Report by Duncan Williams for News Advertiser newspapers
Residents of Chard are being encouraged to “fix it, don’t ditch it” as the Chard Community Hub continues to run its popular Repair Hub sessions every other Saturday morning. Taking place from 9.00am to midday, the upcoming dates for April are Saturday 12th and Saturday 26th.
The Repair Hub, run entirely by volunteers, offers local people the opportunity to bring in faulty or worn household items - such as broken vacuum cleaners, rickety chairs, or well-loved but non-functioning radios - for repair.
In exchange for a donation, volunteers use their skills to restore items and carry out safety testing, particularly on electrical goods.
Volunteer Adam, who helped found the initiative, explained his motivation behind the Repair Hub’s launch. He says, “I started the Repair Hub to help people save money. Many things that stop working have a simple fault that can be repaired and don't need to be replaced with new.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainability, reduce landfill waste, and support a culture of repair over replacement. It also offers a great opportunity for people to connect with others in the community while doing something positive for the environment.
Items in need of repair can also be dropped off at Chard Community Hub during its regular weekly opening hours.
The Hub is open on Mondays from 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10.00am to 1.00pm, Thursdays from 10.00am to midday, and Fridays between 4.00pm and 5.30pm.
Chard Community Hub invites everyone to take part - whether to bring in something in need of repair, to volunteer, or simply to learn more about how everyday items can be given a second life.
For more information, contact secretary@chardcommunityhub.com or call 01460 923149.
( Photos courtesy of CCH 📸 )