On Saturday, May 18 the first Rye Repair Cafe took place in the community centre, Conduit Hill, from 10am-12.30pm. The objective of the cafe is to get things fixed rather than being thrown away needlessly. The idea for the Repair Cafe started at the Love Our Rother event in February, with five enthusiastic individuals forming a core group. It took many meetings and much time to organise that the insurance and essential paperwork was in place and, of course most importantly, to find the volunteers who would want to give their time and different skills for free.
A range of repairers were identified: an electrician, a clock repairer, a computer wizard, a wood repairer, a tool sharpener and two seamsters. Just as important are volunteers to be in charge of the coffee, tea and cake area as well as greeting and registration. We were lucky that plenty offered to bake cakes for the occasion. Everybody turned up and was in place when the doors opened. Before the event there was some trepidation as to how it would go. Would people turn up? Would repairs be successful? Would there be sufficient donations to help cover the upfront costs?
All these worries were unfounded. The event was a success. The morning was very busy for all the volunteers, at the repair tables, at the cafe and at reception. A system was in place to direct customers to the relevant repairer in order of arrival. Anyone who had to wait was encouraged to sit at the tables with coffee and chat. All kinds of items appeared: radios, hoovers, clocks, a shirt, a frock, lamps, secateurs, chisels, a mechanical pencil sharpener, toasters, an air fryer and a steam mop. Advice was given for wood repairs and computer issues, amongst other things.
41 repairs were completed successfully, that includes 28 tools sharpened, 19 items were beyond repair and in five instances advice was given for bringing the item back into use. Even finding out that something cannot repaired is useful, as there is no point in hanging on to it. We recruited two visitors who offered to volunteer next time. As we did not ask for fees we were relying on people giving us donations. And they did, very generously too. The core group was very aware of the businesses in Rye who might lose out repairing something but it has in mind to signpost people during their visit.
There was a great atmosphere and great team spirit all morning with very positive feedback. “It’s brilliant, a great initiative and lovely atmosphere, very quick and efficient” and “Excellent, everyone very helpful and friendly”. A few wonderful people connected to the volunteers arrived at the end of the session and helped clear the place of tables and chairs. The core group would like to say a big thank you to all who made the first Rye Repair Cafe a success. The next date is July 20, thereafter September 7 and October 12. After these dates we hope to be holding the event every second Saturday of every month. If you want more information please email: ryerepaircafe@gmail.com
Image Credits: Sandra Lanigan , Jane Munro .
Many Congratulations to the team who are making this Repair Shop happen in Rye!
Very impressed & thank you all. By the way the cakes were delicious.