© J Cooke, V21
On 2 May 2026, St Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Montpellier, Cheltenham celebrated 10 years of hosting its monthly Repair & Regeneration Café. The Café is run in partnership with Vision 21, a local sustainability charity. Volunteers carry out a wide range of repairs including textiles and electricals, computer repairs and sharpening services and share their skills. Church volunteers provide refreshments and are on hand to help out with the smooth running of the café.
This was the first Repair Cafe in Gloucestershire. Vision 21 has used their experience at St Andrew’s to foster and guide the establishment of repair cafes elsewhere in the county and in other parts of the country. Over the years, around 9.5 tonnes of equipment and materials have been diverted away from disposal.
© C Drummond
On the day, Vision 21 prepared a film of highlights over the past 10 years which was played during the café and church volunteers organised a display of photographs and memories of the Repair Café . Our local MP, Max Wilkinson, came along to join our celebrations. He spoke with many of those present, viewed the displays and even tried his hand at a repair.
After the café, there was a ‘thank you’ lunch for volunteers, kitchen helpers and café supporters.
The café runs on the first Saturday morning of the month (excluding January) in the church hall.