TASTY TREATS: Volunteers at Startforth’s new community cafe Jeanette Brown, Michele Crichton, Liz Franklin and Sue Brooks brewing up for a busy morning
TASTY TREATS: Volunteers at Startforth’s new community cafe Jeanette Brown, Michele Crichton, Liz Franklin and Sue Brooks brewing up for a busy morning

THERE was a mouthwatering array of home-baked cakes and sausage rolls on offer at the second, monthly Community Cafe at Startforth last week.

The community cafe has gone down a storm since it was launched at the community centre, the former Startforth Morritt Primary School, just over a month ago.

The cafe, which is open to residents and visitors between 10am and noon on the first Monday of every month, has already proved to be a hit with locals.

Jeanette Brown put forward the idea of setting up the cafe and she said: “We ran it for the first time last month and it wasn’t suppose to be about making money, but we did.

“We had so many people pop along for a cake and a chat it was great.”

She added lots of familiar faces, including members from the weekly lunch club, dropped in for a cuppa and a chat.

Children from Kirklands Day Nursery, which is also based at the former school, also popped in for juice and bite-sized cakes.

Ms Brown added: “We only charge 50p for a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake.

“It’s not about making money, but getting people together.”

In addition to refreshments there is a play area, complete with toys, for youngsters, and volunteers on hand for a chat.

The community cafe will be open on the first Monday of each month from 10am until noon at the community centre.