Washing Up, Swapping, and Repairing in Newtown

A couple of weeks ago, I stepped into Platform 1 not as the Cambrian Railway Partnership's Community Rail Development Officer, but simply as Deb, ready to lend a hand. I’d asked Ezma if she needed help during their share event takeover, and she suggested I could wash up and clear tables. So, at 9am on Saturday, I donned a Platform 1 apron and got stuck in.

Ezma was busy preparing food while Open Energy arrived with rails of clothes for the swapshop. Next door, the Repair Café and Mending Café were setting up in the Men’s and Hen Shed. I’d brought some clothes to exchange myself, tucked away for later when I had a break.

Back in the kitchen, David showed me how to use the small dishwasher, and I met Katie, a trustee who also runs Platform 1’s social media. Harvey, a natural on the till and coffee machine, kept things flowing as customers streamed in. Presiding over it all was Ginger Cat, calmly coordinating the comings and goings of the café.

The swapshop was busy with people browsing clothes, while next door items were being mended - both textiles and electricals. I met Mark from the Men’s Shed, sharpening knives, and Tony, who runs the Repair Café and Jeremy who serves as a town and county councillor in between mending.

I also spoke with Joanna, Climate Action Officer for Open Newtown. She explained how their Open Energy project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, has been running for nearly three years and is nearing the end of this funding cycle but hopes to continue. Open Newtown is a not-for-profit social enterprise and community land trust founded in 2017.

The Repair Cafés and Swap events are busy events, helping people see the value in reuse and repair, rather than just throwing things away.

Soon I was back at the sink, joined by Ell, who was baking incredible cakes and biscuits, her lavender shortbread with white chocolate is a particular favourite with regulars. I was joined by Alys, who worked the coffee machine while we tackled the washing up together.

Watching Platform 1 and Open Newtown in action was inspiring. From swapshops to repair cafés, from coffee and cake to climate action, this is proof of what can be achieved when people come together with creativity, kindness, and determination.