Stourbridge furniture makers help veterans on DIY SOS

From a Stourbridge furniture unit to national television – two best friends have put their DIY skills to the test by lending a helping hand to veterans in Manchester.

David Perry and Jamie Wood from 101 Furniture were asked to help with the BBC1 programme DIY SOS, spending two weeks transforming streets in Newton Heath for former soldiers to move into with their families.

The team behind the programme, hosted by Nick Knowles, wanted to see whether the fledgling furniture company could help and the former Stourbridge College students, both 28, jumped at the chance.

101 Furniture, which started last year, specialises in making industrial-style furniture out of reclaimed timber and steel. The company donated a large outdoor dining table and benches set with a bright yellow frame to the project, as well as a four-seater garden bistro table with matching stools.

A total of 62 homes were transformed, with a further three larger homes created to house veterans and their families, as well as one standard size property and a walk-in support centre.

David Perry explained how keen he was to help when the DIY SOS team contacted them. He said: “We were approached late into the project on the off-chance we could help supply some garden furniture.

“The garden was being designed and project managed by Adam Frost, winner of seven consecutive RHS Chelsea Flower Show medals, so we pulled out all the stops, working 18-hour days to deliver a pallet full of tables, stools and benches ready for the reveal day of the programme.

“It was fantastic to be on-site for the launch, meeting the team and some of the veterans, and expressing our appreciation for everything they have done.”

101 Furniture now has a unit in Brierley Hill and employs two people – visit the company’s website to see more.

Viewers can see the finished project on Wednesday 14 and 21 October on BBC1 at 8pm.