A SAXOPHONE, a laptop and a doll that has seen better days were just some of the items brought to the first Repair Cafe held at the Savernake Street Social Hall on Sunday.

The make-do and mend event was organised by Dave Foster in partnership with the Eastcott Community Organisation as a way of bringing the community together, and offering a handy service for all those broken household items. There was even the chance to have damaged bikes looked at by an expert.

Dave said: “Most things can be repaired and given another life, and by doing that it keeps more things out of landfill. We are very good at manufacturing things because all of that work is carried out by machines, but when it comes to repairing something that is when it gets more expensive because that requires a person to actually do the job.”

Chairman of the Eastcott Community Organisation Caroline Davies-Khan explained the event was not just about fixing broken items as there was a social side to the cafe.

She said: “It is a good opportunity to get people together to not only share skills but also meet new people and learn some skills of their own.

Also the cafe aspect of it is really important so that people can come get some tea and have a chat.”

During the first event there was also music put on by Canute Plastic Army, Graham Mattingly and Talis Kimberley.

It is hoped that a follow-up event will be held in the new year, with regular cafe’s held every two to three months. For more, visit their Facebook page, Swindon Repair Cafe