WHETHER an experienced craftsman, well versed in repairing things, or a complete novice, with little knowledge to no knowledge of DIY, all are welcome at Newton Abbot’s new group for the mender minded.

Newton Abbot Community Shed, which held its first meeting on Friday, July 7, to much success, is a space for people to come together to make, repair and up cycle items, and, all the while, have conversations with like minded individuals..

The sessions, which take place in Room C1, which was, at a time, part of the former pottery studio, in Newton Abbot Library, have proved popular thus far, with a group of more than 100 having formed on Facebook.

‘Newton Abbot Community Shed is a space being set up by a local group of friends who know for themselves how satisfying it is to make and fix things’ a representative for Newton Abbot Community Shed said.

‘It doesn’t matter how skilled or knowledgeable you are – this is somewhere to learn from each other, try things out, pass on any skills you do have… and drink tea!

‘Everyone is welcomed, accepted and respected.

‘All this is, of course, also helping protect the environment and save people money through repairing, reusing and repurposing everyday objects that otherwise might end up in landfill

‘We aim to set up a workspace which can expand to include a variety of activities according to the wishes of members - a Repair Café is high on our list of priorities’ the representative added.