A freshly repaired garden blower inspired one Oxford resident to launch a new kind of neighborhood event — a free gathering where people can mingle and mend broken essentials instead of throwing them away.
The idea is now taking shape as the Jericho Repair Shop, a local effort to help residents fix everything from bikes to computers and clothing, according to the BBC.
Here's what to know
The first Jericho Repair Shop was held at St Barnabas CE Primary School in Oxford's Jericho neighborhood from 10 a.m. to noon BST on Oct. 3.
It offered free repair help for bikes, electrical items, computers, and clothes.
Organizer John Mair hopes to make the repair shop a monthly event, with attendee donations going toward rental costs and advertising.
He also emphasized that everyone is welcome.
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Starting a Jericho version came after Mair tried a similar service in Wolvercote himself.
"I went to the repair shop in Wolvercote maybe a year or two ago and they repaired my garden blower — I thought this is a good idea," he explained.
More background
Mair noted that an initiative like this "stops people throwing things away."
The event also builds on Oxford's existing repair culture.
That broader repair network includes Share Oxford, which also runs repair cafes in the city.
What's being done?
Mair told the outlet that the people helping at the event bring a range of practical skills.
"I've brought over the man who repairs bicycles in Wolvercote, people who repair sewing, people who do computers, who sharpen knives," he remarked, describing a broad lineup of practical help for visitors.
Share Oxford is also helping.
Ben Tuppen, co-ordinator of Share Oxford, said it was "pleased to share how we run things and promote John's new repair café with our volunteers, some of whom have joined his team too."
Attendees were invited to bring a broken item to a volunteer repairer and, if they choose, donate. Those contributions would help pay for rent and advertising so the Jericho Repair Shop can continue, Mair stated.
For Mair, the message was simple.
"If it doesn't work, repair it, don't throw it away and certainly don't throw it on the pavement."
Where can I learn more?
These stories explore the hands-on approach behind the Jericho Repair Shop. They look at low-cost household fixes and programs that make mending clothes and equipment easier.
• A homeowner restored a dryer with a simple $14 fix rather than a $300 repair.
• In France, a repair bonus helps cover clothing alterations before garments get tossed.
• A child used visible mending techniques to keep a favorite pair of Carhartt pants going.
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