Guildford’s Repair Café Offers Free Fixes for Broken Items

Every third Tuesday of the month, residents of Guildford can breathe new life into their broken household items at the local Repair Café. Operating from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Guildford branch of Surrey Libraries, this initiative invites community members to bring in items for free repairs conducted by dedicated volunteers.

The Repair Café movement, which originated in the Netherlands in 2009, has expanded globally, with over 2,500 locations worldwide. Its mission is to combat wastefulness and promote sustainability by encouraging the repair of items rather than their disposal. Rob Hollins, a long-time volunteer and resident of Guildford, enthusiastically shared, “We fix anything that you can possibly imagine.” He described recent repairs, including a delicate glass lamp and various electronics. “We tackle everything from vacuum cleaners to microwave ovens,” he added.

The Repair Café not only helps individuals save money but also contributes to environmental conservation. Research conducted by Steve Privett as part of his master’s degree at the University of Surrey highlights the potential impact of these repairs. Privett found that successfully repairing one product can prevent up to 24 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions. His study analyzed data from nearly 3,000 repairs across thirteen U.K. Repair Cafés, looking at various factors including item weight and travel distance.

To streamline the repair process, attendees are encouraged to email the café in advance at [email protected] with details about the items they wish to have repaired. This preparation allows volunteers to gather necessary tools and information, ensuring an efficient experience for visitors. Hollins emphasized the need for patience, noting that some repairs may require more time than others.

Volunteer fixers at the Guildford event include Hollins himself, alongside others like Andy Manhardt and Claudia Rivard, a retired home-economics teacher who specializes in mending clothing. “I have quite a team of fixers,” said Hollins, comparing their group size to larger Repair Cafés like the one run by the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) in Vancouver, which has around 25 to 30 volunteers.

In addition to Guildford, other Repair Café events are scheduled in Surrey, such as at Alex House in the Crescent Beach area on October 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested can find more information on the Repair Café’s social media pages.

At 80 years old, Hollins remains passionate about fixing items and giving back to the community. He volunteers at various local organizations, including the REC For Kids facility, where he helps repair sports equipment for children in need. “I love to fix things,” he said with a smile. “It’s about helping others and making a difference.”

The Repair Café movement continues to grow, promoting a culture of sustainability and community engagement, one repair at a time.