We are running to our normal schedule of the 3rd Sunday of the month,
For those of you who have not been to a Repair Cafè, this is a mostly free service where you can bring in broken items and get them repaired, only paying for any parts that are used in the repair. You are welcome to come on the day with an item for repair or to help with the repairs. We can cope with many kinds of repair, such as electrical and electronic items, bikes, furniture, computers, clothes and fabric alterations.
Why It Matters
Environmental benefits: Repair cafés help extend the life of products, which reduces waste and the need for new resources and manufacturing. For example, in the Farnham case they estimated a significant CO₂ saving. Skill-sharing & community building: They provide venues for people to share repair knowledge, reducing isolation and building community ties. The movement links technical fix-skills with social connection. Behaviour change and culture shift: Repair cafés challenge the mindset of “if it’s broken, throw it away, buy new”. They promote “fix it, learn to fix, reuse” instead.
Economic/financial benefits: They help people save money (by repairing rather than replacing) and reduce disposal costs and waste.
What Happens at a Repair Café – Typical Features Volunteers (often with backgrounds in electronics, sewing, woodwork, mechanical repair) staff stations where visitors bring items. Owners participate, ask questions, learn. The items repaired vary widely: electrical and electronic goods (radios, lamps, small appliances), clothing/textiles, furniture, jewellery, toys, clocks, etc. It’s usually free or based on donations; the idea is accessibility for all. Some parts may be charged if needed, but the labour is volunteer.
Workshops are often monthly.
