About
In the hot summer of 2018, a small group came together to create the Ashburton Repair Cafe. They were members of Ashburton Climate Emergency. Using the Dutch repair cafe model, Devon Community Action Group supported communities to establish their own, including ours in Ashburton.
The seven volunteers opened Ashburton Repair Cafe in November 2018. Now operating at St Andrew’s Church Hall, and our own workshop, with 27 volunteers, almost 100 items per month are brought in.
We do what our name suggests: we repair items, to prevent them from going to landfill, and we offer a cafe. We don’t charge; we ask for a donation for our time (and for the reimbursement of the cost of any parts).
We’re part of a network of over 2,500 repair cafes across the world. For more information about the global network, see repaircafe.org. Closer to home, we’re part of Devon CAG, a network of groups supporting their local communities.
Join us at one of our regular sessions, or at our workshop. See Home Page for our opening times.
The Repair Cafe Workshop
On 14 October 2023, the Repair Cafe officially opened our new workshop. Here’s a video, made by ITV News.
Meet The Team
Around 30 volunteers help make Ashburton Repair Cafe. Here are some of them:
Michael Cranmer
Trustee and repairer
My specialities are repairing and renovating wooden furniture and antiques, toys, ceramics, glass, and garden implements, and sharpening edges on knives, tools, etc...
Andrew North
Volunteer Reception
I welcome people bringing in items for repair. Also, I look after Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the website and email enquiries.
Alex Deas
Trustee and repairer
Lynne Holmes
Trustee, treasurer and reception
Richard Elliott
Repair Manager
I really like the ethos of the Repair Cafe. We have a lovely group of volunteers and customers.
Audrey Ryder
Volunteer (sewing)
It’s fun working with the other volunteers!
Nigel Ward
Chair of Trustees and volunteer repairer
Success or failure is always met with positive reactions from our customers. They are always so happy that we tried, which is very enjoyable!
Sara-Beth Grace
Volunteer and content creator
I really like that we are pushing against the tide; repairing rather than the throwaway society.
Yve Newsome
Volunteer (reception)
Andreas Knopper
Volunteer repairer
Christopher
Volunteer
Danny
Volunteer repairer
Tony
Volunteer repairer
Jill Elliott
Charity Secretary and Catering volunteer
People enjoy my cooking – it’s so satisfying! It was a challenge when I started five years ago. There’s always fresh scones: made on the morning of the Repair Cafe.
Jim
Volunteer repairer
Mandy
Volunteer caterer
Being part of the Repair Cafe means a lot to me! It gets me out of the house and being around people, especially after the Pandemic.
I’ve made good friends.
Dartshita
Volunteer (reception)
Annie Hill-Smith
Volunteer (sewing)
Susan
Volunteer (sewing)
I come to the Repair Cafe because I love the company. I got involved after I brought an item in for repair, and realised I could help.
Ellie
Volunteer (sewing)
I like the challenge of repairing items brought in to us, and knowing that they will continue to be useful.
Would you like to help? We’d love to see you. Come along to one of our sessions, or click on this text.
Everyone’s welcome
How to get involved
We are always looking for volunteers, so if you have experience in anything, please reach out and get involved. We are solely reliant on our volunteers and their expertise. Come and be part of the repair revolution!
Community Reviews
We want to hear from you....
We'd like to hear about your experience of the Repair Cafe. Please contact us and let us know.
Here are some of the comments we've received already.
We have been to the repair café a few times and love its buzzy, purposeful and friendly atmosphere. We have been so impressed by the results, tools and scissors sharpened and help with finding the best and most cost effective way of fixing a food processor. I would recommend anyone to take their broken or damaged articles along to see what can be done with them.
Judy
‘I have found the Repair Cafe exceptionally useful. Very pleasant atmosphere and splendid expertise. I shall carry on using it!'
John B
Elizabeth
Our Amazing Sponsors
We rely on donations to cover our operating costs. Thanks to everyone who supports us.
Also we’ve had great support from:
Falcon Digital
Climb / Grey Matter
CAG Devon
Glendinning's
Tucker's Country Store
Howdens
Teignbridge District Council
Devon Locality Fund
Join our mission. Volunteer, Donate, Advocate. Get Started Today.
Get in touch via our contact form
Telephone: 07761 045146
Policies:
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Account:
My Accounts
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My Repairs
Ashburton Repair Cafe is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation number 1202475