Birchwood Repair Cafe

17/10/2026

It was major surgery at Birchwood Repair Cafe this morning when a visitor checked in their vintage Cricket doll, who looked every bit as fresh as the day she was born in the 1980s. Despite the extensive work our repairers carried out in their attempts to restore her voice and facial movements, Cricket remained cheerful throughout!

17/10/2026

Every repaired kettle, mended bicycle, restored teddy bear and rescued appliance tells a story of people helping people. On International Repair Day, we’d like to celebrate some of the volunteers from around the world whose skills, commitment and generosity have helped make Birchwood Repair Café what it is today.

Between 2023 and 2024, a number of asylum seekers volunteered with us, some for just a short period of time due to relocation, others for longer. Together they brought not only valuable repair skills, but also a strong desire to make a difference. Among them were people who'd overcome extraordinary challenges and adversity, yet still made the eight-mile round trip to the community centre on foot in order to share their skills and help others.

During the time they spent with us, they tackled all kinds of repairs, from bicycles and electrical appliances to much-loved personal items that carried special memories for their owners. Others shared professional skills in design, photography and videography, helping us tell the story of Birchwood Repair Café and reach a much wider audience.

One volunteer - an accomplished artist and fashion designer in her home country - spent hours carrying out a delicate restoration of this much-loved teddy bear, helping to preserve a cherished keepsake for his delighted owner.

Through these volunteers, we’ve been reminded that people seeking asylum bring with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, creativity and practical skills. We’ve seen kindness, generosity and a genuine desire to contribute to the community around them. Given the opportunity, they made a real and immediate difference.

On International Repair Day, we’d like to thank them, and all our wonderful volunteers, for the time, expertise and commitment they've given to Birchwood Repair Café. Our community is richer for having known them, and we wish them every success and happiness in the future.

17/10/2026

WHEN YOU CAN'T WEAR IT BUT IT'S TOO GOOD TO THROW AWAY!

Got something in your wardrobe that you really like, but can't wear because it needs a small repair? Then bring it along to Birchwood Repair Cafe. Our sewing team can tackle all sorts of repairs, from missing buttons and broken zips to seams that have come undone. And it won't cost you penny, unless you need to buy a new zip.

So before you give up on something you like, bring it in and see if we can fix it for you.

Open today, 17 October, at Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, WA3 6AN from 10am till 1pm. Just make sure you check in by 12.30pm so we have time to fix your item. PS. Don't miss out on our delicious home-made cakes for just £1.50 a slice in our pop-up cafe!

17/10/2026

FRESHLY BAKED FOR TODAY'S REPAIR CAFE

So what has Jackie been baking for visitors to Birchwood Repair Cafe today? First up is a moist chocolate traybake topped with swirls of buttercream and flake. Next, we have fruity pineapple upside down cake with sweet glacé cherries. And last but not least there's Jackie's classic lemon drizzle cake with a tangy, lemon-sugar topping. All for just £1.50 a slice from our friendly pop-up cafe.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFE

- OUT MISSION: To keep your items in use for longer, reduce waste, save you money and - if you're interested - pass on our repair skills.
- WHERE ARE WE? Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6AN.
- WHEN? Every third Saturday of the month (but some months may vary so follow us on Facebook to keep track).
- WHAT TIME? 10am till 1pm but please check in your item by 12.30pm.
- WHAT DOES IT COST? Nothing, but for some repairs you might need to buy a spare part, new zip etc.
- DONATIONS are always welcome (but not essential) as they help to cover our running costs.
- WHAT DO WE FIX? Clothes and textiles, small electricals, gadgets, bikes, toys, household items, audio/visual equipment, small items of furniture, quartz clocks and watches, household accessories, fashion jewellery, specs, sunglasses, and sewing machines.
- FREE SHARPENING Between 1 and 3 items per person depending on what they are and how busy we are.
- DON’T MISS OUR POP-UP CAFÉ with delicious home-made cakes and refreshments at very reasonable prices.
- IT'S SIMPLE! Just bring your item along on the day (we don't do appointments), check it in at reception, and stay while our volunteers work on it.

