A new ‘Repair Shop’ is coming to Derby later this month to help people fix everything from toasters to missing buttons on clothes. You won’t need to make an appointment – and just like the much-loved BBC TV show, the experts will show you how it’s done.
Mickleover Library is launching its Repair Café later this month and is encouraging people to bring items along to see if they can be fixed rather than throwing them away. Volunteers will be on hand to give help and advice on fixing small electrical items and giving clothes a new lease of life.
Those who attend can bring small household electrical items like blenders, handheld vacuum cleaners, kettles, toasters and hairdryers. The volunteers can also tackle sewing repairs like patching, turning up a hem, replacing buttons and darning.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Derby City Council cabinet member for cost of Living, equalities and communities, said: “The Repair Café will be a fantastic addition to Mickleover Library. It will create a welcoming and inclusive space where people can come together to share their knowledge, learn new skills, and contribute to a more sustainable community.
“The Derby Repair Café held at West End Community Centre has proved popular, as I’m confident this new one will at Mickleover Library. I’d love to see this initiative extended to other parts of the city.”
Organisers say visitors taking their items along can save and also help the environment by reducing waste. They’ll also be able to meet new people and chat over a coffee while picking up tips on basic repairs and watching the skilled volunteers at work.
One of the volunteers, Judith, will be sharing her sewing skills. She said: “I volunteered because I enjoy sewing and wondered if I could be helpful. Going back a couple of generations, people did used to mend things. My grandmother was an expert at sewing.
“Now a lot of people don’t have the same skills or the confidence to have a go themselves, so they might put it to the back of the cupboard or throw it out. I’m really keen to share my skills and show people how they could repair things themselves, so maybe next time they have the confidence to do it.
“There’s also a great social element too. It’s very friendly and informal, you can just drop in and have a coffee and a chat.”
Mickleover Library’s first Repair Café will take place on Saturday, January 25, from 1.30pm until 4.30pm and will continue on the last Saturday of every month. Visitors can drop in at any point and no appointments are needed.
The team would also like to hear from any potential volunteers with relevant skills. Find out more by calling Mickleover Library on 01332 647884 or email libraries@derby.gov.uk