THE Blackdown Hills Repair Café is joining about 60 Repair Cafés around the country in the National Big Fix this weekend.

The event is the idea of Devon County Council waste and recycling officer Catherine Causley, who, following the success of the Devon-wide ‘Big Fix’ in February 2019, decided to invite groups across the country to take part.

The Blackdown Hills Repair Café is planning a day-long event for the ‘Big Fix’ on Saturday (February 15) from 10am-4pm at Hemyock Parish Hall. Categories of items that can be fixed include electrical, ceramics, clothing, textiles, computers and furniture, along with tool sharpening.

The Repair Café normally runs on the fourth Saturday of alternate months and handles about 100 items. It has consistently hit a 73 per cent repair rate over its near two-year history.

Volunteers are needed to join the team of about 40 people who repair items and Repair Café organisers would like to hear from anyone with repair skills from the most basic to the most specialised. Volunteers are also needed for reception duties.

One of the organisers said: “The [event] will draw attention to the amount of stuff that, often with a simple repair, can be saved from landfill. It is also about community grass roots action, passing on much-needed skills, involving members of the community who may be feeling isolated and doing something that is not only fun but also brings a great sense of satisfaction.”

The refreshments team will be serving teas, coffees and home-made cakes throughout the day, bacon sandwiches in the morning and soup and rolls at lunchtime.

For more information and to volunteer, email Stephan Lehner at [email protected] or phone 07715 460783.