On Saturday (January 29) a Honiton resident took the first step towards opening a Repair Café in the town, and the launch event was well attended by interested locals.

Miriam Thomas hosted the launch event for her Repair Café, which she hopes to open in the coming months.

The Café is one part of a new Community Action Group, which Miriam hopes will help tackle climate and ecological issues facing the town and wider community.

Twelve people attended the event and ten of those signed up to help in the café, either as volunteer fixers, including electricians and sewers or other helpers, such as greeting visitors to the café.

Miriam told Nub News: "I think it was a great start for such a venture. We now have a plan moving forward.

"We are desperate for someone to build us a simple website, and for repairers for furniture, toys, computers and IT, as well as more electricians, woodworkers and cycle repairers."

"We are putting out a request for anyone who would be happy to volunteer on Saturday morning for about four hours. You will only need to volunteer a few times a year."

Volunteers to serve teas and coffees, make cakes or help with fundraising events are also needed.

The group listened to a talk by Transition Wellington's Chairperson, Anita Roy. Transition Wellington is an action group focusing on issues affecting the Somerset town, such as recycling, waste and wildlife preservation.

This presentation was followed by a Question-and-Answer session, where Anita shared some suggestions to help Honiton's new group get started.

Miriam also shared a progress report on the Repair Café.

Depending on responses from volunteers, Miriam hopes the next meeting will be in three to four weeks.

If you would like to be involved in the Repair Café, or you have questions about it, you can contact Miriam on [email protected] on 01404 45073