The most satisfying repair at the Glen Eira #RepairCafe last weekend was a lady with a desk lamp with a head that had partially detached from the flexible arm.

Together we identified the reason why (loosened screws came out), the repair needed (new screws, with care taken to align a plate properly), and the parts and tools to do it.

"Would you like to put the screws in, or shall I?"

She put them in with gusto, even switching to a different, sturdier screw, so the lamp ended up in better-than-new condition.

My goal in volunteering isn't so much to reduce consumerism or save things from landfill (although both are important), as it is to empower people to have the skills and confidence to repair their own items.