The Fixery celebrates 200 repairs of practical and treasured items

Based at the restored Grove Gardens chapel, The Fixery has quickly become a welcoming space for repairing, sharing and connection.

Since it opened in March 2026, The Fixery has welcomed more than 1,000 visitors, with nearly 30 volunteers contributing their time to repair items.

It’s been inspiring to see so many residents embrace repair and reuse as a practical and affordable alternative to throwing things away. We estimate that the cost of buying 200 replacement items is over £9,000, showing that repair can benefit both the environment and people’s pockets.

Giving items a second life

Among the items repaired so far are 82 electrical items, 54 textile repairs and more than 18 bicycles.

Some repairs have brought especially personal items back to life. A treasured toy airplane was carefully repaired and preserved, while a unique flower lamp was made to work again, showing that even decorative household items can often be fixed rather than discarded.

Another standout repair was an 80-year-old Singer sewing machine. The owner shared that her mother had put her name on the waiting list for the machine during wartime. It was subsequently used by her mother and grandmother to make clothes for her and her sister when they were children. Thanks to The Fixery’s volunteers, it can now be used once more.

Building a culture of repair and community

The Fixery is more than a repair space. It is a place where residents can learn new skills, share knowledge and connect with others. It works with partner organisations including Twickenham Repair Café and Habitats & Heritage and recruits local residents to help with repairs. Our volunteers are incredibly skilful and have turned their attention to everything from bikes and textiles to small electricals.

Alongside repairs, visitors can enjoy a donation-based café, take part in a clothing swap, stock up on low-waste household products including sponges, handwash and laundry liquid from Miniml, and find quality surplus creative materials through the Work and Play Scrapstore.

Get involved

The Fixery is extending its hours to include Sundays during August. We're looking for volunteers to help repair small electricals, clothing, bikes, toys and household items—or to bake cakes or sweet treats for the on-site café. Volunteers are also needed to welcome visitors, support activities, and help with the day-to-day running of the space. If you are interested in volunteering, contact thefixery@richmond.gov.uk. 

The Fixery is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during August, from 11am to 4pm.

Follow @the.fixery on Instagram to hear more about upcoming events, workshops and other news.

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