A MAGIC Roundabout hand puppet was among items fixed at a Woodley church this month.
Dougal, canine star of the BBC1 children’s television show that ran from 1965 to 1977, was just one of a number of household goods and toys examined by expert menders at Woodley’s first Repair Cafe.
Thanks to the fixers’ efforts on the day, 50 kilos of items were saved from landfill.
Event organiser, Woodley Town Councillor Carol Jewell was delighted with the group’s first meeting.
“There’s always a fear with new ventures that people may not turn up, but it was a great success,” she said.
“We had 35 customers, each bringing one or two items for repair.
“People were pleased to get their belongings restored, and our fixers thoroughly enjoyed the day.”
“Customers brought a wide range of items, many of which were electrical.
“We had oil-filled radiators, fan heaters, hoovers, two garden shredders, a bike, and sewing machines.
“There were also a couple of items of sentimental value – a 50 year old teddy in need of repair, and Dougal the puppet.”
This much loved toy was bought for a customer’s toddler daughter in 1965.
When she grew up, the little girl married and had children of her own, but she died when they were ten.
The fixer explained: “The lady who brought Dougal told me that her little girl took him everywhere, and would sleep with him, and rub noses with him, which is why the paint is worn on his nose and why I didn’t repaint it.”
Now repaired, Dougal will live with the customer’s granddaughter, as a special reminder of her mum.
“We’re running the repair cafe, simply, for the environment,” continued Cllr Jewell.
“Every single thing that we can rescue means less goes to landfil.
“We’re all guilty of putting things in the bin when they might be fixed, but our volunteers can help to give items a new lease of life.
“This means we need to buy less, and it helps to reduce our carbon footprint.
“And the cafe is a great service to the community.”
People are invited to bring all sorts of household items for fixing, and repairs are made not for a fee, but by donation.
Cllr Jewell says that there have been some requests to repair clocks and watches, but as yet the group doesn’t have a fixer with this particular skill.
Anyone with relevant experience, interested in joining the team of fixers, should come to the next Woodley Repair Cafe, or contact Cllr Jewell.
The next event takes place at Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, on Sunday, February 4.
Doors are open between 2pm and 4pm.
For more information, and to volunteer, visit the group’s Facebook page, log onto: www.woodleyrepaircafe.co.uk or email: carolannjewell@gmail.com
