Workshops offer money saving household tips

Wythenshawe residents are being invited to a series of events letting them know how they can save money by throwing less away.

The free events will let residents know how to make their food, clothing and even furniture go further as part of Watch Your Waste Week.

A cookery class telling people how delicious meals can be made out of leftovers will be held at the Tree of Life Centre on Greenbrow Road, Newall Green on Friday November 18.

Food experts will give a cookery demonstration, showing how to make dishes such as a chicken broth and a scramble frittata out of normal kitchen leftovers.

They will also show how herbs and spices can be used to turn leftovers into tasty dishes during the workshop, as well as describing other useful techniques.

Meanwhile, a sew good workshop telling residents how to take care of their clothes to make them last longer will be held at the Tree of Life Centre at St Mark's church on Oatlands Road.

Participants will leave the workshop with remade clothes, as well as new sewing skills such as the ability to mend small tears and alter sizes - meaning second hand clothes can be bought.

A moveable living room will also be coming to Wythenshawe town centre on Friday November 25 to promote the importance of reusing old furniture.

Thousands of perfectly usable pieces of furniture are thrown onto tips every year, despite the fact that many charities can collect these items for free and use them to help people in need.

The living room will be staffed by charity volunteers who can advise residents about what kind of furniture can be donated and how it is used.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's executive member for the environment, said: "We throw away perfectly good items all the time, from food to clothing and furniture, and this series of events is aimed at teaching people those 'make do and mend' skills many of us don't have any more.

"Not only will these workshops help Wythenshawe residents save cash - something we all want to do in these times - but it will also mean they can help the environment."

E-mail communications@recycleforgreatermanchester.com to book your free place or call 01204 374 221 with your name and postcode. Priority will be given to Greater Manchester residents who live near the classes.