South Down Repair Café social event with advice

South Down Repair Café social event with advice

19 February 2025

With spring just around the corner it is almost time for that big declutter.

But before you decide to throw anything away, why not see if it can be repaired by the friendly and skilled volunteers at one of South Down Repair Café’s pop-up events?

The volunteers are on site to carry out a variety of mechanical, electrical and electronic repairs as well as sharpening tools, mending clocks, toys, ornaments and textiles.

All repairs are undertaken free of charge in a bid to create a culture of repair, recycle and sustainability in the local community.

Not only will you receive a very warm welcome at the event, but there is always time for a chat and cup of tea.

The repair café was open for business at Castlewellan Community Centre on Saturday morning.

Grainne Tobin, who has been volunteering since it began in 2019, said: “The repair café is about two things. Firstly, it keeps perfectly good items out of landfills, but more importantly, it brings together a community 

of like-minded people who want to do something practical to help tackle climate change at a local level.”

Volunteer Andy Carden said: “The great thing about the repair café is the social aspect.

“People can bring along whatever they need repaired and are able to stay with the fixers and watch the repair being carried out. They can have a chat and maybe even pick up a few tips.

“If the repair can’t be completed on the day, the craftsmen and women are able to advise and signpost people in the right direction.”

Repair cafés first started in 2009 in the Netherlands in a bid to counteract the resource draining, high consumption, disposable culture. It was such a success within the local community, it has since been rolled out in over 35 countries worldwide, with over 1,700 cafes offering their services. 

The South Down Repair Café was established by a group of local people who are interested in what they can do at a local level to tackle climate change.

The next repair cafés will be at Owenbeg Bowling Club in Downpatrick on Saturday, March 15, from 10am-12.30pm, and at Castlewellan Community Centre on Saturday, April 12. For further information contact 07888 166565.