The Repair Shop Comes to West Street

A building which had been redundant for over 15 years has been brought back to life and is now available as a community resource. When Safi Zagni moved into Pembridge, opposite what had become an eyesore, she saw the potential to rejuvenate the building and create workshop space.

Only 10 months after acquiring the former carpet shop and petrol station, on the A44, her vision is now reality. Repair and Share Pembridge (RASP) is a not-for-profit extension of Safi’s home which opens to friends and acquaintances on Friday and Saturday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm.

Safi says “Never before have I had such a clear vision of what a space should look like. Amazingly, I managed to describe it to both an architect and a builder who turned it into a reality. While Safi masterminded and financed the project, other locals have been generous with donations of cash, equipment, materials and furniture to enable this space to be available as a community hub.

There are two work areas: one for “clean” projects, such as knitting, sewing, and crafts and the other for messier tasks, such as woodworking. Parishioners may bring their own projects to work on and enjoy a coffee and a chat with others or can bring items to be repaired in return for a donation. Donations may include cash, materials or swapping of other items. It’s also a place to learn new skills.

In addition to the regular Friday and Saturday sessions, special events will be arranged. These have included an Easter Crafts project and making planters for Pride in Pembridge (PIPs) to use for displays in the village.

Future events are being planned and will be included in our Upcoming Events Calendar.