Guest article – Repair Cafe Wrecsam
You might not have heard about repair cafes before, but the idea is very simple: you bring along your broken or damaged item and skilled volunteer repairers will try to fix it, for free.
Supported by Repair Cafe Wales, Repair Cafe Wrecsam was setup in June 2022 and usually runs on the last Saturday of every month. Taking place in the Yellow and Blue Hub (at Eagles Meadow) you can grab yourself a bit of food and drink before or after you’ve had your item fixed.
What can I bring?
Items that are typically repaired include:
- bikes (basic maintenance)
- electrical appliances
- toys
- clothing
- ornaments
- wooden items/furniture
Volunteers will have a look at most things, except microwaves as they are too dangerous.
Save money and help the environment
Councillor David A Bithell, Climate Champion, said: “As well as bringing people together, repair cafes aim to help you keep the items you already own for longer.”
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Environment, said: “Using a repair cafe means you could avoid sending something to landfill and having to buy a replacement; which would also use up energy to make.”
It’s a win-win!
Remember repairs are free too – although you are always welcome to make a small donation to help support future events.
You might have an item that was really useful before it broke, or a favourite shirt which now has a hole in it, and it would be a shame to just throw it away.
Or, you might own an object of sentimental value such as a cuddly toy which has torn.
Basically, if you have something you want to keep but don’t have the tools or knowledge of how to fix it then bring it along to Repair Café Wrecsam to see if they could help.
How long do repairs take?
If it’s a small repair then volunteers will always try to fix it while you sit with them.
Sometimes, your item may need more time, or a specialist tool is not on hand on the day. If this is the case, the repairer may give your item back to you and suggest that you bring it back to the next repair cafe to be finished, if they feel they can fix it then (or to an event in another location that’s sooner).
If your item might be a bit tricky to repair it’s a good idea to get in touch beforehand so the repair cafe can ensure a volunteer with the right tools is available to fix your item.
Can I help out?
If you or someone you know is skilled at fixing anything – or, if you aren’t a fixer but could help out with organising/admin then you can fill in the volunteer form. More volunteers are always welcome! If you have any questions first please get in touch with Repair Cafe Wrecsam by email at repaircafewrecsam@yahoo.com or come along to the next event just to see how it works.
When is the next event?
The next repair café is happening on Saturday, 27th April, 2024 from 1-3pm at the Yellow and Blue Hub, Eagles Meadow.
You can also check dates of future events on the Repair Cafe Wales website, or the Repair Cafe Wrecsam Facebook page which you can also follow for updates.
Jackie, Repair Cafe Wrecsam Lead said: “On Saturday June 29th it will be Repair Cafe Wrecsam’s 2nd birthday and we’d like to say a big thanks to Pete Humphreys, of the Yellow and Blue community cafe, for allowing us to use the space, every month over the last two years, to run our events. I would also like to thank the lovely volunteers – past and present – for sharing their time and skills to make it such a success. Over the past two years we’ve managed to save approximately 199 items from going to landfill and saved many people from having to buy new. That has to be a good thing.”
