Cafe to fix ‘throw-away society’

A challenge to the “throw-away society” is being launched next month with the city’s first ever “repair cafe”.

The Canterbury Climate Action Partnership has recruited at least 15 skilled volunteers, who will be on hand to help fix a variety of broken items.

Keith Bothwell from the CCAC, who is an honorary senior lecturer in architecture at the University of Kent, says the trial could become a regular monthly session if it proves successful.

“We live in a throw-away society but the fact is that many bits of equipment and household items can be fixed instead of being dumped,” he said. “The trouble is that many people often find it difficult to get things repaired and buy new ones instead.

“When multiplied over the population, that has a huge environmental impact.

“But if we could get our clothes, furniture, toys and household equipment fixed instead, we would save a great quantity of carbon emissions used in manufacture and reduce other environmental damage too.”

The Repair Cafe launches at St Stephen’s Community Hall during the morning of Saturday, March 7.

For more information or to volunteer email canterburyrepaircafe@gmail.com.

The combined choir from Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School

Keith Bothwell