A much-loved handmade Spanish clock is working again – thanks to the hardworking efforts of the Repair Cafe Sandbach. 

Sandbach resident, Stephanie Oerton, bought the unusual clock as a Christmas present for husband, Rob, twenty-five years ago. 

Sadly, when the couple had building work done on their Congleton Road home, the clock got damaged and the hands were no longer turning. 

The Repair Cafe Sandbach's volunteer John with th repaired clock. (Photo: Stephanie Oerton)

But thanks to the efforts of the local repair cafe, the Oerton's treasured clock is back where it belongs – having pride of place in their home. 

And at the weekend, Stephanie was able to change the time in line with the clocks going forward on Sunday.  

"The hands got twisted and although I sent away for around 25 sets of hands. I just couldn't get any to work on the clock," said Sarah. 

"A friends suggested I took it along to the repair cafe, so I went to the last one in March and they got it working. We're so pleased." 

Now Stephanie is poised to take another clock not working, one dating back to the 1950s which belonged to her husband's parents and was one of their wedding presents. 

Stephanie added: "The repair cafe is such an amazing facility to have. We love it here. We moved to Sandbach from Bramhall and wouldn't live anywhere else now." 

The Repair Cafe Sandbach, which was set up and is run by Sandbach Partnership, is now over six months' old. 

With a group of volunteer 'fixers', each specialists in their own field, the cafe is led by Helen Dorney, Chair of Sandbach Partnership, pictured below. 

"I am so proud to run this project for Sandbach. We have a great team of volunteer fixers together with hosts and a café stocked with homemade cakes," said Helen. 

"Over the last few months, we have fixed a variety of items. We have a Textiles Team who have repaired school uniforms, zips on coats, cricket bags, dog beds, school bags, fancy dress costumes, cuddly toys, and other textile items. 

The Repair Cafe Sandbach is led by Sandbach Partnership chair, Helen Dorney.

"We have a team of general fixers including skills such as mechanical, electrical, electronic, pottery, and crafts. Collectively, they have fixed vacuums, lamps, children's toys, stereos, food mixers, bikes, pottery ornaments and clocks, to name just a few. Lastly, we have our IT section, and they fix laptops, smart phones and tablets." 

What is the difference between a Repair Café and BBC's popular Repair Shop programme? 

"In essence repairs undertaken at Repair Café Sandbach are 'smaller' and can be performed by a skilled repairer within about 30 minutes," said Helen. 

"With the aim of reducing items going to landfill, we also have an additional focus on skills sharing. We ask the member of the public who brings the item to stay and help/watch the repair sharing knowledge and skills. 

"As a community-led project, and an ethos of all repair cafes, it is important to us that we do not remove business from local independent businesses. 

"If an item is brought in for repair and it is too large, we refer to local businesses that we know in the town. 

Helen added: "The aim is to reduce items going to landfill and we also have an additional focus on skills sharing. We ask the member of the public who brings the item to stay and help/watch the repair sharing knowledge and skills. 

"As a community led project, and an ethos of all repair cafes, it is important to us that we do not remove business from local independent businesses. If an item is brought in for repair and it is too large, we refer to local businesses that we know in the town. 

Repairs are undertaken free of charge (subject to any part requirements), with donations made by visitors which contribute toward operating costs.  

The repair cafe takes place at St Peter's Church Hall in Elworth every third Saturday of the month from 11 am until 2 pm. The next one takes place on Saturday, April 20th. 

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