Repair Cafes started in 2009 in the Netherlands with the aim of helping people fix items to avoid waste and build a sense of community. In a Repair Café, neighbours come together to repair broken items like textiles, toys and bikes, so that they don't have to be thrown into landfill sites thus helping to conserve our beautiful countryside.  Repairing and recycling also reduces our carbon footprints, and using the Repair Café should also help to save you money. There are now over 3259 Repair Cafés around the world, repairing over 58662 items a month. In our area, there are thriving cafes in Chorley, Silsden and Kendal.

A small group of people affiliated with RVCAN, Ribble Valley Climate Action Network are going to start one here in Spring 2025. A Repair Café is a free event where people bring in their broken or damaged belongings and local volunteer experts do their best to repair them. Visitors are encouraged to get involved with the repairs or at the very least, watch how repairs can be made. Common items repaired include small electrical items like coffee machines, lamps and hairdryers, clothes, teddy bears, toys, jewellery, and bicycles. The list is dependent on the skills of volunteers available.  There will also be refreshments: tea, coffee, and cakes are served so that you can relax and mingle while you wait for a slot. The Repair Café is run entirely by volunteers. There will be a box for donations, to ensure the continuation and growth of the Repair Café.

Do you, or do you know someone who has skills they could share? We are looking for electricians and mechanics, both professionals, and talented amateurs. Woodworkers, sewers, bike repairers and knife sharpeners are also needed. If you have a skill that you think could be useful, please let us know. Any kintsugi craftspeople out there?

The plan is for Clitheroe Repair Café is to take place on the third Saturday of every month from February 2025 at the United Reformed Church in Clitheroe from 10am through to 12pm.

Here are the 2025 dates for your diary:

We need all kinds of helpers to run these events, as well as repairers, we need reception volunteers and a team to  run the café. 

If you would like get involved, we’d love to hear from you - there are 3 ways to get in touch:

• Contact us by completing the form below

• Email us:  repaircafe@ribblevalleycan.org.uk  

• By telephone - Darcy: 07746634857