Repair cafe back at KGV along with sustainable clothes swap

Clean Earth Trust repair manager Emily Gabb said she had never seen such a busy event.

‘The whole idea is to prevent buying from new, either by getting things repaired or using the clothes swap,’ she said.

The repair shop was completely booked out, with four experts on hand to fix clothes, leather items and small electricals.

‘We have had around 20 items repaired so far today – leather bags, dresses, lamps, toasters, fairy lights and even today a children’s toy lawn mower, and a 1970’s telephone shaped like a duck.’

Participants book a 15-minute repair slot and make a small donation.

‘We don’t ask for a specific amount, as we want to attract anyone to come and pay what they can afford,’ said Mrs Gabb.

‘We also like people to watch and learn so they can take the skills home with them.’

Islanders were also invited to bring up to 10 items to the clothes swap and take 10 away, all for just a £2 charge.

Last Saturday saw 354 items checked in and 293 taken away by 54 different swappers.

‘If you don’t take 10 away, the items stay with us and roll over till the next event,’ said Mrs Gabb.

‘We have something for everyone – menswear, dresses, sportswear and shoes.’

Niscaya Duki was at the event and had brought her mother Prem Naidoo, who was visiting from overseas, with her.

‘I’ve been before,’ said Mrs Duki.

‘Both to get things repaired and swap clothes.

‘I didn’t actually bring anything today as I had five items left over from the last clothes swap.

‘It was all clothes I just wasn’t wearing. I’ve found some great items today, all of really good quality.’

Mrs Naidoo was really impressed with the event.

‘Its such a great concept,’ she said.

‘I wish we had something like this in South Africa.’

The next repair cafe and clothes swap will take place at the KGV on Saturday 9 September, from 11am to 2.30pm