A group of eco-conscious cadets from 201 (Macclesfield) Squadron RAF Air Cadets recently took to the skies – of repair skills, that is!

The Macclesfield Repair Cafe, held every second Saturday of the month from 10am to 2pm at Duke Street Community Centre, empowers people with the knowledge and tools to extend the lifespan of their belongings.

You can forget tossing that quirky toaster, or bring the lamp in need of a second wind, as this free community initiative has been making a positive impact on the planet since 2021.

The other weekend, the cafe welcomed a local group of enthusiastic cadets for a unique learning experience.

Civilian Instructor Anders Timms & Sgt Bill Martin from the Macclesfield RAF Air Cadets, watched with pride as the cadets tackled a variety of challenges. "It's fantastic to see their determination as they put their new skills to the test, from investigating and diagnosing faults to problem-solving and reassembly," Anders said. "I might even have a go myself next time!"

Across the tables, a flurry of activity unfolded. One cadet meticulously assembled a birdbox, while another tackled a more complex challenge: replacing a laptop's hard drive and cleaning its dusty fan, all under the guidance of a Repair Cafe volunteer. "I never knew fixing something like this could be achievable," the cadet admitted with a sense of accomplishment.

Meanwhile, another pair of cadets tackled a faulty table lamp. Armed with a test meter and guided by a volunteer, they followed troubleshooting steps with detective-like focus. Their efforts were rewarded with a triumphant grin as they identified a missing fuse and loose wire, and then successfully brought the lamp back to life.

The Repair Cafe's philosophy goes beyond saving money. "We're about reducing waste and teaching younger generations the value of repair over replacement," explains David Smith, one of the cafe's organisers. "It's about making the most of our limited resources."

The cafe fosters a collaborative environment where experienced volunteers share their knowledge and learn from the diverse items brought in for repair. The cadets were the first youth group to participate, and their resounding "Yes!" when asked if they'd return is a testament to the program's success. The cafe plans to welcome many more such groups in the future.

So, the next time you're tempted to toss something away, head down to the Macclesfield Repair Cafe – you might just be surprised by what can be achieved with a little know-how and teamwork!

Contact David at [email protected] for more about repair skills for young people or for volunteering at Macclesfield Repair Café.

Visit www.201atc.co.uk to learn more about involving young people and adult volunteers in 201 (Macclesfield) Sqn RAF Air Cadets.

The initiative has over 1200 likes on Facebook.

Their next event is on May 11, at the Duke Street Community Centre, from 10am to 2pm.