TEN years ago a member of the Methodist Church at Cheriton Fitzpaine, Mike Pratt, had the idea of starting a breakfast club where people could meet together and enjoy freshly cooked food.

With the support of the church membership, but particularly his wife, Barbara, it was launched. Mike had been a cook in the Merchant Navy so the thought of cooking a large number of breakfasts was no problem for him.

Those breakfasts have continued each month ever since, merely taking a break in August.

Everyone and anyone is welcome to go along to the Methodist Hall on the first Saturday of each month and they do!

The menu ranges from a full English with toast and coffee (or tea) for £5, to beans on toast, a bacon sandwich, or toast and marmalade. Prices are kept low with any profit being ploughed back into church funds. There is no membership, people go as often as they wish for this monthly event.

The volunteer helpers are from both the Methodist and the Anglican churches, but there are also many other villagers who give their time and labour.

Preparation begins the previous day with shopping and laying up, then the day starts at approximately 8am with two shifts of helpers, ending well into the afternoon, having made sure the place is left clean and tidy, of course!

This month was the 10th anniversary of that first breakfast. There were balloons outside, a large notice to declare the cafe was open, while inside was the tantalising smell of sizzling bacon, also an enormous birthday cake.

Customers were asked to sign a card made by Maggie Sluman and were given a piece of the birthday cake made by Hilary Fry of Crediton.

They were even offered a mint chocolate to round it all off. Pretty amazing is the lady who has made and donated the marmalade over all these years - Jean Carr, aged 90.

Mike and Barbara thanked all their wonderful helpers, without whom it could not function.

Barbara said that helping in the kitchen and dining area was a brilliant way to make friends, as was going along for a breakfast.

Sue Read