Lindfield Repair Cafe had some very important visitors to their event on Saturday 3rd February – two 72-year-old teddies, both given to their owners when they were born. They were each given a new lease of life and the Repair Cafe team were thrilled to receive this wonderful account of Ted’s day out, sent in by his delighted owner.
‘Ted had not expected to go on an outing today. Such a joy to see sunshine and people, having spent the majority of his adult life in darkness, alone, in the loft, gathering injuries over the years. Foot lacerations, cuts to his paws and a recent broken nose had added to his discomfort.
Ted was not looking his best, but then, at 72, not all of us are. Ted and I have both seen better days, but we’ve never left each other, both still here and both 72.
We originally lived in Wales where I was born. Ted joined me shortly after my birth. He was a Londoner, from Hamleys. We loved Wales and then moved to Sussex where we’ve been ever since.
So, our outing today was to the Lindfield Repair Cafe, where my dear friend Polly, artist in residence, kindly encouraged us. I had not been totally honest with Ted when I told him we were going to an exclusive private hospital where he would undergo surgery to improve his condition and enhance his quality of life. I assured him however he would be very well looked after.
We were not disappointed. We were introduced to Ted’s surgeon, Susan, and both immediately felt at ease, knowing that Ted was in kind and capable hands. General anaesthetic, operation successful and home for rest and recuperation. What a joy for both Ted and me, especially when we were told that we were both looking amazing for our age. Gratitude for that.
Ted is now rejuvenated, never to return to the dark loft. He’s now in the light, enjoying life, we’re together and wherever I go Ted will go.
This is Ted’s second life; he’s no longer Ted. He was deserving of a better name so he’s now Edward Thomas. Thomas was my maiden name and Edward Thomas is my favourite Welsh poet. So now we are looking forward to this new life together and many years of fun. With love from Edward and Helen Thomas.’
Lindfield Repair Cafe opens its doors again at 10am on Saturday 2nd March and they will once again be welcoming local social enterprise How to Basically, who run DIY courses aiming to empower individuals and make them less reliant on third party help: https://howtobasically.co.uk/
They will also be running DIY activities in the Kids’ Room (Please note participating children must have an adult to help them).
More Volunteers Urgently Needed
The Repair Cafe is looking for more volunteer repairers to help its very busy electrical/electronic repairs team as well as those who enjoy working with children and could help with activities in the Kids’ Room (alongside parental/carer supervision). Founder Trevor Carpenter says ‘One of our most important aims is to help kids understand the concept of repairing and to become our next generation of repairers’.
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Lindfield Repair Cafe is also proud to offer computer advice:
They don’t carry spares, so physical repairs aren’t usually practical, and the aim is not to compete with local professional services, but they can help with many technical issues that may be making you think about replacing your device prematurely. Don’t forget the power supply!
Forthcoming events:
Saturday 2nd March
Saturday 6th April
Saturday 4th May
Saturday 8th June (a week later to avoid clashing with Lindfield Village Day)
Lindfield Repair Cafe is open on the first Saturday of the month at the
United Reformed Church, 52 High Street, Lindfield, from 10am to 1pm.
(On bank holiday weekends the date will be moved to the second Saturday of the month).
Please check our website/social media pages for the latest updates (details below).
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! Spare parts for repairs are not supplied so if you need a new zip or bulb fitted it may be worth purchasing one before you come along!
There is a collection point for Haywards Heath Food Bank at the venue so visitors may drop off donations when they visit.
Image: Rejuvenated Ted with talented repairer Susan
Website: https://www.lindfieldrepaircafe.org/
