THE secret behind turning old doors and unwanted furniture into anything from garden planters and benches to weaving looms was unveiled on Friday. The not-for-profit charitable company TRUCE - the Timber ReUse Community Enterprise - staged an open day to reveal how it makes useful products and gadgets out of scrap wood. And at least 50 people made their way to the organisation's temporary base in the old nursery at the top of the Clanville car park in Minehead to find out more. "We were really pleased with how the open day went," said Ian Pope, who has just been appointed as TRUCE's managing co-ordinator. "I think most people were genuinely surprised at the quality of the products." Among the VIP visitors to the open day was Somerset County Council chairman Cllr Alan Gloak and his wife Jill who, as well as being a given a tour of the facilities, took the opportunity to present a special prize to eight-year-old Ella Keal. Ella was the winner of a poster competition run by TRUCE at the recent community services day in Minehead. In addition to finished products, which range from wellington boot racks to bookends, customers can also buy pieces of recycled wood at the TRUCE premises, which are open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am and 4.30pm. And staff are always on the look-out for good wood - not chipboard - to be given a new lease of life. Pictured with Cllr Gloak, far right, and his wife are Mr Pope and Ella, who was presented with a certificate and a hedgehog pencil holder made from recycled wood. Photo: Steve Guscott.
