From moths to repairs, a scarf marks the 1,000th fix for repair cafe

The partnership project between BRACE Llanfyllin and Extinction Rebellion Oswestry has held a pop-up event once a month since 2019, switching between the two towns, aside from a pause during the Covid pandemic.

Recently the group has added a new event to their calendar – the Mid-Week Mend at Oswestry Climate Action Hub on Bailey Street.

It was at the Wednesday session in the hub that the group celebrated their 1,000th repair.

By luck, the object belonged to the cafe’s own co-funder Nikki Locke.

Sewing whizz Kelly Kraus colourfully patched Nikki’s favourite woollen scarf, after it had been damaged by moths.

Spokeswoman Alison Alexander said: “It was rather lovely that our 1,000th repair belonged to Nikki.

"He, his wife Elaine and Colin Hargis are the administrative powerhouses of the café – giving lots of time to the project.

“We are all so thrilled that the repair cafe has gone from strength to strength since we started it five years ago.

“Everyone involved believes passionately in reducing humankind’s pressure on the planet and we have fun while we’re doing it – it’s a win all round.”

The Midweek Mend operates weekly at 36, Bailey Street, from 11am to 1pm.

The next weekend pop up repair cafe at the Memorial Hall takes place on Saturday, December 14.

Repairs and refreshments are free but donations are welcomed to cover costs.

Some walk-in slots will be available.

To make a booking, email osbordersrepaircafe@gmail.com or call Colin on 01691 239344 before Sunday, December 8.