A repair café that helps tackle waste and emissions has celebrated its first anniversary.
The South Wonston Repair Café marked the milestone by welcoming residents to a session at the South Wonston Pavilion on Saturday, October 25, from 11am to 1pm.
Set up by South Wonston Sustainability, a community climate action group, the café is supported by South Wonston Parish Council, the Winchester Repair Café, and Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC).
John Cooper, from the repair café, said: “It’s been so worthwhile getting to know a talented team of repairers and volunteers who enjoy coming together at the cafés – completing some of the repairs is a real team effort.
Members of the repair café working on a project. (Image: Kim Blakeway)
“They are ready to tackle most items that come our way and we’ve been delighted to have the expertise of South Wonston WI providing drinks and cakes for the café. From laptops and toy daleks to walking socks and ball gowns, it’s been a pleasure to work together and help South Wonston reduce its carbon footprint by saving household items from the bin.
“We’re very grateful to South Wonston Parish Council for backing the project and to Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis and Repair Café Winchester for their support.”
Part of the Hampshire Repair Café Network, the project has saved 176kg of waste in its first year alone.
It has also prevented an estimated 1,226kg of CO2 equivalent emissions, sharing mending skills with village residents in the process.
The team of volunteer fixers, experienced in working with portable electricals, electronics, textiles, and general repairs, aim to reduce the number of household items being thrown away.
This not only helps South Wonston cut its carbon emissions but also promotes a culture of reusing and recycling within the community.
While the café does not charge for repairs, donations are appreciated to help maintain its operations.
The initiative has been well-received within the community, with residents enjoying the chance to learn new skills and socialise over drinks and cakes, provided by the South Wonston Women’s Institute.
Read more on Hampshire Chronicle
