Devon repair cafés give treasured belongings another chance

A musical jewellery box had been silent for more than 30 years. At a Devon repair café, a volunteer got it working within minutes, leaving its owner visibly moved.

The account appears in the Exmouth Journal’s reporting on the county’s volunteer repair network. Another visitor described a shell lamp successfully fixed, while one said a repair had proved better than the shop’s advice to buy new.

These sessions bring practical skills within reach of neighbours. Recycle Devon’s guide and local directory explain the process: visitors register their item, receive a number, then sit with an available mender and watch the work.

Most cafés meet monthly. What can be repaired depends on the volunteers and skills available, and a successful fix is never guaranteed. The latest report does not quantify waste avoided or money saved.

But the individual results are tangible: a useful lamp stays in use, and an old music box can be enjoyed again.

Sources

• Exmouth Journal — Devon’s repair cafés
• Recycle Devon — How repair cafés work