Aldingbourne Country Centre Celebrates Visit from star of BBC’s Repair Shop

Conservation met craftsmanship when the the Aldingbourne Country Centre, home to community wood recyclers wood@aldingbourne, hosted a visit from Will Kirk. Will is a furniture restorer best known for breathing new life into cherished heirlooms on the BBC’s hit series The Repair Shop. The centre, nestled in the countryside near Chichester, buzzed with excitement as volunteers and beneficiaries alike welcomed Will.

Will was given an extensive tour of the Centre’s facilities including the Woodyard and Wood Workshop. The visit provided a unique opportunity for sharing ideas about the role of timber reuse in building a more sustainable future —something that both Will and the Centre hold dear. Will was able to speak with people with learning disabilities who benefit from the charity’s work – and they were excited to meet him.

As Will explored the Woodyard, he discovered the journey of reclaimed wood at the Centre, where no piece goes to waste. From creating distinctive wood products for the gift shop to fuelling biomass boilers to heat the cafes, offices and other attractions at the Centre, everything is given a new purpose, embodying the Centre’s commitment to looking after our planet.

The Aldingbourne Country Centre and the whole Community Wood Recycling family are very grateful to Will sharing his passion for restoration and conservation with such an inspiring visit.