What we do.
Five tables, each with its own volunteers. Bring the item, and anything that goes with it, such as the charger or the remote.
Small electricals
Lamps, toasters, kettles, radios and hair dryers. Our two electricians test every item before and after the repair and fit new plugs, fuses and flexes. We do not open microwaves or anything that runs on gas. If a part has to be ordered, we take your number, ring you when it arrives, and you bring the item back next month.
Clothes and textiles
Zips, hems, buttons, small tears and patches, on a sewing machine or by hand. Bring the garment clean. If you would like to learn to do it yourself, the volunteer will show you as they go, and you can borrow a darning mushroom to practise at home.
Bikes
Punctures, brakes, gears and chains on adult and children's bikes. One of our volunteers was a bike mechanic for twenty years. We check the bike is safe to ride before it leaves, and we tell you plainly if a repair would cost more than the bike is worth.
Furniture and wooden things
Wobbly chairs, loose drawers, broken hinges and picture frames. We keep clamps, glue and a set of hand tools at the hall, so bring anything you can carry. For larger pieces, send us a photo first through the contact page and we will say whether we can help.
Sharpening
Kitchen knives, scissors and garden shears, sharpened on a whetstone while you wait. It takes about ten minutes an item. Wrap blades in a tea towel or newspaper, carry them in a bag, and hand them to a volunteer at the door rather than taking them out in the hall.