We have amazing people in the Repair Cafe Wales Family

As part of a series on getting to know our volunteers, we’ve set a series of questions and our amazing volunteers have answered them ‘virtually’ for us.

Next up in the series is Penny, a sewing and upholstery volunteer at RE:MAKE Newport:

 

Q. What is your name, which repair café location do you volunteer at and what’s your role / skill? 

Penny, ReMake Newport – Sewing and upholstery Volunteer.

Q. Why did you decide to volunteer with Repair Cafe Wales? 

I had been looking for a regular volunteer role making use of my skills having worked with groups and schools for years. I tried out volunteering at the Tredegar pop up and was approached by ReMake. For me it’s about helping people who can’t afford to constantly replace items that can be repaired or given a new life with the right skills.

Q. What do you like best about the repair café? 

It’s a fantastic sociable space replacing the buzz of a traditional workplace. I learn new skills from other repairers and enjoy chatting to likeminded people.

Q. What is your favourite part of volunteering? 

Helping people in any way I can. From repurposing old sofa cushions into a comfy area for nursery children to showing someone how to make basic repairs to clothing to extend it’s life. It’s great to know that people have been helped and items that still have life have been saved from landfill.

Q. What has been the most challenging item to repair? 

A Cantilever parasol which had been left out in adverse weather and the fabric had degraded. I unpicked the sections for a pattern and rebuilt it with a spare sun sail the customer had no use for. The mechanism and parasol base were in perfect condition so a great save from landfill making use of a second unused item as well.

Q. What do you think the repair café does for the community? 

It gives a focus and a social hub but with an educational function. Having the library here as well really shows people what money saving options there are.

Q. Have you gained any skills from the experience? 

Tom, another volunteer helped me create a lamp from an old tin teapot and I’ve now done a few myself at home! Reusing items and learning some electrical skills!

Q. How does the repair café make you feel? 

Involved.

Q. Would you recommend volunteering for Repair Cafe Wales? 

Yes, I plug to everyone. A lady came in just today and signed up off my recommendation.