Quirky Repair Cafe launches in local Derby library - lets people rescue broken items over coffee

Derby’s new Repair Cafe is set to launch at a local community library in Mickleover.

Based around 10 minutes away from Derby city centre, Mickleover Library’s Repair Café aims to give old items a new lease of life.

People are encouraged to swerve the bin and instead, take defunct items such as an old toaster or torn shirt, along to the cafe to get it mended.

A team of friendly and knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to give help and advice on fixing small electrical items, or giving clothes a new lease of life.

You can bring along 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.

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By visiting the Repair Cafe, you could save money and avoid costly replacements by repairing your item.

By recycling, you could also help the environment by reducing waste and minimising the need for new production.

It could also be a fun and educational day out as you meet new people and pick up tips and tricks while watching skilled volunteers work their magic.

Volunteer Judith will be sharing her sewing skills.

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She said: “I volunteered because I enjoy sewing and wondered if I could be helpful.

“Going back a couple of generations, people 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.

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“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.”

When is Derby Repair Cafe?

Mickleover Library’s first Repair Cafe will take place on Saturday 25 January from 1:30pm until 4:30pm.

The events will continue on the last Saturday of every month.

You can drop in at any point, there is no need to make an appointment.

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities, said: “The Repair Cafe 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 be at Mickleover Library.

“I'd love to see this initiative extended to other parts of the city.”

For more information or to volunteer click here: inderby.org.uk