MEMBERS of a repair cafe in Spencers Wood celebrate the 15th anniversary of the International Repair Cafe movement this month.
Lambs Lane Repair Cafe, is one of 3281 groups working across the world to mend household items, extending their usefulness, and rescuing them from landfill.
This October, the International Repair Cafe Movement, based in the Netherlands, celebrates 15 years of fixing around the globe.
It has asked repair cafes everywhere to design and send in bunting to represent their local group.
These will be displayed as a complete string of flags at an anniversary party in the Hague, at the Repaire Cafe XL on Friday, October 18.
Keen to play their part, Billie Bachra, who leads the Spencers Wood group, and her team of volunteers, have designed and made their own Lambs Lane Repair Cafe flag, and are delighted that it will join others from around the world at the International celebration.
The global repair initiative began in 2009 in Amsterdam, when journalist Martine Postma realised how many items consigned to the dump could be rescued.
Since then the organisation has grown, with people around the world determined to do what they can to help the environment – and visitors’ pockets – by fixing broken items and avoiding the need to throw away and replace.
“Our flag was lovingly made by Claire one of our seamstresses,” said Billie,” and indicates our name and our birdbox project.
“We’re very proud to be part of an organisation that helping to reduce landfill at grass roots level.
“The organisation is also campaigning to ensure all future products can be repaired as at the moment some products are sealed so that they cannot be opened without causing more damage.
“The Repair Cafe at Lambs Lane has been helping other Repair Cafes start up in the local area by providing advice and support because we believe that our community truly benefits from reduced landfill.
“At our next meeting please bring along your broken household items and we will try and fix them.
“And enjoy a drink while you help.”
The group meets at Lambs Lane Primary School on the third Sunday of the month.
Their next meeting is on Sunday, October 20, from 10am until 1pm.
For information, visit: spencerswoodrepaircafe.co.uk and
fixingthefuture.atlasofthefuture.org (search for repair cafe international foundation)
