Inaugural free-fix 'Repair Cafe' draws dozens

Cromwell electrician Andrew Tall (right) looks over the Cromwell Cricket Club's broken bowling machine with Mark and Arlo (10 months) Knox, of Cromwell, at Cromwell's first "Repair Cafe'' yesterday. Dozens of people brought items that needed repairing to
Cromwell electrician Andrew Tall (right) looks over the Cromwell Cricket Club's broken bowling machine with Mark and Arlo (10 months) Knox, of Cromwell, at Cromwell's first "Repair Cafe'' yesterday. Dozens of people brought items that needed repairing to the cafe, where volunteers fixed broken items for free. Photo: Pam Jones
Cromwell's first ''Repair Cafe'' will hopefully be the first of many, those behind the initiative say.

The event - to which people could bring broken items to be fixed by volunteers for free - was held by Connect Cromwell but would hopefully continue under the umbrella of another community group, Connect Cromwell member Jill Herron said.

About 10 people with various skills had volunteered for the initiative, including an electrician, a bike mechanic, several members of the Cromwell Men's Shed and four people sewing, she said.

Dozens of people brought in items to be fixed, Ms Herron said.

''They're so happy when they go out the door. We've had some very happy customers.''

Electrician Andrew Tall repaired several items, including a vacuum cleaner, extension cords and hair straighteners.

Mr Tall also tackled the Cromwell Cricket Club's broken bowling machine, which was ''more of a challenge'' to fix, he said.

Ms Herron said it was hoped future Repair Cafes would include volunteers who could fix cellphone screens and computer items, and also teach others how to do similar minor repairs.

pam.jones@odt.co.nz

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