Press release / Somerset companies partner to champion DIY skills
TWO Frome businesses have combined forces to launch a competition and celebrate the skills of local DIY enthusiasts.
Home improvement enthusiasts in the area can test their practical knowledge in a short online quiz and if their scores are high enough, battle it out in a live task to win £200 of equipment and become Frome’s DIYer of the Year.
The competition devised by information website DIY Doctor and sponsored by Catherine Hill’s Sergeants Ironmongers has been launched in response to national media stories around a growing shortage of home improvement and handyman skills.
“The spend in the home improvement sector doesn’t necessarily support this finding” commented Mike Edwards, founder of diydoctor.org.uk, formerly based in Frome and now Mells.
He added:
“Feedback via our website shows there still to be a strong population of DIY enthusiasts, keen to learn new skills, so we’re keen to showcase these and provide a fun experience for those wanting to put their skills to the test.”
An article published in the Daily Mirror this year forecasted the loss of basic home improvement skills by 2048, as a growing number of ‘technosexual’ men would prefer to learn how to fix a computer instead of a plug.
The founder of the website was keen to stress that the competition is open to all.
“In contrast to some of the negative media surrounding male skills, there has been a lot written about the increasing numbers of women applying to train as electricians, plumbers etc. I really hope that we see a high level of female interest in this competition.”
DIY enthusiasts can enter by visiting diydoctor.org.uk/diyquiz and answering 15 practical questions; it is open to residents of Frome and those living within a 10-mile radius. The closing date for entries is 31st May.
Three finalists will then be selected to compete in practical, everyday challenges involving painting and carpentry to decide the overall winner. The finalist event will be held on Saturday 4 June outside Sergeants Ironmongers on Catherine Hill and judged by the shop’s owner Steve Cox and director of DIY Doctor, Mike Edwards.
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