Older people in St Albans are currently enjoying learning DIY and car maintenance skills thanks to a new training programme. 

So far students attending DIY classes have learned new painting techniques and how to tackle damp as part of the programme introduced by St Albans District Older People’s Forum.

The sessions are organised by St Albans District Council in response to a request from the Older People’s Forum for DIY and car maintenance training. All the classes are run by tutors from Oaklands College.

Local people aged 60 years and older are invited to book a free place on these sessions by calling Oaklands College on 01727 737000. DIY classes will take place on Thursday, February 27 and Tuesday, March 11. A session on car maintenance is also being held on Wednesday, February 26. 

Christine Allen who attended one of the DIY sessions said: “The tutor was so patient with everyone. He answered all our questions and explained everything. I learned how to recognise and manage damp, and learned tricks of the trade to deal with it. It was hugely beneficial.”

Another DIY student, Terry Plumridge, said: “I really enjoyed the course; it was great fun to learn with other people. I learned something I didn’t know about copper piping. It is really good to learn new stuff at my age.”s from O