Screwdrivers and Solidarity: Meet the Unsung Heroes of Colwyn Bay's Repair Café
No bike can out-smart Graham our bike fixer
Repair cafes serve as a crucial intervention point, stepping in when an item breaks and we think. "I mean… it might just be cheaper to buy a new one than to get it fixed." Thankfully, there are some excellent people out there who are willing to take a look for free, and we call them our fixers.
Colwyn Bay Repair Cafe is lucky to have fixers with skills in sewing, jewellery repair, electronics and software, bike maintenance, and all-round handiness. Below they tell us why they fix things, and why they volunteer to help others get their lovely things back in shape.
Alison, the seamstress superhero of Colwyn Bay, transforming torn to terrific one stitch at a time!
Alison - Textiles
“My mother, a talented tailoress, ran a business crafting tea dresses back in the '50s. Growing up in that environment, we naturally learned how to make and repair clothing. That ethos, the mindset that you should first consider fixing something before discarding it, has always been a part of who I am. Offering a helping hand just feels right.
Initially, I was quite apprehensive about getting back into sewing after such a long break, but it's like riding a bike - it all came flooding back. The warmth and support of the other volunteers at the repair cafe make it a joy to be a part of.
It's more than just mending; it's about connecting, sharing skills, and enjoying each other's company. And if you're considering joining, just give it a try. It's a wonderful way to socialize and engage with fellow repair enthusiasts. As for a memorable moment? Well, I'd say altering not one, but six pairs of the mayor's trousers certainly tops the list!"
“As for a memorable moment? Well, I’d say altering not one, but six pairs of the mayor’s trousers certainly tops the list!””
Where circuits and systems align – David, the tech healer, at your service.
David - Computers
“I've been volunteering for over a year now, offering my expertise wherever needed, though my specialty lies in computers, especially software. There's always been a special place in my heart for computers. It's a pity that in our tech-rich world, people often struggle when their devices malfunction. That's where my passion comes in – helping others access and harness technology by fixing what's broken.
One of the most memorable, albeit unfortunate, repair attempts involved someone sticking a soldering iron into a power outlet because it wasn't working. The result was a melted mess, with wires soldered together – that one was beyond repair. It's important to give fixing a try, but never to bodge it, and at the Repair Café, there's always someone to lend support or advice.
“During quieter moments, I get to work on projects that would otherwise be left untouched. ”
Volunteering is my perfect escape from domestic distractions, allowing me to focus on my passion for computers. During quieter moments, I get to work on projects that would otherwise be left untouched. I find the whole experience incredibly therapeutic, and it's a fantastic way to dedicate time to doing what I love while also contributing to the community."
No device left behind: Andrew's the hero with a toolkit for all your electronic mishaps.
Andrew - Electronics
"If you're considering becoming a fixer at a repair cafe, I'd encourage you to give it a shot! Repairing things is a real passion of mine, and I'm all about avoiding unnecessary waste, I'm willing to tackle most repair challenges.
My very first repair project was a ceramic lizard, and since then, I've taken on everything from radios to a digital camera with a battery put in the wrong way round. Many times, the fixes are surprisingly straightforward, especially if you have a practical mindset.
If you ever feel unsure, there's always the option to team up with a more experienced fixer, and I can vouch for the fact that I'm constantly honing my skills. I recall a time when someone brought in a picture with a slipped print, that was it! I undid the back, repositioned the print and put it back together. Such a simple fix but still satisfying.
“ Many times, the fixes are surprisingly straightforward, especially if you have a practical mindset.”
Now, it's important to note that our repair process isn't like what you see on TV; we aim to make things fixable within 20-30 minutes. Oh, and one last thing to keep in mind: it's always appreciated when items are clean before you bring them in.
Plus, here's a delightful bonus – we've got free cake waiting for you!"
Graham: Keeping Colwyn Bay pedaling smoothly, one bike at a time!
Graham - Bikes
"If you're someone who enjoys fixing things, consider joining us because it's not just fun and satisfying; it's a social experience that's genuinely rewarding. I specialize in bikes, a passion I've had my whole life.
I've had the joy of reviving old bikes and assembling new ones, and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of watching someone pedal away on a bike that's safe and running smoothly.
The most memorable repair I ever tackled was the first one. I looked at it and thought, 'Oh my god', It required some thinking outside the box. When it first arrived, it was unsafe and unrideable, but I managed to bring it back from near death. The look on that young lad's face when he was able to ride it away was priceless."
Conclusion - some sentimental notes
Maybe we should imagine the things around us with more of an animist mindset, like we do when we are children. Objects give to us by making our lives easier, and more beautiful, and we give to them in turn, by fixing them (or trying) when they can no longer work. When we are children, we breathe life and personality into all our precious things - and somehow as we grow older (especially in a capitalist age) we forget to view things that way.
As the Japanese do when they paint seams of gold into their broken crockery (Kintsugi) - it is the history of a thing, and the marks of it’s use that makes a thing most beautiful. ‘Wabi-sabi’ they call it.
Colwyn Bay Repair cafe invites you to take a cardboard box and write ‘to take to repair cafe’ on it. Whenever something breaks, pop it in the box, and bring it down to the repair cafe at @20 station Road on the fourth Sunday of the month, 2-5pm. That broken clock is calling out to you - ‘don't give up on me! take me to get fixed!’ - let us try :)
Alison, David, Andrew and Graham are just a few of the growing team that make Colwyn Bay Repair Cafe tick. If you’d be interested in joining in, whether it be fixing things or serving tea and coffee or booking people in, do get in touch at georgia@togetherforcolwynbay.org
