Wikipedia defines a repair café as “a place where people gather to work on repairing objects of everyday life such as electrical and mechanical devices, computers, bicycles, clothing, and other items. Repair Cafés are typically held at community locations where owners can fix their broken goods with the help of volunteers.”

The first one was set up in Amsterdam in 2009 and there are now estimated to be over 2,000 regular ones worldwide. As well as enabling getting broken items to be fixed – something that’s increasingly hard to get done commercially in this age of planned obsolescence – they have also proved to be the catalyst for other organisations and initiatives designed reduce water and over-consumption and increase community spirit and sustainability. The RepairMonitor website is one example of this and provides information about many thousands of repairs on a wide range of products.

There are several repair cafés in this area, including in Hungerford and Wantage. There is also one in East Garston.

This will back in action after a break of two years and will take place in East Garston Village Hall on Saturday 26 March 2022 from 10.30am to 3.00pm. This follows on from the successful inaugural one in March 2020.

“Please let us know if you would like to volunteer your services as a repairer,” organiser Ed James said. “So far, it’s planned that our fixers will include seamstresses, bike repairers, electrical repairers, tool sharpeners and a woodworker. Please get in touch even if your skill is on this list as we’re keen to make this a regular event and not every expert will be able to attend each one.

“This is also giving everyone in the area enough time to look out and put aside those things that need repairing – we look forward to seeing you, and them, on 26 March.”

Priscilla’s Coffee Shop next door will be open for tea, coffee and light lunches.

Please contact Ed James on [email protected] if you would like to get involved.