A GROUP of green-hearted individuals is hoping to bring a new lease of life to Ilminster’s bent and broken beloved items.

The new Ilminster Repair Cafe is just the latest project launched as part of Green Ilminster, following a successful tree-planting scheme at the end of last year.

Taking the lead on the new bimonthly event are local couple Haz and Jake John-Taylor.

“It is a shame how comfortable we’ve all become with the word ‘disposable’ and we aim to combat that at least locally with our very own Repair Cafe,” said Haz.

“Once every two months a group of skilled volunteers will give a few hours of their time to help repair the stuff people bring in.

“It not only saves people money, but helps to ease the strain that our waste is putting on our planet.”

The first cafe will be held in the Ile Youth Centre on Sunday, April 26, from 10am to 2pm.

The group is still looking for people willing to give up their time, and in particular need a PAT tester.

“We also hope that visitors will pick up new skills they can take home with them and share with others,” Haz added.

“We are an entirely volunteer-run operation and donations are very welcome to help us purchase the necessary materials for effective mending.”

The Green Ilminster group has been working hard over the past year to improve environmental aspects of the town, with enthusiastic local support.

Haz said: “We’ll be offering many different kinds of services, including woodwork, bike repair, textile mending and electrical repairs.

“There will also be a small café where refreshments can be purchased.”

If you would like to help out with the Ilminster Repair Cafe, and are able to give up a few hours every other month, you can email Haz at ilminsterrepaircafe@gmail.com.

Alternatively, you can contact the Green Ilminster group through the Facebook page.

Green Ilminster member Chris Curran added: “Ilminster Repair Cafe opens for business on April 26, putting the Ile Youth Centre to good use and perhaps returning to use broken household items that may have life in them yet reducing what we put in landfill.

“If you have good practical repair skills and have some time available we’d love to meet you.”