It’s been great to see the rise of refill shops and reusing items. They’re now much more mainstream, so for this year’s Second Hand September, Climate Action Newcastle zoomed in on another vital change to help avoid waste and emissions. We've investigated the options to repair and repurpose items, to avoid them being thrown away. Some people are developing their skills - knitting with reused wool, sewing repairs, woodwork etc. But for those of us who are time poor or lack confidence, we're celebrating the support services available to help us to repair and repurpose items.
Please let us know your favourites! Email us at climatenewcastle@gmail.com . The info will be added to the Google maps below.
The family-run Dickinson's is one that's popular with CAN members. We popped round to find out why, and David Begbie proudly showed the shop's Thank You cards!
Here’s a pulltogether of info we’ve gathered throughout Second Hand September 2022.
REPAIRS - includes electrical, clothing, household items and jewellery
Several members mentioned Dickinson's in Byker - "whatever you take, they'll say: yes, we can do that!"
Although it's primarily a shoe repair centre, they repair bags, suitcases, ski bags, and will stretch shoes and repair buckles and straps.
Olwyn has big thanks for Marcus King, tailor in Newcastle centre, who's helped with lots of second hand clothes alterations and also one-offs like adding a buckle to save a belt.
BIKE REPAIRS
The growing number of bike repair shops are hugely welcome and usually very helpful!
Recyke y'bike is a brilliant charity based in Byker that keeps bikes out of waste by restoring them, then offering for sale, and it also offers lots of second hand parts and accessories
The Cycle Hub by the Tyne was recently featured by Climate Action Newcastle for trialling a prototype off-grid renewable energy service for passers-by (pictured).
Here are further afield (and past) examples of events and hubs - if you know of anyone who might like to organise a Newcastle-based repair/thrift event, we’d love to support it!
HUBS
Transition West Gateshead have a Fix It Cafe! Watch their website for dates, background article here.
Newcastle's Star & Shadow used to hold regular events
Leeds Market has held an annual event
The Festival of Thift has just held its 10th event!
Here's the full list of services featured on the Google maps shown in this blog.
ELECTRICAL
Electrical Repair Agency https://www.electricalrepairagency.co.uk/
Appliance Repair, St Georges Terrace, Jesmond https://www.newcastleappliances.co.uk/contact
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Upholstery Shiremoor, Newcastle https://www.srhs.co.uk/
CLOTHING
Supastitch, Grainger Market, Newcastle
Marcus King, North St, Newcastle https://marcuskingtailor.business.site/
Groom, Clayton Rd, Jesmond - now occasionwear only https://groomofjesmond.co.uk/
Starstitch, 17 Saville Row, Newcastle https://www.starstitchnewcastle.co.uk
Dickinson's shoe repair, Shields Road, Byker https://www.dickinsonshoeservice.co.uk/
JEWELLERY
Old Eldon Jewellers, Old Eldon Square, Newcastle (near rear entrance to Boots)
BIKES
Recyke y’bike https://recyke.bike/
Cycle Hub https://www.thecyclehub.org/
Backyard Bike https://www.bytheriverbrew.co/backyard-bike-shop/
Bike 4 Health https://www.bike4health.org/bicycle-service-newcastle/