OUR STORY
We, like the great majority of the viewing public, have been enthralled and fascinated by the BBC production, ‘The Repair Shop’. This very successful series has been the motivating force behind starting up many local repair shop groups.
We are one of those groups! We had our ‘inaugural’ meeting in Abbotskerswell on 23rd January 2020. Our members not only consist of ‘hands on’ repairers taking on tasks like, small electrical items, upholstering, cane work, garden machinery, musical instruments, bicycles, welding/metalwork, carpentry and more, but folk with other very important attributes, like organising, recording, finance, collecting etc.
The one thing that we all have is community spirit, which as every local person will be aware, is in abundance in our village. Our aims, from the outset have been to set up a local facility that will be available for not only repairing and recycling, but to build a community ‘tool’ library, assist other local groups etc. We are not working for profit, nor taking away work from local tradesmen but working for donations, so that we can build an ongoing asset for all.
Right from the formation of our group we were aware of the potential of the unused building in Vicarage Road, The Old Chapel. To have the use of a property of that size and in that locality would be perfect as a base for The Repair Workshop. We envisage a central social hub with lots of diverse and interesting activities. We intend to run mini courses for DIY assistance like tool sharpening, cycle and machinery maintenance, wood finishing and other skills.
In partnership with the Parish Council we have come to an understanding with the owners of the building and we now aim to raise the finance necessary to purchase the building on behalf of the local community. Because of the generous support from village residents, we are able to demonstrate to both the local authority and grant providers that we have a viable scheme. In the meantime we continue to repair and recycle garden tools, equipment, furnishings and electrical appliances to raise funds to achieve our goal.