DON’T ditch it, fix it – that’s the message from Redditch Repair Cafe, a brand new venture aimed at breathing new life into broken things.
Already a roaring success in Malvern where it has been running for four years, the concept is heading to Redditch.
“We’ve all got something at home that maybe doesn’t work anymore but we can’t bear to part with it. Well, this is a chance to bring it down and get it fixed and up and running again,” said project co-ordinator Esther Pass-ingham.
The scheme aims to be an antidote to today’s throw-away society and a key part of it will be the repairers themselves, so organisers are appealing for anyone with a skill, be it from fixing bicycles to vacuum cleaners, radios, carpentry or gardening equipment, to put their abilities to good use.
“In Malvern they’ve created a really good spirit among the repairers and it’s proved to be a real social get-together for them too,” said Esther.
“In Redditch we’re hoping to get 50 repairers, so please feel free to get in touch.”
The service will be free of charge – although there will be a donations tin for people to give what they think is appropriate – and there will also be a cafe selling tea and cake for people waiting while goods are fixed.
The scheme is already being support by Age UK’s Men in Sheds group and the first session will be staffed by repairers from Malvern while the Redditch group gets going.
Redditch Repair Cafe will run monthly at Britten House, Britten Street, just off Bromsgrove Road with the first session, from 10am to 2pm, scheduled for April 9.
To volunteer your skills, call 01527 69100 or email [email protected]
