ORGANISERS of Minehead Repair Café, where experts bring unusable or broken items back to life, have launched a publicity campaign to make residents more aware of the services offered at their monthly sessions in the Sacred Heart Church Hall, Townsend Road.

The range of repairs has now been boosted by a grant of more than £1,000 from Tesco’s ‘Stronger Starts’ scheme which has enabled the group to buy more equipment.

Grants are awarded to schools, charities, and not-for-profit organisations.

A spokesperson for the repair café said: “We received £1,011 from the scheme and we are due a further £349 once Tesco approve our spend to date.

“So far, we have invested in new equipment, a portable appliance testing unit, a sharpening grinder, workbench, road signs, and banners but we are very aware that we need to spread the word, as many residents still do not know that we exist.

“We have been in contact with our colleagues at Porlock, who seem to achieve greater attendance than us, and we are exploring the reasons why.

“We have a wide range of experts who tackle almost anything apart from computers and mobile phones.

“We do not charge for our services but ask for a donation to cover our running costs.

“We have specialists dealing in everything from jewellery and small electrical goods to clocks and clothing.

“We also offer a sharpening service for knives and garden tools, which should be wrapped in some sort of protective cover.”

Since the Minehead Repair Café started in 2024, it has become part of a network of cafés including Porlock, Watchet, and Carhampton.

Minehead repair sessions, from 10 am to 12 noon, are held on Saturdays throughout the year.

Future dates are May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, and November 21.