Ealing Repair Cafe volunteers receive King's honour
There is wonderful news to celebrate in Ealing this week. The dedicated volunteers behind Ealing Repair Cafe, who give their time to help residents breathe new life into worn and damaged clothing, have been recognised with one of the UK's most prestigious honours for community groups — the King's Award for Voluntary Service.
The accolade was formally presented by Richard Kornicki, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, at a special ceremony. Ealing Repair Cafe was one of 231 organisations across the entire country to receive this recognition in 2025.
The group was founded to teach people the art of mending — through patching, darning and hand sewing — rather than discarding perfectly saveable clothes, and grew from humble beginnings in Northfields. Regular repair sessions are now held at venues across the borough, with the group championing waste reduction, reuse and practical skills for all.
Founder Mary Horesh was warmly gracious in accepting the honour, noting that it truly belongs to every volunteer, repairer, organiser and supporter who has helped the café "reduce waste, share skills and bring people together."
It is a richly deserved tribute to a group that quietly makes Ealing greener, one mended garment at a time — and here's to many more sessions to come.
