ORGANISERS of a huge ‘upcycling’ event taking place in Machynlleth today are urging members of the public to bring in items for repair – and avoid creating waste.

The ‘Cymhorthfa’ repair and share fair returns to Y Plas for autumn on Sunday, October 21, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

More than 400 people attended the first Cymhorthfa in May and at least 50 household and garden items were mended by volunteers in the ‘Repair Cafe’ that was part of the event. This consisted of lamps, radios, fairy lights and other small electrical items, and the second busiest set of menders were those dealing with computers. The IT support desk will be bolstered by experts from Aberystwyth University.

Machynlleth Community Bike Workshop volunteers will also be on hand along with a host of other organisations helping visitors to ‘upcycle’ their items rather than throwing them away.

Children’s activities will include arts and crafts with Christmas gifts in mind, and Mid-Wales Refugee Action will invite people to dress up in outrageous second hand clothes and fineries.

Paul Allen, of the Centre for Alternative Technology, will talk on to the latest UN climate change report. Ecodyfi will launch an ‘Energy Local’ Club, which will allows renewable electricity to be used locally, at an agreed price that benefits both the generator and the users. Householders can use live online information to help decide when to use electricity, such that they use more of the local hydro, wind or solar power when it’s available.

John Cantor, an ecodyfi Board member, explained why ecodyfi organized the Repair & Share Fair. “I’m sure most of us could mend some of our things rather than throw them out, if only we had a bit of support. We’re losing some of our traditional skills. Also, meeting new people in a relaxed atmosphere while giving and taking from each other is a lovely way to build community.”

The next session of the Repair Café itself will be held on Saturday, November 17 at the Owain Glyndŵr Institute, from 10.30am to 3pm, in collaboration with Machynlleth Community Bike Workshop.