16/10/2026

WHERE ON EARTH IS BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFE?

We're the first to admit that Birchwood Youth and Community Centre - home of Birchwood Repair Cafe - isn't the easiest place to find. So we decided it was high time we flagged up our 'What3Words' location, as well our address and postcode!

So if you haven't been before and aren't sure where we are, visit what3words.com and search for ///puddings.smarter.trailers. For free repairs 🪛 🪡, home-made cakes🍰and very friendly people 😊.

☀️Open tomorrow, Saturday 17 October, from 10am till 1pm, at Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, WA3 6AN.

16/10/2026

YOU'LL SEE SOME REAL CHARACTERS AT BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFÉ
A Dalek, a Furby, Woody… our repairers have met quite a cast. And alongside the famous faces are the much-loved teddies and other soft toys who are stars in their own homes. Whether they’ve stopped working or are coming apart at the seams, we’ll always do our best to help. And just like the many other items we try to fix, all our toy repairs are completely free of charge.

NOT BEEN TO BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFE BEFORE? READ ON!

- WHY DO WE DO IT? To keep your items in use for longer, reduce waste, save you money and - if you're interested - pass on our repair skills.
- WHERE ARE WE? Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6AN.
- WHEN? Every third Saturday of the month (but some months may vary so follow us on Facebook to keep track).
- WHAT TIME? 10am till 1pm but please check in your item by 12.30pm.
- WHAT DOES IT COST? Nothing, but for some repairs you might need to buy a spare part, new zip etc.
- DONATIONS are always welcome (but not essential) as they help to cover our running costs.
- WHAT DO WE FIX? Clothes and textiles, small electricals, gadgets, bikes, toys, household items, audio/visual equipment, small items of furniture, quartz clocks and watches, household accessories, fashion jewellery, specs, sunglasses, and sewing machines.
- FREE SHARPENING Up to 3 items per person depending on what they are and how busy we are.
- DON’T MISS OUR POP-UP CAFÉ with delicious home-made cakes and refreshments at very reasonable prices.
- IT'S SIMPLE! Just bring your item along on the day (we don't do appointments), check it in at reception, and stay while our volunteers work on it.

15/10/2026

What would you make if Mike could get your sewing machine working again? Why not bring your own machine in for a free repair (or a quick refresher on how to use it) this Saturday? Open 10am till 1pm at Birchwood Youth and Community Centre.

HAVE TROUBLE WITH YOUR BROTHER? MIKE CAN HELP.

Is your Brother playing up? Has your Singer stopped performing? Does your Bernina leave you baffled? Whatever the make or problem, bring your sewing machine to Birchwood Repair Cafe this Saturday and Mike will do his best to get it sewing smoothly again.
And if there’s nothing wrong with the machine but you’re not sure how to use it, Mike can help with that too. In short: free repairs and friendly guidance to get you sewing with confidence again!

🧵✂️🚲🪛🛠️ NOT BEEN TO BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFE BEFORE? READ ON...

♻️ WHY REPAIR?: To keep your items in use for longer, reduce waste, save you money and - if you're interested - pass on our repair skills.
📍 WHERE? Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6AN.
WHEN? Every third Saturday of the month (but some months may vary so follow us on Facebook to keep track).
⏰ WHAT TIME? 10am till 1pm but please check in your item by 12.30pm.
💷 COST: Always free of charge, but for some repairs you might need to buy a spare part, new zip etc.
🙏DONATIONS are always welcome (but not essential) as they help to cover our running costs.
🔧 WHAT DO WE FIX? Clothes and textiles, small electricals, gadgets, bikes, toys, household items, audio/visual equipment, small items of furniture, quartz clocks, household accessories, fashion jewellery, specs, sunglasses - and sewing machines!
🧁 POP-UP CAFÉ: Delicious home-made cakes and refreshments at very reasonable prices.
🧐 IT'S EASY! Just bring your item along on the day (we don't do appointments), check it in at reception, and stay while our volunteers work on it.

