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the pews (except for a couple which they have kept as benches), got rid of carpets, sanded the floor and removed all the plaster from the back wall, taking it back to the exposed stone. Volunteers from the church did a lot of the work helped out by cadets from the Royal Naval College. They started looking for a local


coffee source and found a supplier in Buckfastleigh. Deborah admits it took a while to work out the new coffee machine: “We all had to get training to become baristas. I didn’t realise how much was involved in making a cup of coffee!” The cakes are homemade by the band of volunteers who man the counter each day. They have a vast selection including marble cake and mil- lionaire shortbread, but so far the most popular choices are Deborah’s fruitcake and Anne’s sponge. Karl and Deborah explained that


there is a recommended price list - £2 for a cappuccino for example. The hope is that people may be inclined to pay for two and ‘put one back’ for someone who really needs it. They have given a supply of these drinks vouchers to the Food Bank who’re putting them in some of the packs they give out. “Going out for a coffee is something most of us take for granted,” says Karl. “But there are people who can’t justify the money for it. This way they can come and sit in the warm and have a chat, either about the weather or perhaps some more spiritual matters. We might be the


only people they speak to all day or even all week.” The café only does hot drinks and cakes but the set up here is so informal people are welcome to bring their packed lunch – even if they don’t buy something from the counter. Karl and Deborah hope this relaxed approach will encourage local business people who want a change of scenery during their lunch break. They’re both wearing t-shirts bearing the Flavel church motto—‘the heart of the community’. “We are right in the centre of Dartmouth with hundreds


“We are right in the centre of


Dartmouth with hundreds of people walking past our door every day. We want to do as much as we can to en- courage them in—whether they need support or just want a sugary treat!”


of people walking past our door every day. We want to do as much as we can to encourage them in— whether they need support or just want a sugary treat!” says Deborah. It’s one of the few places in the town with sofas and she says this is a much needed asset for breast- feeding mums: “It’s so hard to talk to a friend, hold a cup of coffee and stop your baby falling off your lap when on a normal chair. Mums can


be at ease here on our comfy sofas. We’re hoping to attract new mums through our parent and toddler group on a Friday morning.” Karl and Deborah try to come in most days, but they allow them- selves a bit of time off to walk along Slapton Sands with their Rhodesian Ridgeback Cocoa. They enjoy making the most of living by the water, as their last home was an hour’s drive from the sea. The pair met in their early 20s when Deborah was in a Christian rock band and Karl was the sound en- gineer. “Deborah played keyboard and sang backing vocals,” Karl says grinning. “I knew her brother from university so when they went on a tour of Cornwall he asked me to go along as their sound guy. I must admit I spent a lot of time making sure the keyboard sounded just right! It all went from there. We’ve been together 32 years.” They now have two children, a son who lives in West Sussex with their two grandchildren and a daughter over in France. Now there are 30 on a Sunday at


the Flavel Church and with families in the congregation the average age has dropped from 65 to mid 40s. There have even been three babies born to church families in the last two years. “We still have our six original members who have been very enthusiastic and supportive during all the changes. I think the thing that bonds us is our love of people and good coffee!” •


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