A HOME movie projector kit from the 1930s which had languished in a shed for years was one of the items fixed at the latest Blackdown Hills Repair Cafe at Hemyock village hall.

The Pathe Kid projector was brought in with a broken winder and was repaired by volunteer Richard Bishop.

The owner had bought the projector for £10 at a car boot sale but research showed it was a costly item when it was made.

The projector sold for 50 shillings, a lot of money just after the Depression, equating in today’s money to a month’s wages for a factory worker or a clerk then.

It was complete with two films – The Joy of the House and River and Canal Locks, its original bulbs, power supply which plugs into a light socket and instructions.

The September Repair Cafe brought in a bumper crop of about 65 items and was easily the busiest event staged so far.

About 20 volunteer repairers were kept fully occupied with vacuum cleaners, lamps, walkie talkies, kettles, fans, clothing, bikes, computers and more. A roaring trade was also done in the refreshments department.

Computer experts at the repair cafe are keen to offer their services. “Are you getting the most from your PC, laptop, tablet and mobile phone,” they say. “Is your computer running slowly? Do you need help setting up a new device or with ensuring your mobile phone photos are being backed up and with how to access them on your PC or tablet? Don’t be embarrassed to ask – we are here to assist you in every way possible.”

Anyone interested can book their computer slot at the cafe beforehand via the Facebook page – RepairCafeBlackdowns – or by contacting Trisha Comrie at [email protected] or on 01823 602908.

The next repair café is at Hemyock Parish Hall on Saturday, November 24, from 10am-noon.