This exclusive event marks the start of a week full of activities, bringing together colleagues from councils across Northern Ireland for an exciting ‘Repair Challenge.’ Hosted at Repair & Share Foyle’s Library of Things, this event will give local authorities valuable insights into why so many items are discarded and highlight simple, practical fixes. By taking part, attendees will gain hands-on experience and feel empowered to promote repair initiatives within their communities.
Where: Repair & Share Foyle Headquarters, Unit 9e1, Rathmore Business Park, Derry, BT48 9PW
When: Monday 11am – 1pm
Booking: Private Event
Activity: Sewing Machine Rescue
Sewing Machine Rescue! Repair & Share Foyle are on a mission to reduce waste, one fix at a time! Join them and special guest and sewing machine repair expert, Billy Moore, for an evening of sewing machine repair & maintenance – learn how to troubleshoot common faults and get your machine working seamlessly every time!
Where: Repair & Share Foyle Headquarters, Unit 9e1, Rathmore Business Park, Derry, BT48 9PW
When: Tuesday 4 March, 7-9pm
Cost: Free
Booking Essential: Click here
Activity: From Rags to Bags!
The Playtrail will be breathing new life into preloved donations from their ‘Thrift’ Charity Shop by transforming them into reusable shopping bags for use at their Community Fridge. This hands-on workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to learn basic sewing and mending skills, whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your technique.
Where: The Playtrail, 15 Racecourse Road, Derry, BT48 7RE
When: Wednesday 5 March, 10.30 – 12.30pm: and Friday 7 March 10.30 – 12.30pm, The Hub (Private Event)
Activity: Textile and Small Furniture Repair
Neighbourhood Management Team is hosting a textile and furniture repair event, bringing the community together to give old and worn items a new lease on life. Whether you have a beloved piece of clothing that needs mending, a small furniture item in need of repair, or simply want to learn new skills, this event is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience with experts on hand to offer guidance and share techniques. Light refreshments will be provided.
Where: Creggan Neighbourhood Centre, Central Drive BT48 9QG
When: Thursday 6 March, 10am – 12pm
Cost: Free
Booking: Essential – please click here
Activity: Educational Film Screening followed by a discussion with a Panel of Repair Experts
NIRN Members The Playtrail and Repair & Share Foyle are teaming up to bring you an Educational Film Screening event: BUY NOW: The Shopping Conspiracy! Discover the hidden truths behind the world of consumerism and the impact it has on our society and listen to a panel of local repair experts on what you can do locally to make a difference
Where: The Playtrail, 15 Racecourse Road, Derry, BT48 7RE
When: Thursday 6 March, 7pm
Cost: Free
To Book: Click Here
Activity: Mending Meet Up
Creggan Country Park is hosting a textile repair event featuring textiles skills displayed by local students and knowledge sharing from amazing ladies who used to work in the local shirt factories.
Where: Creggan Country Park. 196 Westway, Derry, BT48 9NU
When: Friday 7 March 10.30am – 12pm
Cost: Free
Activity: Visible Mending Workshop
The Fashion and Textile Design Centre are hosting a Sashiko embroidery/visible mending workshop with Louise Kelly. This workshop offers an opportunity to learn the traditional Japanese art of Sashiko stitching, a beautiful and practical technique used for reinforcing and decorating fabric. Bring along an item that needs fixing and spend an afternoon gently sewing. For all ability levels, beginners welcome.
Where: Fashion & Textile Design Centre, Shipquay Street, Derry, BT48 6DL
When: Friday 7 March, 2-4pm
Cost: Free
Booking: Essential (places limited to please email/book online…)
Activity: Repair Café
Get yer’ stuff fixed with Repair and Share Foyle‘s amazing team of volunteer fixers. You’ll Things we like to fix are: small household electricals, sewing machine maintenance, textile repairs, small items of furniture, tool sharpening, general repairs, bikes and laptops & tablets (diagnostics only)
Activity: Sewing demonstration with Louise Kelly
Louise Kelly, author of Sew Your Own Dolls, will be joining us at our Community Fridge event to demonstrate and inspire us to pick up a needle and thread and start sewing & repairing. Whether you’re an expert looking for top tips or a complete beginner who has never threaded a needle, this session is for everyone!
Where: The Playtrail, 15 Racecourse Road, Derry, BT48 7RE
When: Friday 7 March at 10.30am to 12.30pm
Activity: On Your Bucket List??
Is learning to sew on your bucket list? Want to know how to turn old ripped clothes into new stylish accessories?? The Fashion and Textile Design Centre are running an upcycling class for Repair Week, where you can turn an old pair of jeans into a brand new denim bucket hat.
Where: Fashion & Textile Design Centre, Shipquay Street, Derry, BT48 6DL
When: Saturday 8 March, 12 – 4pm
Cost: £5
Booking: Get in touch to book a spot via Facebook of Instagram
Activity: Life Cycles Free Bike Repair
As part of Repair Week, join Life Cycles workshop in the North West Transport Hub and get your bike fixed for free. Their team of skilled mechanics will be on-site to help with tune-ups, flat tires and whatever they can fix in a 30 minute time slot. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your wheels back in top shape – just in time for Spring!
Where: North West Transport Hub
When: Saturday 8 March, 1pm – 5pm
Cost : Free
Booking: Essential bit.ly/bikerepairweek
