- Many practical items brought back to good working order
- Donation made to Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
A huge range of different items were brought in to Lindfield Repair Cafe on Saturday 5th March, many holding great sentimental value for their owners. Among them were a historical world map, an antique doll and a much-treasured vase.
The map, which had become fragile over the years, was reinforced by one of the skilled sewing team who backed it with linen. The owner initially took it along to the first Repair Cafe in November last year and discussed how it could be renovated. He then went off to get the necessary materials and was finally able to take home the finished article on Saturday, thrilled that he could hang it alongside the rest of his collection. It showed how much the world has changed since it was first printed.
Many practical items were also restored to good working order with garden tools, knives and even lawn mower blades sharpened, oiled and tightened. Some folding household steps were made safe again and a paper shredder was mended. One delighted visitor had their bike repaired “Amazing!” they said, “So happy my bike finally works after six months of problems with it. Thank you – you don’t know how much this is going to help me in general life, being able to cycle again.”
Polly, who has become the Repair Cafe’s resident artist, did a fantastic job of illustrating many of the items on a whiteboard which helped to inspire visitors to think of things they might take in next time.
This was the Repair Cafe’s fourth event and it was as busy as ever, with 88 people bringing in items for repair, 65 repairs done on the day, 10 taken away and 6 which had been taken home from last month’s event were returned to their delighted owners.
“The fantastic thing about all of this,” said Trevor Carpenter, Lindfield Repair Cafe founder, “is that as well as loved items being restored, so many items are being prevented from going to landfill by being given a new lease of life.”
This month the Repair Cafe told visitors that 10% of donations will be given to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal and everyone seemed grateful to be able to help in this way.
As always, the Repair Cafe organisers would like to thank everyone who went along on a very cold morning and of course the team of volunteers who work amazingly hard. Thanks also goes to Lindfield Coop who generously donated tea and coffee supplies to be served alongside the wonderful range of delicious homemade cakes.
Next Repair Cafe – Saturday 2nd April
There will be Easter Themed craft activities available in the kids’ room.
Also an opportunity to get your bike summer-ready with a team of skilled volunteers available to carry out services and repairs.
There is a collection point for Haywards Heath Food Bank at the venue so visitors may drop off donations when they visit.
Lindfield Repair Café is open on the first Saturday of every month at the United Reformed Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield from 10am to 1pm. (On bank holiday weekends the date will move to the second Saturday of the month and in June the date will be Saturday 11th to avoid clashing with village day on the 4th)
Please note that the Repair Cafe cannot guarantee that they will be able to repair all items brought in, but they will always have a go if possible!
See the website for more details.
