Transformations at Re-betchworth’s Repair Café 

Six bikes fixed, four pressure washers brought back to life, three toasters (two sadly DOA) and lots of jeans patched, IT and Hi-Fi fixes, a pair of bird sculptures reunited with their legs, an upholstered chair re-seated and we haven’t even got to the clocks!  

In total, 46 Betchworth and Brockham residents brought 54 items to the 18 April Repair Café pop-up at the Village Hall. Nearly everybody left with a fixed item, saving money and reducing landfill volume. And by the looks of it everybody was very happy with the service as reflected in the generous donations received. There was enough to cover our direct costs and pass the remainder on to support the Dorking Repair Cafe team, who again supplied a core team of expert repairers.
 
This time we were able to add a good number of our own skilled volunteers to the team. Who knew we have a pressure washer expert in our midst? And our special guest, Phil (aka Dr Bike), was flat out all morning; with help from one of our team, they even completed a spoke replacement. Another Betchworth volunteer ended up teaching some youngsters to sew, and recent recruit was so busy he hardly had time for his cake. A couple of items couldn’t be fixed straight away, a broken chair and a pair of ceramic legless Egrets. So our dedicated volunteers took them home to complete.

And a big shout-out goes to our amazing volunteer organisers, without whom none of this would happen!
 
We’re hoping to announce another date for November. In the meantime, if you have items to be brought back to life, go to Pippbrook House, Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SH (once home to the library). The Circular Dorking repair team are there on the first Saturday of every month, 10.30-1.00. 
 
One happy customer, who was thanked for making a very generous donation, replied with a wonderful, unsolicited testimonial. We couldn't resist sharing this:

• I supported a project I believe in
• Pippa did the most wonderful job repairing my two very favourite pairs of jeans 
• I recognise all the skill, organisation and passionate people that makes good stuff happen 
• I caught up with a few neighbours and friends 
• My children ate lots of biscuits 
• I've worked in the charity sector and know that PAT testers are like hen's teeth; I heard your call 
• Both children’s bikes received a little TLC and they are both happy 
• My friend understood what Dr Bike diagnosed but didn’t have time to remedy on my bike, and now my friend has offered to fix it for me 
• My children were being very fractious and irritable, and one of the team came over and taught them how to sew, which is frankly miraculous 
• “Gosh I really do love living here” is always a great feeling to have”