Recycling and upcycling are on the up at Newtown events

A Newtown community project has reported growing attendance at monthly events designed to reduce household waste through repair and reuse activities.

Open Energy, run by Open Newtown, held its latest Summer ShareFest at Hope Church, offering free clothes, book and toy exchanges alongside repair services. The 18-month-old project receives National Lottery Community Fund backing.

"It has been a challenge to spread the word about these events and to help people understand what they are about. But the response from those who attend is always so positive," said an Open Energy spokesperson. "More and more people are realising that we can work together as a community to reduce waste, share resources and save money. It is wonderful to see it happening."

Attendance figures show increased participation since the project launched, with organisers reporting consistent positive feedback despite initial promotional challenges.

The repair café element has handled items ranging from clothing to electronics. At the most recent event, volunteers repaired a child's battery-operated soft toy that held sentimental value as a gift from a deceased parent.

Open Energy operates alongside an established monthly repair café at Newtown's Waste Not Shop, part of the Circular Economy Mid Wales programme. The mobile approach allows the service to reach different community locations.

The Summer ShareFest included workshops run by local organisations Make + See and Cultivate, covering craft activities and gardening during National Children's Gardening Week. Food was provided by the Cultivated Table.

"For many participants, our events are their first experience attending a clothes swap or repair café," organisers said. "We're hoping that repair and reuse becomes the norm and there is certainly a growing appetite for it."

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen circular economy practices in Mid Wales through community-level action.

Residents can join the mailing list by contacting Openergy@opennewtown.org.uk.

The project continues to operate with National Lottery Community Fund support, though organisers have not disclosed funding amounts or duration.