14/10/2026

DROP BY FOR A FREE AND HONEST OPINION THIS SATURDAY

Wondering if your faulty appliance is beyond repair? Bring it to Birchwood Repair Cafe on Saturday 17 October, and one of our volunteer repairers will take a good look at it and give you their own opinion.
Open 10am till 1pm at Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, WA3 6AN.

13/10/2026

FREE BIKE REPAIRS AGAIN THIS SATURDAY!

Is your bike out of action because the brakes don't work, the gears are playing up, or you just don't know what's wrong with it? Then why not bring it along to Birchwood Repair Café and let our volunteer bike repairers take a look? We're open every third Saturday of the month, including Saturday 17 October, from 10am till 1pm but please check in by 12.30pm (or earlier if your bike might take a while to repair).

A GUIDE TO BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFÉ

WHAT DO WE FIX? Clothes and textiles, small electricals, gadgets, bikes, toys, household items, audio/visual equipment, small items of furniture, quartz clocks, household accessories, fashion jewellery, specs and sunglasses - and more!

FREE SHARPENING: Up to two items per visitor depending on how busy we are and if your item needs taking apart and putting back together again.

WHERE? Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6AN.

WHEN? Every third Saturday of the month (but some months may vary, so follow us on Facebook to keep track).

WHAT TIME? 10 am till 1pm but be sure to check in your item for repair or sharpening by 12.30pm!

HOW IT WORKS: Check in at reception, and stay while our volunteers work on your item.

PICK UP SOME REPAIR SKILLS: If you're interested, our repairers will talk you through the repair.

COST: Always free of charge, but for some repairs you might need to buy a spare part, new zip, etc.

DONATIONS are always welcome (but not essential) as they help to cover our running costs.

POP-UP CAFÉ: Delicious home-made cakes and refreshments at very reasonable prices.

WHY DO WE DO IT? To keep your items in use for longer, save you money, reduce the number of items that end up on the tip, and (for anyone interested) share our repair skills.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING WITH US? Message us for more details.

11/10/2026

THINK YOUR VACUUM CLEANER'S HAD IT? YOU COULD BE IN FOR A SURPRISE.

Did you know that most of the vacuum cleaners people bring to Birchwood Repair Cafe don't need replacing, and that they're often quite easy to fix?
So if yours has lost suction, keeps cutting out, is making weird noises or has completely stopped working, it could be worth letting our volunteer repairers take a look at it. There's no charge involved, but sometimes you might need to buy a spare part before we can fix it, which will usually cost a lot less than a brand new machine!

NOT BEEN TO BIRCHWOOD REPAIR CAFE BEFORE? READ ON!

- WHY DO WE DO IT?: To keep your items in use for longer, reduce waste, save you money and - if you're interested - pass on our repair skills.
- WHERE ARE WE? Birchwood Youth and Community Centre, Delenty Drive, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6AN.
- WHEN? Every third Saturday of the month (but some months may vary so follow us on Facebook to keep track).
- WHAT TIME? 10am till 1pm but please check in your item by 12.30pm.
- WHAT DOES IT COST? Nothing, but for some repairs you might need to buy a spare part, new zip etc.
- DONATIONS are always welcome (but not essential) as they help to cover our running costs.
- WHAT DO WE FIX? Clothes and textiles, small electricals, gadgets, bikes, toys, household items, audio/visual equipment, small items of furniture, quartz clocks and watches, household accessories, fashion jewellery, specs, sunglasses, and sewing machines.
- FREE SHARPENING Up to 2 items per person depending on what they are and how busy we are.
- DON’T MISS OUR POP-UP CAFÉ with delicious home-made cakes and refreshments at very reasonable prices.
- IT'S SIMPLE! Just bring your item along on the day (we don't do appointments), check it in at reception, and stay while our volunteers work on it.