Farnham Repair Caf茅 in the UK will reach its 10th anniversary on the 聽March 8, 2025, 鈥渕arking an incredible decade of dedicated service to the local community,鈥� says founder and chair Professor Martin Charter. The initial idea was sparked when Charter listened to the founder of the repair caf茅 movement speaking at the Hannover Fair in 2013 which led to cooperation on research into repair caf茅s worldwide. The learning was translated into a model for Farnham and a series of pilots to test a concept in Farnham in 2014-15.
The caf茅 was then launched in 2015 and since then, over 100 sessions have been organised with the initiative going from strength to strength. Its reliance was displayed when it continued to operate through the Covid years through adapting its model. In 2024, the caf茅 received the King鈥檚 Award for Voluntary Service.
鈥淭he caf茅 has become a cornerstone of sustainability and community spirit in Farnham, providing residents with free repair services while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,鈥� Charter states.
Operating on the second Saturday of every month at The Spire Church in Farnham, Farnham Repair Caf茅 has welcomed 6,000 visitors over the past ten years. During this time the caf茅鈥檚 skilled volunteers have successfully repaired over 2,600 items, ranging from household appliances to cherished personal belongings.
Waste Saved from Landfill
These efforts have made a tangible impact on the environment by diverting an estimated 7,500 kilograms, or 7.5 tonnes of waste from landfills and saving approximately 70,100 kilograms, or 70.1 tons of CO鈧� emissions.
The caf茅鈥檚 achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Farnham Repair Caf茅 received the prestigious King鈥檚 Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade given to voluntary groups in the United Kingdom. 鈥淭he award highlights the vital role the caf茅 plays in promoting sustainability and building strong community connections,鈥� adds Charter.
鈥淭he award also reflects the dedication of its team of volunteers, whose diverse skills and commitment have been the driving force behind its success.鈥�
Culture of Repair and Reuse
One of the key factors contributing to Farnham Repair Caf茅鈥檚 impact is its mission to inspire a culture of repair, enabling product life extension. By empowering individuals to get their products fixed rather than discard them, the caf茅 helps reduce waste and promotes mindful consumption.
Visitors not only leave with repaired items but also with newfound knowledge and confidence to tackle repairs themselves in the future. 鈥淭his educational aspect is a core element of the caf茅鈥檚 philosophy and one that resonates deeply with product owners who bring in products to be fixed from vacuum cleaner to bicycles to teddy bears,鈥� Charter points out.
Unwavering Support
The caf茅鈥檚 achievements have been made possible through the unwavering support of its volunteers, who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to each monthly session. From electrical repairs to textile mending, their contributions span a wide range of skills, ensuring that the caf茅 can meet the diverse needs of the community. In addition to their technical expertise, volunteers provide a welcoming and friendly environment that encourages collaboration and mutual learning.
鈥淔arnham Repair Caf茅 extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to its journey over the past decade. The caf茅 remains committed to its mission of reducing waste, fostering a culture of repair and reuse, and strengthening community bonds for years to come,鈥� says Charter.