South Solihull u3a Repair Shed Group
INTRODUCTION
The Shed opened for business immediately after restrictions eased and is now a regular item on many members monthly calendar. Members of both sexes enjoy repairing their own damaged and broken items plus the opportunity to learn new skills and try out various tools. Plus, of course, the great conversations and tea and biscuits.....
Future plans - a welding demonstration at the special request of Malcolm!
The Shed opened for business immediately after restrictions eased and is now a regular item on many members monthly calendar. Members of both sexes enjoy repairing their own damaged and broken items plus the opportunity to learn new skills and try out various tools. Plus, of course, the great conversations and tea and biscuits.....
Future plans - a welding demonstration at the special request of Malcolm!
Click on any photo below for full-size images.
WEDNESDAY 18th AUGUST 2021 - OUR INAUGURAL MEETING

The afternoon meeting was a great success with members exchanging ideas and techniques which we will be using in future projects.
The meeting commenced with a brief tour of The Shed and its facilities then a 'Hints and Tips' session of different types of screws and the correct screw driver to use on each type to avoid damage and make the job easier.
It turns out that we have a talented crew with a wide range of experiences which we will all be sharing in future meetings.
Projects will range from a Bellows Camera with a broken clasp, a child's ride-on Elephant in need of freshening-up and a Lawnmower with dodgy suspension.
The meeting commenced with a brief tour of The Shed and its facilities then a 'Hints and Tips' session of different types of screws and the correct screw driver to use on each type to avoid damage and make the job easier.
It turns out that we have a talented crew with a wide range of experiences which we will all be sharing in future meetings.
Projects will range from a Bellows Camera with a broken clasp, a child's ride-on Elephant in need of freshening-up and a Lawnmower with dodgy suspension.
THE REPAIR SHED CONTINUES TO GROW
Recent success stories include a 'Wonky Donkey' with three broken legs which is now recuperating following major surgery, Betty's jewellery box with a broken hinge.
Most recently Chris' unusual 'Dicky Duck' which was put back on its feet by replacing the loose self tapping screws with stronger 'Pop' bind rivets and some epoxy resin adhesive.
Recent success stories include a 'Wonky Donkey' with three broken legs which is now recuperating following major surgery, Betty's jewellery box with a broken hinge.
Most recently Chris' unusual 'Dicky Duck' which was put back on its feet by replacing the loose self tapping screws with stronger 'Pop' bind rivets and some epoxy resin adhesive.
WEDNESDAY 13th APRIL 2022
Delighted to welcome two new recruits to the Repair Shed.
Cherrie brought her childhood Bagatelle set which had seized up and also lost the correct sized balls.
A suitable ball bearing (14mm) was found and some polish and lubrication got it working again for the next generation.
Meanwhile Chris continues the restoration of her plant stand, learning new rust removal skills as she goes.
Delighted to welcome two new recruits to the Repair Shed.
Cherrie brought her childhood Bagatelle set which had seized up and also lost the correct sized balls.
A suitable ball bearing (14mm) was found and some polish and lubrication got it working again for the next generation.
Meanwhile Chris continues the restoration of her plant stand, learning new rust removal skills as she goes.
Chris continued her 'rust busting' at home and her plant stand is back in service and looking good in its smart new coat of black Hammerite
WEDNESDAY 18th MAY 2022
Charlie gave us a demo of Ultrasonic Cleaning, in which warm water with a specialist detergent is agitated by pulses of ultrasonic sound to release dirt from small items. We cleaned an expanding watch strap. and some pieces of jewelry.
Terry's rusty old barbecue got a solid new base. Members who had not done any riveting before had a go at putting in the rivets. The patch was cut from the case of a defunct dishwasher and the rivets were home made from scrap steel bar, so the repair cost nothing!
Charlie gave us a demo of Ultrasonic Cleaning, in which warm water with a specialist detergent is agitated by pulses of ultrasonic sound to release dirt from small items. We cleaned an expanding watch strap. and some pieces of jewelry.
Terry's rusty old barbecue got a solid new base. Members who had not done any riveting before had a go at putting in the rivets. The patch was cut from the case of a defunct dishwasher and the rivets were home made from scrap steel bar, so the repair cost nothing!