Saturday at the Repair Cafe

Carla: Welcome back to Community Matters. This morning I'm in the hall on Mill Lane, where thirty or so people are sitting around tables with screwdrivers, sewing kits and, I have to say, a very sorry-looking toaster. With me is David, who set up this repair cafe three years ago. David, did you expect it to take off like this? David: Not remotely. We began in a corner of the library with six volunteers, and I assumed we'd see a handful of people each month. Now we get around forty items every session. Carla: And do they all get fixed? David: Not all, no. About seven in ten, which I think is pretty respectable. The rest are usually beyond saving, or the part has been discontinued. Carla: It must feel like you're saving the planet one lamp at a time. David: Well, I'd be wary of putting it quite like that. Obviously it keeps things out of landfill, but honestly, what keeps people coming back is the company. Folk arrive with a broken kettle and leave having chatted to three neighbours. Carla: Is there anything you're short of? David: Yes, actually. We've got plenty of people who are good with electrical things, but hardly anyone who can mend clothes. If any of your listeners have a sewing machine and a free Saturday morning, we'd love to meet them. Carla: Lovely. The hall is open every Saturday from ten.