Repair Cafe Promotes ‘Fix Not Throw’ In Waterloo

Nov. 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Last Saturday’s Repair Cafe at The Goodlife Centre in Waterloo was buzzing. Word is getting out that things can be fixed not thrown and we are here to help. With the support of the fabulous people at Restart (http://therestartproject.org/), who fixed laptops and stereos, we opened our doors at 2pm and responded to the steady stream of beloved objects that were performing in a less than useful way.

Abigail brewed up the tea and served the home made cakes and breads that people brought as offerings. They kept up our spirits as the background jazz music reminded us that it was a temporary cafe as well.

Viv brought along a ‘Thonet’ like chair that required lots of gluing. It would need a new seat eventually which we couldn't do as we offer ‘repair’ not ‘replace’ in our ‘fix it’ afternoons. Mary brought a food mixer that refused to mix. Scott also opened a Gaggia Coffee machine that gagged at the thought of working. We were less than successful with these beasts of ‘time saving’ as the component parts are just too hidden behind impenetrable screws. Despite every screw driver and screw remover, the inner sanctum of the machines stayed closed.

Orna from Streetbank (http://www.streetbank.com/) stayed and met some new friends. Streetbank offer swap events to exchange goods no longer needed.  Sharon needed help with her gorgeous zipped bag. With needle and thread, and new found skills she stitched it back to loveliness and learnt how to sew on a coat button that wouldn't budge. The final repair was to a pair of ‘Simple’ shoes. Sadly, the ethical footwear was starting to come adrift and was a perfect time for our favourite cordless glue gun to step up to the plate.

The next Repair Café will take place at The Goodlife Centre on Sunday 10th February, from 2pm – 5pm. If you would like help to fix something and have the patience to tinker, glue and screw with our assistance, let us know what you would like to bring and let the mending commence. The Goodlife Centre is just ten minutes from Waterloo, Borough and Southwark tube stations.