The growing level of public enthusiasm and support for Wellington’s Repair Café has been a great encouragement, says Holly Regan-Jones, co-ordinator of the team running this bi-monthly community event.

The money and effort that went into the project during its first year has paid dividends, with about 250 local people benefiting directly by having items repaired or refurbished by experts willing to give their time and skills at no charge.

Analysis of the data collected over the period shows that well over 400 items were brought in by members of the public. The electricians were always in great demand, with a total of almost 100 electrical items to deal with, and often found themselves working overtime.

The tool-sharpening service was also popular giving new life to 70 pairs of garden shears and 40 pairs of secateurs, as well as numerous other tools and knives. Forty items of clothing and other fabrics were presented for repair or alteration.

Part of the Repair Café’s success has been down to the invaluable role played by members of Wellington WI, serving refreshments and helping to create a cheerful environment which encouraged people waiting for repairs to be carried out, to stay and chat with old friends or make new ones.

Special thanks are also due to Waitrose for supplying tea, coffee, newspapers and such like at no charge, and to Wellington Baptist Church for making its hall available for use on a regular basis.

Holly Regan-Jones said that since the supply of things needing repair did not appear to be dwindling a further series of six Repair Cafés are being planned for 2020.

The first of these, happening next week on Saturday, February 15, will be part of the ‘Big Fix 2020’, an international initiative hoping to see as many as possible of the existing Repair Cafés taking place on or close to the same date. The aim of this is to bring reuse and repair to the attention of a wider public, and increase the popularity and number of Repair Cafés. There is already evidence that the success of Wellington’s Repair Café, as well as the one held on alternate months over the border in Hemyock, is prompting other communities in the area to think along similar lines.

Wellington’s team of dedicated repairers always welcomes any newcomers who may feel they have a useful practical skill to offer, with an urgent need for more electricians and a bicycle-repairer in particular. Anyone interested in perhaps volunteering is invited to phone Holly Regan-Jones on 01823 660161 or email her on [email protected] for more information.