Gravesham Repair Café

This post includes photos from our Vigo Repair Café. What a lot of clocks!  We also safe-deleted a laptop hard disk so the machine could be passed on to a new owner.  The ladies who make emergency blankets from empty crisp packets were present, various electricals were revived, and there was a deal of sewing taking place. Not forgetting the garden lopper with damaged mechanism and, of course, bikes. We were busy two days earlier at Gravesend, but our usual photographer wasn't able to take snaps.  

A repair café is so called because not only do people get things repaired for free, they also benefit from a café offering free hot drinks and more.  This is especially appreciated by anyone who has to wait a while during the repairs. We can afford this because many of our visitors are happy donate a small amount in return for the repair or drink. Indeed some visitors are willing to pose with their newly repaired item though many more successful repairs go without mention.  On this particular day there were plenty of other items being dealt with and here's that work in progress.

It was a bumper crop of items brought for repair.  In addition to those shown in the photos, we had more clocks, garden tools for sharpening, clothing to be mended... all the usual things. Our new signage placed around the town centre on the day was noticed as evidenced by the comments received. Every member of our team gives their time and expertise for free and the kind hearted donations from visitors provide the funds for hall rental and supplies of tools etc.  Thank you. We are happy for visitors to bring their well behaved dogs as you'll see in the photos below.  

It is pleasing to report that we are gaining more volunteers.  In the last few months several have joined with their skills at repairing items while others have joined to assist in the kitchen or help with administration. Obviously our primary aim is to repair household items so that they don't end up contributing to landfill. But a secondary function is providing a facility that fosters a community of friendship and mutual support.  It seems we are succeeding. Our volunteers do everything for free, and fortunately many of our visitors make donations which helps us afford the venue rental and supplies like glue and batteries. Speaking of free, the fully serviced small bike shown with a tape measure is waiting for a new home.  Email GraveshamRepairCafe@gmail.com if you are interested. Saddle height adjusts 55cm to 75cm