Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Agnes

Release Me

Listen Live

Harrogate care home residents team up with community for DIY projects

Thursday, 9 October 2025 13:46

A resident at Harcourt Gardens on International Repair Day.

A care home in Harrogate has teamed up with the local community and joined a nationwide campaign for International Repair Day.

Residents at Harcourt Gardens on Harcourt Road have been rolling up their sleeves and getting stuck into some hands-on DIY - all in the name of sharing skills with the next generation.

As part of Care UK’s ‘Fixer Uppers’ programme, residents teamed up with the local community to revive traditional repair skills, such as fixing furniture, mending clothes and tackling small maintenance jobs.

The initiative, launched in the run-up to International Repair Day, aims to celebrate the invaluable knowledge older generations can pass on while promoting sustainability.

Resident, Jean, said:

“It is lovely to be able to make something useful instead of purchasing.

"It's full of time and love with a personal touch, and you can look at it with happy memories.”

At Harcourt Gardens, residents teamed up with the children from Harcourt Day Nursery to decorate planters in the home’s gardens.

In another collaboration, residents also worked with Harrogate Older People Community to showcase some of their knitting skills, creating handmade blankets together.

Jillian Shearer, Customer Relations Manager at Harcourt Gardens, said:

“Residents have honed their DIY skills over a lifetime, and the Fixer Uppers’ project has been a fantastic way for them to connect with the community and share practical knowledge in a meaningful way.

“It was wonderful to see everyone fully engaged and residents swapping stories, learning from one another, and genuinely enjoying the process.

“We’d like to thank Harcourt Day Nursery and Harrogate Older People Community for coming to the home for knitting and decorating. It was a brilliant time, and we look forward to many more visits in the future.”

To find out more about Fixer Uppers, visit: www.careuk.com/Fixer-Uppers

More from Local News

Driver jailed after 130mph police chase ends in Knaresborough

A disqualified driver has been jailed after a police pursuit at speeds of more than 130mph ended in Knaresborough.
Historic Harrogate hotel put up for sale for £1.45million

A 19-bedroom hotel in Harrogate has been put on the market for £1.45million.
Harrogate pupils uncover school's past as Victorian hospital

Children at St Peter's CE Primary School in Harrogate have been exploring their classrooms' former life as hospital wards.
Harrogate nursery celebrates 'strong standard' after Ofsted inspection

Little Explorers Day Nursery in Harrogate is celebrating after announcing it achieved a ‘strong standard’ in all areas of its latest Ofsted inspection.
Henshaws launches urgent £10,000 appeal following water damage

Henshaws Specialist College has launched an urgent £10,000 fundraising appeal after significant water damage was discovered at the College following the weekend.
UK Foo Fighters to perform at Your Harrogate Stray bonfire and fireworks

The UK Foo Fighters will perform a special homecoming gig on The Stray as part of this year’s Your Harrogate Stray bonfire and fireworks celebrations.
Ripon detectorist calls Bayeux Tapestry a 'medieval stitch-up'

A Ripon metal detectorist has described the Bayeux Tapestry as a "medieval stitch-up" for leaving out one of Yorkshire's most significant battles.
Valley Gardens among top winners at Yorkshire in Bloom awards

Parks and gardens across the Harrogate district have been recognised at this year's Yorkshire in Bloom awards.
New opening date revealed for Harrogate bookshop

A new independent bookshop in Harrogate has announced its opening date after a leaky roof delayed refurbishment work.
Harrogate toy retailer cuts prices every time Town striker scores

A Harrogate toy retailer is giving customers a discount every time Harrogate Town's Brad Dolaghan scores.
North Yorkshire hospices warn of cuts and closures as funding crisis deepens

Hospice services across North Yorkshire are at risk of cuts and closure as a multi-million-pound funding crisis deepens, charity chiefs have warned.
Diesel prices rise above £2 a litre in Harrogate area

Diesel prices have risen above £2 a litre at filling stations in the Harrogate area.
New woodland sauna and cold plunge opens in Harrogate

A new outdoor sauna and cold water bathing site is opening in Harrogate today (Friday).
Brackenfield School in Harrogate praised by inspectors ahead of 50th anniversary

Brackenfield School in Harrogate has met all required standards in its latest inspection, with praise for its teaching, pupil wellbeing and caring culture.
Harrogate hotel chef shortlisted for 'Oscars of hospitality'

Rudding Park’s Adam Degg has been shortlisted for Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year at the 2026 Hotel Cateys.
Public consultation could be held on Ripon street pedestrianisation plans

A public consultation could be held on proposals to pedestrianise one of Ripon’s historic city centre streets during the daytime and summer evenings.
Masham pupils surprise lifelong resident on her 100th birthday

Pupils from Masham CE Primary School have paid a special visit to a lifelong resident to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Knaresborough Matalan to reopen following refurbishment

Matalan in Knaresborough is holding a reopening event tomorrow (Saturday) following a refurbishment.
£5m project begins to improve River Nidd water quality

Work has begun on a project worth more than £5 million to improve water quality in the River Nidd.
Campaigners call for changes to school transport consultation amid "tick-box" criticism

Campaigners have called on North Yorkshire Council to change its consultation on home-to-school transport amid concerns it risks becoming a "tick-box exercise".