Repair Cafe helpers get locals out of a fix
New lease of life for broken items
A Polaroid camera and remote controlled cars were just some of the items given a new lease of life at Stirling’s new Repair Cafe.
Run by Transition Scotland, it took place on Saturday in a pop up shop at 58 Murray Place.
Working alongside the Tool Library, in Stirling Arcade, the cafe was able to help out more than 50 people on the opening day.
A number of tools were donated and other things fixed included shoes and necklaces.
There was a buzz of enthusiasm as so many people were seeing their much loved items back in working condition.
The original Repair Cafe concept originated in the Netherlands in 2009 as a way to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill and cut carbon.
Now with moer than 1000 cafes worldwide, people are being taught how to renew their old and tired possessions and bring them back to life.
Project manager Emma Erwin (29) said: “We couldn’t be more grateful to all the volunteers who were so generous with their time and skills. We really enjoyed the day and were glad so many people made it along. Now we’re really excited about the next one.”
Emma has worked with Transition Stirling since 2016 but started volunteering for them in 2012.
She added: “One of the main aims of Transition Stirling is to help people learn skills and reduce their waste so the repair cafe was an excellent opportunity to do just that.
“Other workshops we offer include sewing and mending and furniture upcycling as well as growing your own food, foraging and cooking what you’ve grown. The Repair Cafe is set to be a regular event in Stirling and anyone with repair skills who is interested in volunteering at future events can get in touch at info@transitionstirling.org.uk.”
To find out more about upcoming events visit www. transitionstirling.org.uk or visit the Tool Library in the Stirling Arcade. The Tool Library and Repair Cafe project is funded through the Climate Challenge Fund, managed by Keep Scotland Beautiful and funded by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund.