‘Meet the Menders’ in Nenagh Library

Ireland's 10th annual National Climate Action Week took place nationwide from October 12 to 18.

As part of this week and Saturday, October 17 being National Repair Day, Nenagh Library was the location for a very successful 'Meet the Mender' morning, organised by Caroline Shanahan from the North Tipperary Development Company.

Two well- known 'menders,' textile artist and repairer, Leisa Grey and woodcraft artist and tutor, Paul Carew, spent three hours in the library on Saturday morning, showing their work and making themselves available to anyone with an interest in repair, re-use and recycling.

And it was surprising the level of interest people now have in the 'make do and mend' mindset. Upcycling, shopping for pre-loved, home grown - it's all a part of an increasingly popular movement, amongst people of all ages, to move away from convenience and towards sustainability. Be it fast fashion, convenience food, even a growing intolerance to over processed foodstuff, this shift in mindset to 'the way we were' is growing amongst the public, aided no doubt by the rising cost of living and the view that our money buys us less and less each week.

Nenagh Library was delighted to be a part of the morning. It was good to see people dropping in and, as part of our usual busy Saturday morning, wandering over, after collecting their books to chat with Leisa and Paul, have a cuppa, and get some hints on how to save - both in their pocket and towards the environment.