How many times do we have an item which no longer works but only requires a simple fix to bring it back to life?
Every October, International Repair Day is an annual celebration for everyone who makes repairs happen in their communities around the world. By being able to have items repaired rather than discarded, not only does it reduce our impact on the planet, but new skills are also taught, and communities can come together. Whether you’re a fixer, community organiser, tinkerer, maker, repair business, campaigner or simply a fan of repair, there are lots of ways to join in.
If you have a small item for repair but not a microwave, come along to Grove Methodist Church Hall from 2pm until 5pm on 19 October and ask one of the volunteer fixers from The Mix in Wantage and Stanford in the Vale Repair Cafes to see what they can do. There is no actual charge for the work undertaken but donations are always much appreciated.
When a similar event was held in October 2022, fifteen volunteers saw seventeen visitors during a three-hour period. Those visitors brought in forty-five items between them ranging from household items and vacuums to laptops and woolly hats. Overall, the volunteers were able to fix or improve twenty-two items, fourteen tools were sharpened and there were six items requiring further parts and additional work. Just three items were not fixable, so this was an amazing result. Usually, the average repair rate is about 70%.
Not only did people get their items repaired, but quite a few people had not previously heard about the work undertaken at the Repair Cafes held at The Mix (sustainablewantage.org.uk/repair-cafe) and the Stanford in the Vale Repair Café. So, this is not only a great way to give an item a new lease of life in many instances, but it is also a great way to share information and the joys of repair.
