The pilot for Chester's Repair Cafe took place at the Hoole Community Centre on Saturday 19th October, and it was a great success.
Atkin Jones supported the crowd funding effort to make the cafe a reality and it was brilliant to be able to help out on the day as an 'escort' (guide). I'm not sure how pilots normally go, and no-one quite knew what to expect, but by all account this was a very decent start.
The wonderful repairers fixed a lot of stuff - all sorts of stuff. We had vacuum cleaners, cd players, radios, laptops, bikes, all manner of clothes and bags, toasters, kettles, ice boxes, fans and a leaf blower (although the owner of this will have to come back next month as we ran out of time).
Some owners have gone off to buy parts and will return next month. Some have, unfortunately, had to buy new items as the ones they tried to salvage were irreparable, or they failed the PAT test, but, the vast majority of items now have a new lease of life!
There was a real sense of community spirit in the room with stories being told over a cup of tea and a biscuit and sheer joy on people's faces when their items started working properly again. Hats off to those people who don't automatically throw things away, who cling on to the hope that old items can be repaired, saving them money and keeping their stuff out of landfill.
Congratulations to Kerry and Hannah for making this happen. I'm sure Chester's Repair Cafe will go from strength to strength (we're going to need a bigger boat) and here at Atkin Jones, we're looking forward to playing our part. See you on 16th November!
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