February Repairs: Back with a Bang

in Publicity / Photos

After a two-month winter break, our February 28th repair café was one of the busiest sessions we’ve had. With thirty items registered, the village hall was packed from start to finish — looks like the community had been saving up their broken things for us!

We were joined by a fantastic new repairer. If you’re interested in helping us with repairs, or with anything to do with the running, please do get in touch.

Technology and Computers

One of the highlights of this session was the increase in computer and technology repairs. We tried (and failed!) to install Ubuntu on one laptop, and we’ve taken another home to see if it can be repaired.

Laptop diagnosis and data recovery Attempting to breathe new life into an old laptop with Ubuntu.

Laptop keyboard showing wear A well-loved laptop keyboard missing its F12 key.

We’re pleased to see more people bringing in computers. Extending the life of a laptop by even a year or two makes a real difference — both to your wallet and to the environment.

Vintage Audio

A beautiful 1960s Dansette Bermuda record player was one of the more eye-catching items on the tables. These vintage players are highly collectible, and it was wonderful to see one being cared for rather than discarded.

Vintage Dansette Bermuda record player A stunning Dansette Bermuda — a piece of British audio history.

Household Appliances

The appliance tables were busy throughout. A Nespresso coffee machine was assessed with manuals at the ready, a Vax steam mop was brought in for attention, and an oil-fired convector heater received a thorough electrical investigation with multimeter probes.

Nespresso coffee machine being assessed A Nespresso machine getting a check-up.

Convector heater electrical diagnosis Multimeter probes at work inside a convector heater.

A Kärcher pressure washer lance was carefully disassembled using precision tools — the kind of fiddly repair that’s hard to do at home without the right kit.

Kärcher pressure washer repair Precision tools at work on a Kärcher pressure washer lance.

Lighting and Electrical

A brass desk lamp was tested and repaired, and a decorative LED globe light had its battery connections investigated.

Brass desk lamp under repair A brass desk lamp getting its electrics sorted.

An H. Samuel carriage clock — a presentation piece with a personal inscription — was brought in. Not every item has just functional value; some carry real sentimental weight, which makes the repair all the more worthwhile.

H. Samuel carriage clock A presentation carriage clock — some repairs are about more than function.

Textiles

The textile team had a full afternoon: a cardigan with holes, a dress with a detaching neckline, trousers needing hemming, and a tweed jacket. Some of these were taken home as homework — our textile repairers often take things home for finishing.

Tweed jacket brought in for textile repair A classic tweed jacket awaiting the textile team’s attention.

When Repairs Can’t Happen

Not everything could be fixed. A light box with a failed power supply, the oil heater had a failed thermal cut-out beyond repair, and a vacuum cleaner that couldn’t be opened because of its design. These outcomes are still useful — they help people make informed decisions about what to do next.

Looking Ahead

Feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive, with the Roseland Magazine proving to be the main way people hear about us. Again, if you’d like to volunteer — whether you’re handy with a soldering iron, a sewing needle, or just fancy making cups of tea — we’d love to hear from you.

Our next repair café is on Saturday, 28th March, 1-3pm at Tregony Village Hall. See you there!