Sustainable Wallingford’s Repair Café was one several events held by community groups across Oxfordshire to encourage a “Fix-it” attitude and reduce electrical and other waste. Items repaired have included a sewing machine, vacuum cleaner, several toasters, a cuddly toy, a tent,  and remote control car.

Other repair cafés are running in the area now and Sustainable Wallingford have paused theirs from the pandemic. Cholsey repair cafe is only a couple of miles away, anyone can go!

Tool sharpening and bike maintenance were among the services being offered which have been very popular, with experts for electrical/electronic and textile repairs plus electrical safety testing and ad hoc repairs like glueing.  Only minor repairs and maintenance can be undertaken due to time constraints but generally, the experts on hand will advise visitors how to complete the repairs or maintenance themselves where safe to do so.  Sharing skills with visitors is one of the group’s aims, to help more people consider repair or maintenance and saving some money, instead of the rubbish bin, when an item breaks.

Everyone is always very enthusiastic and to keep everyone refreshed hot drinks and homemade cakes are available alongside the repair activities. This makes for a sociable occasion! You will  find Repair Cafes throuout the area. Here’s an interesting blog with more detail  about the one at Didcot.