FREEdom cafe set to reopen

Popular church restaurant back in business after a major kitchen makeover, thanks to Natwest funding

Seaton’s FREEdom Caf� is set to reopen after a major kitchen makeover.

The much-used community facility, at St Gregory’s Parish Church hall, will be back in business on Saturday, September 15 – its third birthday.

It has been closed throughout August while essential equipment was replaced, thanks to a �6,275 grant from the Natwest Bank’s community find.

Now the caf�, which opens on the third Saturday of each month, between 10.30am and 1.30pm, will return with an extended menu, offering free food and friendship to all.

Visitors will now be able to order jacket potatoes and toasted sandwiches, along with all the old favourites.

Mary Casey, one of the cafe’s team leaders, said: “Everyone is welcome at the cafe which regularly handles over 200 orders in three hours. Volunteers come from all walks of life and may or may not go to church, there are no criteria and no pressure!

“People can order freely from the menu - it’s home cooked food, all with waitress service - make new friends, have a rummage on our rummage stall, or find a new novel to read from our second hand book stall. And they get a free raffle ticket, too.”

Mrs Casey gave special thanks to the caf�’s local suppliers who include Devon Fayre bakery, GW Electrics, Morgan Heating, the Co-op, R and H Signs, along with Pattersons, of Exeter Ltd, Caterlink of Exmouth, Spillers of Chard and Bookers of Exeter.

A poster on the wall in the FREEdom caf� explains the inspiration behind it: “Nearly 2000 years ago a friend of mine fed some people he cared for lunch. The loaves and fishes went down a treat. He’s doing the same today through FREEdom Caf�. Welcome enjoy.”