Shaftoe Trust Academy DT Club to hold Craft Fayre in July

John Turner, a retired Art and Design teacher, and his wife Hayley run the Club.

DT Club's theme this year is 'one person's trash is another person's treasure'.

Hayley said: "The children have taken on an ambitious project since April in which they have been upcycling donated items to hold their own Craft Fayre at the Haydon Bridge Community Centre on Friday, July 15 from 3pm to 7.30pm."

"Children are upcycling furniture and household items, so as we're teaching them DT skills, we're also teaching them about reusing resources, financial management and marketing," she said.

A child painting a chair in DT Club

"DT Club members have invitations for their friends and family, but we encourage other members of the public to come along," Hayley said.

"Miss Phazey, Headteacher of Shaftoe Academy, agreed to ring-fence any profits made for DT Club supplies so Mr Turner can continue to offer this club with no charge to parents.

"Everyone is aware because of the cost of living crisis, people are having to cut back on unnecessary spending. For some parents, this may mean after-school activities where money is charged are now unaffordable," Hayley said.

Some of the items designed by students

Local people and businesses donated items, such as Matthias Winter, Homebase and Tesco. 

"Some of the items donated are in a little need of repair, but once that is done, they can be given a new lease of life," Hayley said.

"We're not just doing the 'fun' stuff like painting, but also trying to teach the children important life skills.

"We have been fortunate to secure support from the administrators of the Hexham Re-use and Recycle Facebook page." 

Administrator Cat Bell said: "In today's modern throw-away society, it is fantastic that children can learn to transform everyday objects that have outlived their use.

"The DT Club shares our group ethos of reducing waste and our carbon footprint through reuse and recycle and we are delighted to support John in this worthwhile venture," she added.

A student painting a design

Tin cans have been upcycled into plant pots and garden tool holders, and wine corks made into coasters and garden herb signs.

Hayley said: "Mr Turner feels the club is beneficial to the children - they're learning transferable life skills for the future, they're extremely proud they're able to contribute to the school with any profits made, and, more importantly, they enjoy the challenges they're set.

"The children are a wonderful group, who are all very talented, and it is an absolute pleasure to work with them," she added.