ON SUNDAY, March 8, a vacant shop unit in the Merrywalks centre was taken over by staff and volunteers from the Stroud Valleys Project and transformed into a pop-up garden tool repair workshop.

In just two and half hours, over 20 hand tools belonging to the gardening public of Stroud were brought back to life by two volunteer tool experts.

The event was part of the Local Food Voluntary Action scheme, a programme of volunteering opportunities and public events run by Stroud Valleys Project (SVP).

It was organised in partnership with Transition Stroud and FairShares.

Katherine Hallewell from Stroud Valleys Project leads the Local Food Voluntary Action scheme: “My work with Stroud Valleys Project has a food growing focus and as a grower myself, I’m well aware of how many old, slightly decrepit tools there are languishing in people’s sheds. I was inspired by the ‘Fix It For Free’ events run by Transition Stroud to try and rescue some of those tools – why buy new ones when the old ones can be refurbished? It’s hugely satisfying to mend things, saves money and resources and old tools are often better quality than the modern equivalents on sale today. ”

Brian Williamson and Steve Hunter were the tool gurus on the day, using their expertise to replace broken handles, sharpen blunt secateurs and oil rusty mechanisms.

“I hate to see old tools lying unused, neglected, even thrown away,” said Brian.

“One of the great things about this afternoon has been convincing people that their old tools are actually worth repairing.”

Lou Perry brought in a garden fork for re-handling.

“This has been fantastic!” said Lou.

“I brought along my Dad’s broken border fork. He’s been dead for 15 years now, and I was very upset when I broke it because it makes me think of him whenever I use it.”

“There is obviously huge demand for this kind of event,” said Katherine.

“We were fully booked, had a waiting list too and were turning people away on the day. Most people did manage to pick up some tips by watching our experts at work, even if they weren’t able to get their own tool fixed on the day.”

Tea and cake were served all afternoon and the atmosphere was convivial and productive.

All in all, a very successful event, run in partnership with Transition Stroud and FairShares.

If you would like to get involved with similar events in the future, or learn more about growing food whilst helping to create new growing areas in the Stroud district, contact Katherine on: Katherine@stroudvalleysproject.org

01453 753358