Repair Cafés
A growing number of towns now hold events where people bring broken household objects to be repaired instead of throwing them away. These gatherings are often known as repair cafés. Visitors may arrive with anything from a lamp to a toaster, and volunteers try to work (9) ________ what has gone wrong. The aim is not only to fix the object but also to show its owner (10) ________ the repair can be done. In many cases, a simple fault turns (11) ________ to be responsible, such as a loose wire or a worn switch. People are encouraged to take (12) ________ in the process rather than simply hand the object over. The events can reduce waste, but they also have a social purpose. Some visitors stay for (13) ________ while after their item has been repaired because they enjoy meeting neighbours. Others return later to help, even (14) ________ they had no technical experience at first. There is often no charge, (15) ________ donations used to cover basic costs. As a result, useful skills can (16) ________ passed from one person to another.