The Farnham Repair Cafe has celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of dedicated service to sustainable practices and the local community.
The cafe, which has become a cornerstone of sustainability in Farnham, was founded by Professor Martin Charter, who was inspired by Martine Postma, the founder of the Repair Cafe movement, during a speech at the Hannover Fair in 2013.
The idea quickly took root, and Prof Charter began collaborating on research into repair cafes worldwide. This research was translated into a pilot project for Farnham, testing the concept between 2014 and 2015.
In 2015, the Farnham Repair Cafe officially opened its doors and quickly grew in popularity. Since then, meeting on the second Saturday of each month at The Spire Church, it has hosted more than 100 sessions, steadily increasing in both participation and impact.
Volunteers, skilled in a wide range of repairs—from electrical work to textile mending—have helped more than 6,000 visitors. These volunteers are not just fixing items; they’re instilling a culture of repair, reuse, and environmental responsibility.
The cafe’s mission is simple yet powerful: reduce waste, save money, and foster a community spirit. Over the years, the repair cafe has diverted an estimated 7.5 tonnes of waste from landfills and saved roughly 70.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, while providing free repair services to local residents.
The repairs range from household appliances like vacuum cleaners and toasters to cherished personal items, such as teddy bears and wedding dresses.
Prof Charter said one of the most remarkable aspects of the Farnham Repair Cafe is its resilience. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the cafe adapted quickly, shifting its model to ensure that essential services continued.
This adaptability was one of the reasons the organisation was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024, the highest honour for voluntary groups in the UK.
Prof Charter, who serves as chairman of the cafe, said: “It’s been an incredibly busy day today, with a wide range of repairs—from clothing to vacuum cleaners.
“We’re not just fixing products; we’re contributing back to the community. We’re saving people money by helping them repair rather than replace, and we’re making a difference for the environment.
“We look forward to the next session and the next 10 years. There’s still so much more to do, and we’re excited for the future.”
On Saturday, 8 March, following a brief ceremony attended by civic leaders and cafe volunteers, it was down to the business of fixing, repairing, and restoring. For example, electrical repairer George Lane worked on a toaster’s timing mechanism, while Kat Poll and Carey Walden cheerfully darned some moth-eaten clothing.
Farnham and Bordon MP Greg Stafford, who attended the event, said: “It’s amazing to be here for the 10th anniversary.
“The cafe does an incredible job, not just in terms of the environment, but also the social and community aspects. It’s about much more than just fixing things—it’s about people coming together and supporting each other.”