INTERNATIONAL Repair Day was marked on Saturday (October 19) with a number of Repair Cafes around Somerset welcoming visitors, including a new one which started in Minehead.

The day was an annual celebration for everybody who makes repair happen in their communities around the world.

Minehead’s first event joined more than 20 other repair groups spanning the county, all run by volunteers and each able to fix a variety of items.

An interactive map to help people find their nearest repair group has been produced by Somerset Council to make it easier for residents to be involved.

Lynda Edwards has a radio fixed by Paul Weldon at Minehead's new Repair Cafe. PHOTO: George Ody.
Lynda Edwards has a radio fixed by Paul Weldon at Minehead's new Repair Cafe. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

Minehead’s Repair Café took place in the town’s Sacred Heart Church, in Townsend Road, from 10am to 12noon, with tech items also accepted to be given to the council’s Fixy Van, which attended for the session.

Repairers were available to work on clocks, electrical items, and textiles, and to advise on broken items made of willow or jewellery, while a service was also available to sharpen tools such as garden shears.

Volunteers in repair groups can usually help with anything from sewing repairs to fixing a vacuum cleaner or a bicycle, although residents are advised to check with their local group to see what it can do.

Somerset executive Cllr Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “This year’s International Repair Day celebrates that ‘Repair is for Everyone’.

“Repairing is great for the environment and our wallets, it is usually far cheaper than replacing the item.

“The things we use every day contain precious materials, such as metals, so when these items are repaired rather than replaced it stops the materials going to waste.

Alan Elliot (left) fixing table lamp holders for Stephen King at the first Minehead Repair Cafe. PHOTO: George Ody.
Alan Elliot (left) fixing table lamp holders for Stephen King at the first Minehead Repair Cafe. PHOTO: George Ody. ( )

“Recycling is great, but repair and reuse are even better.”

Several of Somerset’s repair groups are supported by CAG Somerset, a free-to-join membership organisation which helps a thriving network of local community action groups.

Anybody who wants to join the Minehead group as a volunteer and who missed the opening day can email [email protected].

The next Minehead Repair Café will be held on Saturday, November 16, and it will then run monthly next year from January through to November.