Farnham Repair Cafe will be celebrating a decade of service to the town at its regular session on Saturday, March 8.
The idea for the service was sparked by Martin Charter when he listened to the founder of the repair cafe movement speaking at the Hannover Fair in 2013, which led to cooperation on research into repair cafes worldwide.
A series of pilots tested the concept in Farnham in 2014 and the official cafe was launched in 2015. Since then, the organisation has hosted over 100 sessions and was honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2024.
Mr Charter said:“ The anniversary marks an incredible decade of dedicated service to the local community
“The cafe has become a cornerstone of sustainability and community spirit in Farnham, providing residents with free repair services while fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.”
Visitors not only leave with repaired items but also with newfound knowledge and confidence to tackle repairs themselves in the future.
“This educational aspect is a core element of the cafe’s philosophy and one that resonates deeply with product owners who bring in products to be fixed, from vacuum cleaners to bicycles to teddy bears,” added Mr Charter.
He thanked everyone who has contributed to its journey over the past decade.
“The cafe remains committed to its mission of reducing waste, fostering a culture of repair and reuse, and strengthening community bonds for years to come,” he said.
The sessions take place on the second Saturday of every month at The Spire Church in Farnham.
The cafe has welcomed about 6,000 visitors over the past 10 years, with the skilled volunteers successfully repairing over 2,600 items, ranging from household appliances to cherished personal belongings.
In January, it received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was presented to them by Michael More-Molyneux the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey.
Mr Charter’s job as the head of the Centre for Sustainable Design at the University of Creative Arts in Farnham has meant the university has offered support to the café along the way.
These efforts have made a huge impact on the environment by diverting an estimated 7,500 kg (16,534 lbs) of waste from landfills and saving approximately 70,100 kg (154,544 lbs) of carbon dioxide emissions.
One of the key factors contributing to Farnham Repair Cafe’s impact is its mission to inspire a culture of repair, enabling product life extension. By empowering individuals to get their products fixed rather than discard them, the café helps reduce waste and promotes mindful consumption.
The cafe’s success is driven by the dedication of its volunteers, whose expertise and enthusiasm shape each monthly session.
From electrical repairs to textile mending, they contribute a diverse range of skills, ensuring the café meets the community’s varied needs. Beyond their technical abilities, volunteers foster a warm, collaborative atmosphere that promotes learning and connection.
