Platform 1: Newtown Railway Station café off to fast start
Platform 1 is a community project set up and run by volunteers from all walks of life, including those with learning difficulties, who want to pick up new skills and increase their confidence.
The vibrant community space inside the Grade II-listed gateway to Newtown opened on June 9 and has since welcomed hundreds of railway passengers and local residents for a fresh, hot food.
Bwyd Powys Food at Cultivate, a Newtown-based co-operative supporting businesses to use local food, has donated kitchen equipment to Platform 1, including an oven and dishwasher which will help cooking workshops with the community.
Clare, volunteer director, said: "Having a brand-new cooker to cook and bake has been really helpful as I know that there is little likelihood of the cooker not working or cooking unevenly. It's quick and easy to use, and having the commercial dishwasher is an absolute godsend.
'Having just opened the café we have a lot of interest which means a lot of customers and just being able to have a quick and constant flow of washing works for us brilliantly as a commercial kitchen. It's absolutely brilliant."
Nick Burdekin, North Powys Sustainable Food places coordinator, said: "Bwyd Powys Food is delighted to be able to support Platform 1 with new cooking equipment.
'Not only will the cooker be used to make fresh, hot food for local people, but will also provide hot food for commuters and visitors to Newtown.
'Please take the time to visit their brand-new café."
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