The repair centre, which takes place in Trinity Theatre, relaunched last autumn after being forced to close during the Covid pandemic due to social distancing measures.
Now it has returned, the Repair Café saw its highest number of satisfied customers in its last outing so is appealing for more expert help.
“We are looking to grow the number of repairers we have, especially the electrical team,” said Repair Café organiser Chris Murphy.
This was the skillset that was used by volunteers to fix the smile on one little boy’s face, when they helped his mother repair a second-hand fire engine toy during November’s record turnout.
“The electrical team found that the battery would not hold a charge, and advised her what battery to buy and how to change it,” said Mr Murphy.
“Now the little boy has returned to doing good work, driving his fire engine around the lounge, rescuing soft toys!”
However, a mechanical clown presented a more complex repair challenge, requiring the textile experts to unpick and repair the original clothes, while volunteers with different skill set repaired the mechanics of the wind-up musical box inside, explained Mr Murphy.
The clown kept his owner, Renée, company over Christmas when she was in Pembury Hospital, but stopped working.
“She came out of hospital having received wonderful care but they didn’t manage to heal her clown.
“She didn’t know where to get it mended, but her son tried the Tunbridge Wells Repair Café.
“The café’s volunteers managed to fix it and get it working again, and she has been enjoying seeing it working ever since, as she recuperates,” Mr Murphy said.
Anyone with repair skills can contact the Repair Café on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or email twellsrepaircafe@gmail.com
