In the Netherlands, where Repair Café first originated, many local Repair Cafés have already celebrated their 10 year anniversary. This is now becoming increasingly common abroad! Repair Café New Paltz NY in the United States, for instance, celebrated their tenth anniversary in 2023; Llandrindod Repair Café in the UK did the same in 2024. Recently, we received a wonderful article from Paul Whitehead of Repair Café Farnham in the UK, who informed us of this Repair Café’s 10 year anniversary in March. Read this article below!
Farnham Repair Café celebrates a decade of community service
Farnham Repair Café will reach its 10th anniversary on 8 March 2025, “marking an incredible decade of dedicated service to the local community,” says founder and chair Professor Martin Charter.
The initial idea was sparked when Charter listened to Martine Postma, founder of the Repair Café movement, speaking at the Hannover Fair in 2013. This led to cooperation on research into Repair Cafés worldwide. The learning was translated into a model for Farnham and a series of pilots to test a concept in Farnham in 2014-2015.
Peter Sullivan is a multi-skilled repairer for electrical repairs. He has volunteered for Farnham Repair Café for more than five years.
The Repair Café was then launched in 2015 and since then, over 100 sessions have been organised with the initiative going from strength to strength. Its reliance was displayed when it continued to operate through the Covid years through adapting its model. In 2024, Farnham Repair Café received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade given to voluntary groups in the United Kingdom.
“The café has become a cornerstone of sustainability and community spirit in Farnham, providing residents with free repair services while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,” Charter states.
Operating on the second Saturday of every month at The Spire Church in Farnham, Farnham Repair Café has welcomed 6,000 visitors over the past ten years. During this time the café’s skilled volunteers have successfully repaired over 2,600 items, ranging from household appliances to cherished personal belongings.
Culture of repair and reuse
These efforts have made a tangible impact on the environment by diverting an estimated 7,500 kilograms, or 7.5 tonnes of waste from landfills and saving approximately 70,100 kilograms, or 70.1 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
However, the Repair Café not only saves waste from landfills, Charter points out. Visitors also leave with newfound knowledge and confidence to tackle repairs themselves in the future. “This educational aspect is a core element of the café’s philosophy and one that resonates deeply with product owners who bring in products to be fixed from vacuum cleaner to bicycles to teddy bears.”
Unwavering support
The café’s achievements have been made possible through the unwavering support of its volunteers, who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to each monthly session. From electrical repairs to textile mending, their contributions span a wide range of skills, ensuring that the café can meet the diverse needs of the community. In addition to their technical expertise, volunteers provide a welcoming and friendly environment that encourages collaboration and mutual learning.
“Farnham Repair Café extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to its journey over the past decade. The café remains committed to its mission of reducing waste, fostering a culture of repair and reuse, and strengthening community bonds for years to come,” says Charter.
More information
- Read more about Farnham Repair Café
- Will your Repair Café celebrate its 10 year anniversary too? Leave a comment below!
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