3rd Saturday of the month 10.00am until 1.00pm but ‘last orders’ by 12.15pm please!

Chesterfield Baptist Church

15 Cross St, Chesterfield S40 4ST

Next Repair Cafes:

How can I become a volunteer?

If you’re interested in joining our team of fixers, you would be very welcome.  Contact us at: repairs@transitionchesterfield.org.uk .  We’ll introduce you to what’s involved and let you sit alongside an established fixer so you can see how it works.

For free bicycle repairs see Inclusive Pedals web page.

Do you have something that needs fixing, want help with sorting it out?  Or maybe you currently already know how to fix things and would like to help others learn how to do so? Questions or more details please email repairs@transitionchesterfield.org.uk

All these things happen at a Transition Chesterfield Repair Café – and the Café means exactly that: we serve refreshments too!

Transition Chesterfield has been running Repair Cafés since 2016.  This is what we do:

Repairing broken or damaged items can save time and money!  Items can be put back into use and given an extended lifespan.  This way we also send less waste to landfill and use up fewer resources when replacement items don’t need to be bought.  Watching and, where possible, taking part in a repair helps you develop your skills and become more confident in repairing damaged items yourself.

Less waste!   Less pollution!  Less money!

Advising on how best to use your belongings, particularly electronic devices, can mean you take full advantage of all their options and services, thus saving you time and effort.  Our fixers can often show you how to maintain your items so they last longer.  We also advise on how to dispose of them when they cannot be repaired.

Data collecting.  We collect information on the items people bring to keep track of our repairs, but also so that this can be fed into a larger database and used to campaign for access to repair information and spare parts.  See: https://manchesterdeclaration.org/  and https://repair.eu/#take-action

Journey of a broken or damaged item at our Repair Café

  • Arrive at reception, read House Rules, enter details into our log book. Ticket number given out (we try to see everyone in turn but sometimes we may need to match you to a particular fixer).
  • At busy times, you will be restricted to one item only.
  • Electric items given a quick check to help identify the issue (it helps if you can make notes on when the problem started and what you were doing when it happened).
  • Occasionally, we have to turn things away, eg if they require specialist tools. However, we do have a list of local fixers who may be able to help instead.
  • Enjoy some refreshments while you wait.
  • When a suitable fixer is free, you will be taken to them and given assistance with your repair.
  • When repair is complete, make sure you understand what has been done and any necessary next steps. Feel free to take photos during the repair and ask questions.
  • Any items that cannot be repaired are your responsibility to dispose. We do not have storage facilities so, if you need to return, it is your responsibility to take the item away and bring it back.

And PLEASE . . . . . leave a donation to help us with our running costs AND  . . . tell others about us!

Do

  • Bring glasses if needed to read house rules and disclaimer!
  • Check if your device is still under guarantee; you may be eligible for a free repair, replacement or a refund. (Citizens’ Advice consumer pages can help.)
  • Look after your device and any parts or data. Our volunteers are here to help you learn something about fixing, not to provide a free repair service. We encourage you to get involved!
  • Bring all leads and power supplies (eg batteries, cables).  We have some spares but not all.
  • Bring tapes/ cassettes/ light bulbs / matching buttons etc – this enables you and us to test whether the fix is successful
  • Get in touch with us if you have any questions about whether a fix is possible.  Email: repairs@transitionchesterfield.org.uk
  • Bring your item early to give us time to work on a repair (‘last orders’ at 12.15 pm).  Sometimes, for instance, glue has to be used and this needs to be allowed time to set.

Don’t

  • Assume repairs will be successful.  On average, we help fix just over half of the items brought into our events. Even if your repair is unsuccessful, the aim is that you will learn something and maybe be better prepared in future.
  • Expect us to have spare parts. But we can help you source them. Often people have to visit twice: first we’ll help diagnose the fault, then you source the spare part, and on your return we’ll help you do a replacement.
  • Bring more than one item and expect them all to be repaired.  At busy times we may have to limit you to one item; any further items can be sent to the back of the queue. (This allows everyone to get a chance to be seen.)
  • Bring a microwave

Useful links

library of things discussion 220324 A discussion from March 2024 on a potential library of things

General sewing machinese maintenance Some hints and tips on keeping your sewing machine working properly with Jane Woodbridge at Cre@te Studios.

Sewing threads A brief guide to different thread and their uses, with Jane Woodbridge at Cre@te Studios.