24/09/2026
In case we ever had any doubt that Graeme is a man of many talents!
We have many special moments at Levin Repair Cafe and September was no exception. See below, the wonderful story written by Julia Mahoney, behind this particular repair:
A small table filled with shells is one of Darryl Allen’s most precious possessions. So when its plastic trim started to come away, Darryl and his family brought it to expert volunteers at the Levin Repair Cafe.
The three-legged side table was gifted to Darryl’s great-grandmother by a family member about 70 years ago. It is kidney-shaped, with varnished wood and a glass top. Inside, shell art depicts a map of New Zealand and the letters ‘NZ’, with shell patterns filling the cavity.
The thick black plastic trim attached to the rim with metal studs had detached from the wooden frame.
Levin Repair Cafe carpentry specialist Graeme removed the plastic strip and placed it in a sink of hot water to soften and expand it.
“I was able to stretch the trim around the table,” he said. “Most of the studs were bent, so I had to add a small tack to keep the trim in place.”
Darryl was delighted his table could be fixed: “I like the shells and that the table is antique and is a collectible,” he said. “I collect antique things and also coins from around the world.”
He made sure Graeme received his grateful thanks.
“It looks great, good on ya,” he said.
