A love affair with the art of repair – how a trend in upcycling is great news for Hospice in the Weald (and the planet)

It’s official! Recycled furniture is having a moment in the interior design world. Vintage pieces that might have been thrown in the skip are being snapped up and transformed into something beautiful. After years of buying cheap throwaway furniture, is it time we all had a change of heart?

A key change driving ‘upcycling’ is a move to be eco-friendly. Fast fashion, even in interior design has received criticism as it’s bad for the planet. Shows like BBC’s The Repair Shop and Interior Design Masters have also helped alter the way we furnish our houses. The good news is that upcycling can be fairly easy and is usually cheaper than buying new, so there’s never been a better time to give an old classic a new lease of life. 

Hospice in the Weald has a large pre-loved furniture store in Five Ashes, stocked full of an array of bargains and treasures including items perfect for upcycling, and there’s even a selection that volunteers have been transforming themselves.

Michael Waite, Manager of the Hospice in the Weald furniture shop at Five Ashes, said: “We’re  delighted to see that sustainable shopping and upcycling has become so close to people’s hearts.

Along with furniture in fantastic original condition, we also have some pieces that we’ve been upcycling ourselves, to give them a fresh new look.”

Jo, who volunteers part-time at the Hospice’s Fives Ashes shop, and has been upcycling some pieces in store, said: “Anyone can be a thrifty ‘upcycler’. The store is a menagerie of vintage and modern pieces so the best thing to do is have a look around and keep an open mind. Although I’ve never had any formal training, I love turning home pieces that have potential into new works of art that people will love and keep for years to come.”

Successful pieces range from a solid oak chest of drawers that are now a stunning shade of white, a vintage French-style blue table with gold trim, and two beautiful mirror wardrobes; painted a striking white with ornate decoration and pale blue with white trim.  

Michael added: “It’s amazing what some paint, new handles and a bit of love can do and we have so many beautiful items. There’s a Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen in all of us somewhere so why not give it a go!

“Of course, many customers may love a classic look or may not wish to take on an upcycling project themselves, but there’s something for everyone here at Five Ashes. From antique dressing tables to side drawers and dining sets, we’ve got a treasure trove of bargains, our customers can pick up a lovely piece of pre-loved furniture for their home, knowing they are raising money for the Hospice and helping the planet at the same time!”

Hospice in the Weald provides care for people living with a terminal illness and support for their families in East Sussex and Kent. With an inpatient ward based in Pembury, the Hospice provides outreach care for people in their own homes, a Living Well programme, physiotherapy and counselling for patients and loved ones, along with a host of other support.

Five Ashes is also home to Cottage Hospice which is the first of its kind in the UK. Opened by Hospice in the Weald in 2019, it functions as a cross between an in-patient ward and care that is ‘home from home’. With scenic views, overnight accommodation and a fully stocked kitchen, families can continue to care for their loved ones with the assistance of trained medical staff, and volunteers, on stand-by if they need them.

The Hospice needs £8 million per year to provide its vital care for the local community. A significant source of income comes from 29 shops which are scattered across West Kent and northern East Sussex. It’s Five Ashes furniture shop in Moyses Barn is just off the A267 and includes pre-loved items such as wardrobes, beds, sofas and other furnishings. The store will even collect and deliver large items of furniture.

Michael added: “We are grateful to our loyal customers and for the furniture we receive. We rely on our fantastic volunteers and would welcome more local people who may be interested in  volunteering for us. So please do visit us and you may just discover something totally unique for your home.”

For more information visit https://www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/