Alley Theatre hosts first Strabane Repair Cafe

FANS of the popular BBC show The Repair Shop had the chance last Saturday to take part in their own local version as the Alley Theatre played host to Strabane’s first-ever ‘Repair Café’.

The event saw locals flock to the venue with much-loved items that may have fallen into disrepair in the hope that they would be lovingly restored to their former glory.

The café originated in Derry and was the brainchild of sustainability group Repair and Share Foyle, founded in 2022 initially as part of the Zero Waste NW Hub with the aim of cutting down manufacturing waste.

Project co-ordinator Caroline McGuinness-Brooks says that the first café went well, but the need for more volunteers is prevalent.

She commented, “Saturday went really well for a first repair café in Strabane, although not too busy which, as it’s the first one, was to be expected really. As per the partnership we have with council, there was a big focus on electrical goods with over 20 fixes of electrical goods and a good amount also in textile and other fixes on the day. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we are hopeful of more in the town going forward.”

Caroline continued, “On Saturday, a number of our Derry-based volunteers were involved to supplement our Strabane team which shows that there is definitely a need for more Strabane-based fixers, willing to give up three hours a month to help out. At the moment, a second repair café is not in place as we might not have enough volunteers in place so I would urge anyone who is handy with electricals, textiles or any other kinds of repair skills to please get in touch with Repair and Share Foyle on any of our socials so the café can gain momentum and become a regular fixture in Strabane.”