Leeds: Upcycle and fix at first Repair Cafe

A group of Leeds volunteers have linked up to give the public a chance to have their possessions fixed and recycled back into use by a team of DIY experts.

The Repair Cafe event allows people to bring gadgets, toys and equipment which are no longer in working order and learn how to repair them with the skilled volunteers and tools on hand.

The first-ever Cafe takes place on Saturday February 27 from 12-4pm at Ebor Court, Skinner Street, near the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Anyone dropping by is welcome to bring household electrical items, toys, clothes, furniture, kitchen gadgets, computers, electronics, musical equipment and clocks. Please do not bring bikes or motor vehicles.

Watch repair jobs get underway, help out under the supervision of experienced handymen and women or simply browse books about DIY tips. The volunteers are not all professionals, but have varied expertise and won’t attempt anything they’re not comfortable with.

The concept began in Amsterdam in 2009 and has since spread to other cities around the world - and this will be its first Leeds event. Food and drink will be provided by the Real Junk Food Project, which recycles edible food that would otherwise go to waste.

Organisers are hoping the idea will be successful and lead to similar events in future.

“We’ve had a really good response to the pilot - 14 people have offered skills like IT, upholstery and clothing repair, and over 100 people have said they’re interested. It would be nice to see it become really far reaching,” said organiser Amanda Sowerby.