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 the organiser of the Carmarthen Repair Cafe, Philip:

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

I am Philip from the newly formed Repair Café Carmarthen. My repairing skills are a little limited so whereas my badge says organiser, some of the other volunteers probably describe me as the disorganiser!

 

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

I read an article that said the total weight of everything made by humans—is about to surpass the weight of all living things on the planet and that at this rate we need about 1.7 planets to provide the resources for our consumption and absorb our waste. That made me realise that something needed to be done.

 

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

I really love the look on a customers face when their item is fixed. Whether it is garden shears, a pair of leggings, 1930s clock or an electric toaster. The atmosphere is brilliant when it is busy, and the room is a hive of activity. It’s great to see the variety of items being brought in – you never know what’s coming next!

 

Q. What is your favourite part of volunteering?

Meeting other volunteer fixers with different skills and experiences and learning from them.

 

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

Last week a customer brought in a large flat packed shoe cabinet which was bought in 2011.

It had never put together, stored for 10 years and the instructions lost. Two of the volunteers worked all afternoon to work out how the pieces went together, assembled it and the customer was over the moon to be able to use it!

 

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

It’s a great place to meet people, learn how to fix stuff and reduce waste.

 

Q. Have you gained any skills from the experience?

Yes, definitely. From social media, marketing, organising, and admin experience, to hands on skills such as repairing a pair of hair straighteners.

 

Q. How does the repair café make you feel?

The repair café really makes me feel encouraged that people want an alternative to a throw away society where everything ends up in landfill.

 

Q. Would you recommend volunteering for Repair Cafe Wales? Why?

Yes, emphatically! It’s the best way to spend 3 hours on a Saturday afternoon, be part of a great team of people, and meet such wonderful customers.