The What’s On in Twickenham team joined residents, volunteers and local organisations for the lively open day of The Fixery, a brand new community repair hub launched inside the beautifully restored Grove Gardens Chapel.
From the moment the doors opened, the historic Victorian chapel was buzzing with activity. Visitors arrived with everything from small household appliances to clothing in need of repair, while volunteers demonstrated how broken items can be given a new lease of life rather than being thrown away.
With tea, cake and plenty of friendly conversation on offer, the event had the feel of a traditional community gathering, but with a strong modern message about sustainability, reuse and sharing practical skills.
A Historic Building with a New Purpose
Originally built in the 19th century, Grove Gardens Chapel has been carefully restored and brought back into community use thanks to the work of local environmental charity Habitats & Heritage and supporting partners.
The restoration has transformed the once-neglected chapel into a welcoming space for community events, workshops and sustainability projects. Now home to The Fixery, the building is once again at the heart of local activity.
Repair Instead of Replace
At the centre of the project is a simple but powerful idea: repair items rather than replace them.
During the open day, visitors were invited to bring along small household items and clothing to be repaired by skilled volunteers at the repair café. Watching items being taken apart, fixed and brought back to life was a highlight for many visitors.
The event also brought together several local organisations working to reduce waste and support the community. Representatives from Scrapstore were in attendance, promoting creative reuse of materials, while the Richmond Furniture Scheme came along to support the launch and highlight their work helping local residents access affordable furniture.
Together, the groups showcased how practical community initiatives can make a real difference in reducing waste while supporting local people.
Tea, Cake and Community
Alongside the repairs, the open day had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors enjoyed tea and cake while exploring the newly restored chapel and chatting with volunteers about repair skills and sustainability.
The event also gave residents the chance to learn more about how simple actions, such as repairing clothes, fixing small appliances or reusing materials, can have a positive impact on the environment.
Open Weekly for Residents
Following the successful launch, The Fixery will now open its doors to residents every week at Grove Gardens Chapel.
Days: Friday and Saturday
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Website: https://fixery.uk/
Residents are encouraged to drop in with small household items, clothing or electrical goods that need repairing. The sessions are informal, friendly and designed to help people learn practical skills while extending the life of everyday items.
Richmond Leading the Way in Sustainability
Projects like The Fixery highlight how local communities can play an important role in tackling waste and encouraging more sustainable lifestyles.
With initiatives that promote repair, reuse and community collaboration, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames continues to position itself as one of London’s boroughs leading the way on environmental action.
By bringing together heritage, community knowledge and sustainability, The Fixery shows how a historic building can be reimagined for the future.
For anyone interested in learning new skills, meeting neighbours, or simply giving a favourite item a second life, The Fixery is now open and ready to welcome the community.