Community group Kew brings back repair cafe

Community group Kew The Transition is bringing its popular repair cafe back to St Luke’s Church on 7 November, offering local residents the chance to rescue broken electricals, moth-damaged clothes, bicycles and treasured toys from landfill. The event, supported by a council Climate Action Microgrant, runs from 10. 30am to 1. 30pm and combines practical repairs with knowledge-sharing over home-baked banana bread.

The volunteer-led repair cafe returns after securing local funding to continue its work helping residents give broken possessions a second life.

What you can bring for repair

The volunteer team welcomes a wide variety of items.

Small electrical appliances are popular candidates, though microwaves cannot be accepted for safety reasons. Clothing damaged by moths can often be repaired, bicycles can receive attention from mechanically-minded volunteers, and cherished toys that hold sentimental value are particularly welcome. The team offers both hands-on repairs and advice, so even if your item cannot be fully fixed on the day, you will leave with guidance on how to approach the problem yourself.

The emphasis is on learning alongside doing, which means you gain skills as well as a working toaster.

How the event works

Entry is free and you are welcome to drop in any time during the three-hour session.

The atmosphere is deliberately informal: volunteers work at tables while visitors chat, wait, and share stories about the items they have brought. Donations are welcomed but not required, and the group uses contributions to fund future events and materials. Beyond repairs, the team is keen to hear what the community would like them to do next, making the cafe as much a planning space as a workshop.

You leave with more than you brought, even if the repair is simple.

What this means for you

If you have something broken that you have been meaning to fix, 7 November is the date to bring it along to St Luke’s Church on Atwood Avenue in Kew. Arrive between 10. 30am and 1. 30pm with your item and be prepared to wait a short while if the volunteers are busy. If you have repair skills yourself and would like to join the team, the group welcomes new volunteers and this event is an opportunity to introduce yourself and see how the sessions run.

Kew The Transition’s repair cafe offers a practical, sociable way to extend the life of your belongings and learn useful skills in the process. The session on 7 November is free, friendly, and focused on keeping items out of the bin.

The quiet value here is double: you extend the life of something that might otherwise cost you money to replace, and you pick up the skills to fix similar items yourself next time.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a slot at the repair cafe?

No, the event is drop-in. You can arrive at any time between 10. 30am and 1. 30pm on 7 November, though there may be a short wait if several people arrive at once.

What items cannot be repaired at the event?

Microwaves are not accepted for safety reasons. The team focuses on small electricals, textiles, bicycles and toys, so large appliances or items requiring specialist tools are unlikely to be suitable.

Is there a charge for repairs?

Entry and repairs are free. Donations are welcomed to help the group continue running events and buying materials, but there is no obligation.

Can I volunteer to help with repairs?

Yes. Kew The Transition welcomes volunteers with repair skills or an interest in learning. The cafe itself is a good opportunity to meet the team and see how sessions work before committing.

Useful resources

• Richmond Council Climate Action Microgrants