Repairing stuff rather than buying new is a great way to reduce your personal carbon footprint, reduce landfill and save money. But if you can't do this yourself, help is at hand! Check out some of the local Repair Cafe's in the area:
Headington Repair Cafe, Bullingdon Community Centre, Peat Moors, Headington OX3 7HS - repairs most small electrical and household items: from toasters to lamps, from shredders to CD players. (sorry no TVs). Open Tuesdays (except school holidays) from 10 am to 12 noon. No need to book. Free but donations are welcome.
Sustainable Wantage Repair Cafe, The Mix, 15 Mill Street Wantage OX12 9AB - fixes all kinds of household and electrical items; from toasters and toys, to hairdryers and hoovers (but not microwaves). First Saturday of the month 10 am - 1 pm. Please book a timeslot by going to sustainablewantage.org.uk. Free but donations are appreciated.
Riverside Repair Cafe, Wallingford Garden at Eastgate House, 1 High Street, Wallingford. Access is via the Green Door opposite the Boat House pub, just next to Wallingford Bridge, 10 am - 1 pm on Sat 15th February. Volunteer repairers will be there rain or shine to help you with your repairs: Woodwork, Sewing, Sharpening, Bicycles, Small Electricals including iPhones, China, etc. Light refreshments are available. Search for Riverside Repair Cafe on Facebook for more information.
Cholsey Repair Cafe runs on the 3rd Saturday of odd-numbered months 10 - 12.45 pm at Cholsey Pavillion. (2025 dates are Mar 15th, May 17th, Jul 19th, Sep 20th, Nov 15th) It is a space for people to come along with things that are broken, and either get them mended or get advice on where and how to mend them. You can find further details on their Facebook Page.
Sonning Common Eco-Soco Repair Cafe runs on the first Saturday of every month at Springwater Church, Blountscourt Road, Peppard from 10 - 12.30 for small electrical appliances, bikes, jewellery, textiles, clocks, children’s ride-on toys and all types of household items that can be carried.
Goring Repair Cafe is generally on the first Saturday of even-numbered months and dates for 2025 are: 1st Feb; 12th Apr; 7th Jun; 2nd Aug; 4th Oct; 6th Dec. It's at the Goring Village Hall, High Street, RG8 9AG. As well as repairs, they also do "exchanges" where you can swap a good quality item which is surplus to requirements for someone else's. You can find more information on their website goringrepaircafe.info
Please note that all these cafes are run by skilled volunteers but there is no guarantee of being able to fix an item!. They usually have refreshments available so you can enjoy a slice of cake and often learn how to repair things yourself simultaneously! Repairs are free but donations are appreciated.
Comments