About
On 19 September 2023 BBC Radio Devon interviewed our treasurer Wendy and the team. You can listen to the interview here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0gfd68f
 From Vernon – the Chair
 I, like the great majority of the viewing public, have been enthralled and fascinated by the BBC production, ‘The Repair Shop’. This very successful series has been the motivating force behind starting up many local repair shop groups.
We are one of those groups! Abbotskerswell Repair Workshop had our ‘inaugural’ meeting in the Parish rooms, 23rd. January 2020. Our members not only consist of ‘hands on’ repairers taking on tasks like dealing with small electrical items, upholstering, cane work, garden machinery, musical instruments, bicycles, welding/metalwork, carpentry and more, but also other very important attributes, like organizing, recording, finance, collecting etc. The one thing that we all have is community spirit, which as every local person will be aware of, is in abundance in our village, especially in the very trying and distressing times of lockdown, Our aim, from the outset, has been to set up a local facility that will be available for not only repairing and recycling, but to build a community ‘tool’ library, assist other local groups etc. We are not working for profit, nor taking away work from local tradesmen but working for donations, so that we can build an ongoing asset for all. Throughout lockdown we have safely managed to help with a few repairs and recycling issues even without a building
Right from the formation of our group we were aware of the unused building in Vicarage Road, The old Chapel. To have the use of a property of that size, and in that locality, would be the ideal dream!
Well, unbelievably, we, along with the Parish Council, found ourselves in a position of being able to make this dream a reality. The previous owner of the building wanted to sell, and his preferred option is to see the property become a village/community asset. The Parish council agreed to take on ownership and we as a village group were willing to take on the great task of raising the funds to refurbish, maintain and be financially responsible for this characterful but neglected building. Then on 25th January 2021 during the Parish Council meeting, it was resolved to seek the approval of the Secretary of State for housing, Communities and Local Government to apply for a PWLB Loan to purchase the building on behalf of Abbotskerswell Repair Workshop. Now all we had to do was to roll up our sleeves and get to work!
Vernon
The pictures tell a thousand words! You can see how the floor was broken up, and new concrete laid. The old windows replaced, and ceiling/walls repainted with the necessary lime-based paint. A New Mezzanine added to help organise storage of tools and other items.
We could not have done this without the generosity of many volunteers and local businesses who have often donated time and products free of charge. It has really been a community effort!
How to get involved
We are always looking for volunteers, so if you have experience in anything, please reach out and get involved. We are solely reliant on our volunteers and their expertise. Come and be part of the repair revolution!Â
Community ReviewsÂ
We want to hear from you....
We'd like to hear about your experience of the Repair Workshop. Please contact us and let us know.
Here are some of the comments we've received already.
‘Many thanks for your expertise in completing the rocking chair after Jane worked her magic on the upholstery’ Val
‘It’s so nice to know your volunteers are there for small repairs’ Mr. Loveday
‘Thank you so much for servicing the lawn mower and bringing it round’ Patsy
Our Amazing Sponsors
We rely on donations to cover our operating costs. Thanks to everyone who supports us.
Also we’ve had great support from:
Falcon Digital
Abbotskerswell Parish Council
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Telephone: 07761 045146
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