There are many cafes in Tavistock, but few that are run entirely by volunteers from the local community. The Lower Deck Cafe meets in the hall, directly below Tavistock United Reformed Church in Russell Street, and opens on Fridays 10.00am - 2.00pm (plus Goose Fair, one of the busiest days of the year!), serving delicious, freshly prepared meals and snacks. The volunteers that keep the cafe alive are from the United Reformed Church and the local community, some with many years of experience, and some new to the role. Recently a ‘Knit and Natter’ group was also set up, meeting from 10am - 12noon; there has been much interest in the group and some generous donations of wool. The group is open to new members – both people who need advice or people who are expert at knitting or crochet. As there is plenty of space in the Lower Deck Hall, the fire service also came along recently to offer free advice on fire prevention in the home. Rev Robert Weston, Minister of the church, is pleased that the Lower Deck Cafe is such an integral part of the local community and said: “We are blessed to have such a wonderful team of volunteers. With the improvements being made to the Lower Deck Hall, I’m sure the cafe will continue to grow and develop.”