period chairs to the manufacture of garden chairs using recycled cable drums (as seen below).

Everyone derives a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from the work and our customers will testify that this is reflected in the quality of our restoration and other products.  Word is spreading about the quality of the work – and the reasonable prices!

Our customer base has grown over the years to an area that stretches from the western edge of the New Forest to Greater London and although the majority is private individuals, some restoration tasks have been much bigger. For example, the furniture and other items in St Andrew’s Church in Ford were all restored by the centre, as was St.Mary’s in Chichester. The work at St. Mary’s earned the team a ‘Highly Commended’ from the Sussex Heritage Awards, sponsored by the Daily Telegraph.

    

Our commitment to producing first class furniture restoration and providing adults with learning disabilities a safe and productive environment remains at the centre of our ambitions. It can be fairly said that in conjunction with our Wood Recycling and Wood Products departments here at the Aldingbourne Country Centre, there is virtually nothing made of wood that cannot be improved, restored or recycled by us. So, if you need a door made to non-standard sizes, a new kitchen made to your own design, a family heirloom restored, some recycled wood outdoor furniture or traditional wooden toys, come and see us at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and we will be happy to discuss your needs.

The success of the department would not have been so speedily achieved had it not been for the input of our volunteers, some of whom are still working with us today.

Bill Toole, Don Glue and Tom Barkham were our volunteer pioneers back in the 1990’s.  Mike Atkins has been a regular since 1998 and is our caning and turning expert. Dennis Cooke and Ken Bourner are our newest recruits, all working with Jim Thomson as the member of staff responsible for the smooth running of the department. The Aldingbourne Country Centre is fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers.

For further details, please contact 01243 542075.