Visiting us · What to bring · On the day · Helping out
Visiting us
What is a Repair Café?
A free community event where volunteers help you fix broken items. We want to encourage repair over replacement – saving you money, cutting waste, and passing on practical skills.
Does it cost anything?
No, there’s no charge. Donations are very welcome and help cover our costs, including tools and equipment.
When and where are you open?
The third Saturday of every month except December, 10:00am–1:00pm, at East Malling Village Hall, New Road, East Malling, ME19 6DD. The last item is taken at 12:30pm, or earlier if we reach capacity. See our future dates.
Do I need to tell you what I’m bringing?
No, you can just turn up. But if you email [email protected] beforehand, there’s a better chance we’ll have just the right repairer on hand.
Is there parking and step-free access?
Yes to both. There’s a car park at the hall – what3words ///pill.though.infects – and the hall has step-free access. Vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.
Are there refreshments?
Yes – our hosts serve tea, coffee and cake while you wait.
What to bring
How many items can I bring?
One broken item per person. If you have a second item, you’re welcome to rejoin the back of the queue.
What can you repair?
Almost anything our volunteers have the skills and tools for: vacuum cleaners, lamps, hair dryers and other small electricals, clothes and textiles, bikes, toys, crockery and ceramics, furniture and wooden items, computers, clocks, jewellery and garden tools – plus tool sharpening.
What can’t you accept?
For safety and practical reasons we can’t take:
- E-scooters
- Microwaves
- Electric blankets
- Large white goods, such as fridges and washing machines
- CRT devices – old-style televisions and computer monitors
- Anything petrol-driven, including lawnmowers, strimmers and chainsaws
- Weapons of any kind
Our reception team may also turn away anything too dangerous, too damaged, or obviously beyond repair.
Do I need to bring parts?
Please bring any consumables your item might need, such as leads, plugs, fuses or zips – we don’t keep spares. If a repair needs a replacement part, we’ll tell you what to get, and you can bring it back next time for us to fit.
Can you fit a new zip?
Yes – our sewing team can fit zips, including invisible zips. Please source the zip and bring it with you.
On the day
Who does the repairs?
Our volunteers are retired professionals or very experienced enthusiasts. Many items are fixed on the day.
What happens when I arrive?
Your item is checked at reception and you fill in a short registration form (one per item category). You’re then matched with a repairer.
Can I leave my item and come back?
No. We ask you to stay with your repairer while they work – it’s also a great chance to learn how to fix things yourself.
What if it can’t be fixed?
Some items are beyond repair. We’ll explain why and give you advice. Repairers may decline an item after assessing it, and anything that can’t be repaired goes home with you.
Is there a guarantee?
Repairs are carried out at your own risk and aren’t guaranteed. Please note that a repair will void any manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I bring children?
Of course – but there are tools in the repair area, so please keep children with you and supervised.
Will I be photographed?
We sometimes take photos for publicity. If you’d rather not be in them, just let us know.
Where can I read the full house rules?
On the registration form and on our House Rules page. See also our Privacy Policy.
Helping out
Can I volunteer?
Yes please! We need repairers, friendly hosts for reception and refreshments, and people to help with social media, the website and photography. Pop in to a session to see what we do, or email [email protected].
Question not answered here?
Email us at [email protected] or use our contact form.