Opening up…

Julie, one of our core organisers and founder, took the honour of officially opening the doors to the Scout Hut. We prepared the venue ready for a day of repairs, welcoming both volunteers and visitors to what would be an unforgettable event. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation as the team prepared for the first visitors to arrive.

Cutting the ribbon

The moment we had all been waiting for arrived – it was time to cut the ribbon and declare the Breaston Repair Cafe officially open! Julie, joined by fellow core team members Sally and Helen, stood proudly as they cut the ribbon in front of our wonderful volunteers. A symbolic gesture marking the beginning of something truly special for the community.

Safety

Next, Dave F stepped up to give the obligatory safety briefing, ensuring that all our volunteers knew how we were prioritising safety throughout the event. We take safety very seriously, and we put in a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure the day ran smoothly and, importantly, safely for everyone involved.

Welcome Desk

At the welcome desk, Annette and Helen were ready to greet our first visitors. They took care of check-ins and handed out item repair forms after ensuring everyone was familiar with our house rules. Once visitors were ready, Pauline and Dave F, guided visitors to the appropriate repair station.

If there was a bit of a wait, people could relax with a hot drink and a nice slice of cake! To keep things fair, we only allow one repair per person, though visitors were welcome to join the queue again if they had additional items to fix.

Cafe

Of course, no Repair Cafe would be complete without a welcoming cafe area. Here, people gathered, chatted, and waited for their turn with a repairer. The air was filled with friendly conversation, laughter, and the occasional delighted shout of “It’s fixed!”

The cafe team – Donna, Fay, Trudie, and Jorge – worked to keep everything hygienic, serve drinks and delicious cakes, and maintain a good level of banter that kept the atmosphere light and fun.

Reuse and Recycle Corner

One of the highlights of the day was our Reuse and Recycle Corner, managed by the wonderful Julie, with assistance from Jayne O, Anne, and Clare.

This part of the event was all about reducing waste and giving items a second life. We offered some unique recycling services, including cable recycling and pill pocket disposal. We also had a jigsaw swap – visitors could either donate or take a jigsaw home for a small donation. We were also collecting foreign coins and stamps, all for a great cause.

Jigsaw Swap

Jigsaws were in abundance, and it didn’t take long before we were brimming with them! There was no shortage of options for those wanting to pick up a new puzzle. Jigsaws, jigsaws, jigsaws – we were practically swimming in them!

You can either swap a jigsaw or give us a donation to take one or two.

Repair Stations

As the day went on, the repair cafe became a hive of activity. There were plenty of smiles and positive energy as the community came together to fix, share, and recycle. The place was buzzing, and everyone was excited to be part of something so wonderful.

Electrical Repair Station

One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was when a lady brought in her Alba record player, which was around 60 years old. After a successful repair, the record player powered up and started playing a bit of Charles Aznavour, the last record it had played before it broke. The lady sent us a video that evening of her listening to records again – a truly special moment.

At the electrical repair station, our skilled volunteers Dave P, Dave B, Phil, and Paul were prepared to address a variety of issues. One notable instance was when Dave P worked on a toaster. Unfortunately, the repair was deemed uneconomical. In the photo, Dave P is seen using his venerable component tester to assess the potential failure.

Bin it? No way! All items that cannot be fixed must be taken away, we recommend your local recycling centres.

Dean and Keith, part of our dedicated PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) team, who were on hand to ensure that all mains electrical items were safe for use. Their expertise and attention to detail meant that all items brought in for repair were thoroughly tested and certified as safe before being returned to their owners. Their contribution played a vital role in keeping the event running smoothly and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

How many repairers does it take to fix a pressure jet?… Well, 3 apparently. Another item was saved from landfill!

Sewing Repair Station

Our sewing team was equally busy, with Julie R working on a jumper in need of repair. With her skilled hands, she brought the jumper back to life, ready to be worn again. Meanwhile, Sally and Hilary were hard at work on other sewing projects, helping our visitors with everything from broken zips to torn seams.

Guest Table – Clock Repair

On the guest table, we were excited to have Kev offering clock repairs. Kev’s wealth of experience was a huge asset, and we’re sure we’ll be seeing more of him in the future, offering even more bespoke repairs for our visitors.

Throughout the year, we will change the guest tables to offer a variety of different repairs for the community.

Guest Table – Tool Sharpening Station

The tool sharpening station, expertly run by Andy, was one of the highlights of the event. It quickly became a popular spot, with visitors eagerly lining up to get their garden tools, and more sharpened to perfection. Andy’s skill and attention to detail ensured that every item was restored to its best condition, and many left with their tools ready to tackle their next project with confidence. It was a fantastic addition to the Repair Cafe, offering valuable service and helping to keep items in use for longer.

Bike Repair

Our bike repair station was another fantastic feature of the event, run by the skilled team of Iain, Jayne F, Andy, and Peter R. They worked tirelessly to get bikes back on the road, performing repairs that made a real difference.

Got a bike stuck in the garage or shed that needs some maintenance, like a tyre repair? We encourage people to bring their bikes to the next Repair Cafe – we’d love to help get them back in working order!

Funding Donations

We were also thrilled to be joined by members of the Church Wilne Rotary Club, who have been incredibly supportive of our journey. Seen here alongside some of repair cafe core members, their generous donation helped us get the Breaston Repair Cafe up and running.

A special thank you also goes to “Push Bike Paul” and Pauline, who were integral to the success of our first event. Both of them, through their ongoing charitable efforts, also made a generous donation to support the Repair Cafe.

As the event drew to a close, we reflected on the success of our very first Repair Cafe. It was a huge achievement for the core team, who put in so much hard work to make it happen. We couldn’t have done it without our talented and dedicated volunteers, who brought their skills and enthusiasm to the event. And of course, a big thank you goes to our wonderful visitors, who brought in items for repair and made kind donations, helping us to keep the Repair Cafe running.

Follow our social media pages for more stories. Our social media team, Sharon and Grace, work hard behind the scenes to create engaging content and give meaning to the items brought in for repair. Our second event will be held on the 1st of March.

Thank you for being part of our journey!