February 2026 News
Volunteer Afternoon in the Garden
Thanks to all the wonderful people who came to help spruce up the WEN garden for spring on 3rd February. We were very lucky with the weather – it only started raining as we were coming to the end of the tasks. We emptied the compost and spread it on the raised beds, tidied the plants on the sale shelves and added new labels. Top teamwork! Feel free to come along to WEN to buy a plant or two for your own garden.
The volunteers on a tea break!
Removing dead leaves from plants
Emptying the compost. Carol shows the lovely finished product.
History workshop: The Tombs and Treasures of the Pharoahs
On 14th February we held the latest in our Egyptian themed workshops, run by Julie Marshall. This examined why the Pharaohs stopped building pyramids for their final resting places, and instead moved to more secretive rock cut tombs which became known as the Valley of the Kings.
We looked in detail at two tombs, that of Seti I which is the largest and most magnificent of all of the tombs and, as a comparison, the tomb of Tutankhamun, which although tiny is the most famous of all the tombs as it was discovered intact.
We also considered the work of early Egyptologists who discovered some of these tombs – namely The Great Belzoni who was working in the early 1800’s and also Howard Carter and Harry Burton in the early 1900’s. We were able to look at some beautiful art work completed as an artistic record of Seti’s tomb by Belzoni in 1817 when he became the first person to enter the tomb since antiquity.
These paintings are kept at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and due to their delicacy are not on public display. However some years ago Julie was able to get permission to see them and take photographs, which she shared with the group. We were able to use these paintings to see how much environmental and deliberate damage has occurred in this tomb since its discovery.
As it was Valentine’s Day we enjoyed a heart shaped cake with some Egyptian themed chocolate medallions on top!
The next session in the Egyptian series will be on Saturday 30th May and is entitled Deities and Disasters.
The next workshop in the Egypt series
Julie is also holding a Spiritual Spring Cleaning workshop on Saturday 28th March.
Please contact Julie if you would like to book a place on either workshop:
Another fascinating crystal workshop from Julie
Re-Furnish Workshop: Further Skills in Furniture Repair and Upholstery
Karen and Katrina led another fabulous furniture repair workshop on 15th February. Katrina taught techniques for paint stripping, filling holes, removing scratches, waxing and varnishing. She also helped one of the attendees to sand a small table and re-stain it.
Karen led a practical session on how to tear down and rebuild a drop-in dining chair seat and she discussed options of materials to use.
These workshops are a great way to learn new skills with a friendly group of people. They provide a chance to ask questions and build confidence in your DIY furniture repair abilities.
Katrina talking about different methods of treating wood
Karen demonstrating upholstery techniques
We have another Re-Furnish workshop in March
Saturday 7th March, 10am – 12.30pm
Furniture Repair Clinic and Quick Fix Drop-in
Bring along an item of furniture that needs fixing and Karen and Katrina will show you how to do it.
You will be guided through the process and taught some quick fix methods so that you can complete the repair yourself. You can watch demonstrations too and get advice on repairs so that you can work on a project at home.
Please email wen@la21.net to book a place.
Woodwork drop-in and course
We are delighted to have relaunched our Reclaimers drop-in group with some new recruits. The Reclaimers reuse donated wood to make items for WEN and help with improvements around the centre. Projects have included making bird boxes, planters and display boards.
These weekly sessions are free and take place every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm. New members always welcome! If you would like more information about the Reclaimers, please email wen@la21.net
February marked the half way point of the spring term of the 8 week woodwork course. Our tutor Tony reports that everybody is doing well and enjoying themselves!
Some of the past woodwork projects made at WEN, with Tony, the woodwork course tutor, next to the noticeboard he made (bottom right).
Falkland Road Organic Gardeners
This month our FROGs have been sowing seeds in the polytunnel and are looking forward to watching them grow. They have also placed potatoes in a tray in the polytunnel to chit – the warmth will encourage the potatoes to develop sprouts and give them a headstart before they are planted later in the year. Outside the gardeners have planted parsnip seeds in the raised beds, which will soon be repaired and full of life!
Potatoes placed in the polytunnel to chit
Signs of growth in the garden, despite the February chill
We bought snowdrops in the green for our gardening classes to plant this month. Choosing to plant snowdrops in the green gives them time to establish before they come into flower again next winter.The members of the practical gardening class have planted up sedum trays. This planting technique can be used to create a green roof on small sheds, bin stores etc.
A sedum tray planted up and ready to go outside
Wildlife Spotting and the Library of Eco Things
We tested out one of the wildlife trail cameras we have available in our Library of Eco Things and were thrilled to see a badger taking a nighttime stroll!
The items in our Library of Eco Things can be borrowed by members of WEN (individuals, community groups, charities, schools and businesses). As well as the cameras, we have pollution monitors, bat detectors, water sampling kits, litter pickers, bokashi composting sets, clothes rails, pallet breakers and more.
A badger caught on camera!
Save The Date: WEN Spring Fair
Saturday 23rd May, 11am – 2pm It’s been a cold, rainy February but we’re looking forward to our Spring Fair, where you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome when you visit. Expect lots of plants, delicious cakes, crafts and woodwork made from reclaimed materials, Fairtrade food and gifts, and local environmental and wildlife charities to support.
If you or your organisation would like a stall, please email wen@la21.net or phone 0151 639 2121 to request a booking form.
There is no charge for a stall but a donation to WEN is appreciated.
Save the date for the Spring Fair!
