The Sustainable Living Armidale (SLA) series of free “I Can Do It!” workshops have been well attended and getting great results. Curtains and pelmets have been made and a Three House Tour conducted, all sharing ways people can get more control over their energy use and costs. Now, there is an opportunity to gain some basic skills around sustainable home maintenance with the “Can I Fix It?” workshop.
Building on the idea that you can make fairly minor adjustments to your home to maintain a more comfortable inside environment, these workshops will demonstrate very basic skills, and then people will get plenty of hands-on practice.
“The workshops are directed at people who would like to be able to do simple repairs, but are not sure which tools are needed, or how to use them”, said Barbara Finch, who will be conducting the workshop. “We’re aiming to boost people’s self-confidence as well as develop skills”.
The first session will start with suggestions for an appropriate basic tool set, and will offer plenty of opportunities to use those tools in an effective way. The second and third sessions will be guided by the participants’ suggestions about types of jobs to be undertaken in their own homes, particularly low-cost tasks that will reduce their energy use and increase sustainability.
Examples include attaching pelmet or curtain fittings and sealing doors against drafts. Other topics might include hinges, locks, fly screens, insulation, and learning about water and power systems, as well as making decisions around when to call in professional help.
Barbara Finch, a local woodworker and furniture maker, brings her building and house renovation experience to these tasks. She has run similar courses in the past working with the Armidale Women’s Centre.
The free workshops will be conducted over three Saturdays: July 20th, 27th and August 3rd, from 1.30pm to 4pm. Prior registration is essential at: <icandoit@slarmidale.org> or ring for further information on six seven 72 4667.
The workshops are provided with assistance from the NSW Environmental Trust.
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