In the run-up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), being held in the UK from 31st October, locals have been playing their part in the fight against climate change.

Volunteers from across North East Somerset have joined the ‘Repair Café’ movement, with new local groups being set up with the support of the Bath Share and Repair founder, Lorna Montgomery.

Share and Repair Groups now run in Farmborough, High Littleton and Peasedown St John and anyone can come along with a broken item, from clothes and textiles to mechanical or electrical items. Volunteer menders, with a whole range of experience, will see if they can repair the item, saving it from landfill and extending its life. Items are mended for free, but donations are always welcome to keep the groups going.

Since February 2020, the Farmborough, High Littleton and Peasedown St John groups have together saved 109 items from landfill in just thirteen sessions, with many more on the way to repair whilst awaiting new parts. Repairing items helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions such as CO2, as repaired items would otherwise be likely to be replaced by newly-manufactured goods. In addition, landfill greenhouse gas emissions are avoided by not having to dispose of the successfully repaired products.

Sam Ross (Farmborough Repair Café organiser) said: “These new groups aim to help local people save money and the planet through trying to ‘reduce, repair and reuse’. Together, we have repaired items from lawnmowers and bikes, to toys and clothes.

“Share and Repair also brings people in the community together, from those who come with an item to mend, the dedicated volunteers who make cakes and coffee and do the administration, to the wonderful menders who have an incredible breadth of expertise. And, together, we’re not only helping each other, but also doing our bit for the planet.”

The next dates are as follows, with everyone warmly welcome to attend:

• Peasedown St John Methodist Church: 10 am to 1 pm, 23rd October and 27th November.

• High Littleton Church Hall: 10 am to 1 pm on 13th November & 4th December.

• Farmborough Memorial Hall, 10 am to 1 pm on 13th November, 11th December, 8th January 2022.