CREDITON Station Tea Rooms have been officially reopened by members of The Turning Tides Project who held an opening event on Saturday, August 4.

Visitors were able to enjoy live music, open mic sessions, a cafe and a chance to view the space the group has created.

The Turning Tides Big Band entertained visitors and tea and lunch were available in the cafe.

The Turning Tides Project, a Community Interest Company, aims to make equal access to music, the arts and life a reality for people with "learning disability" or "autism’ labels" .

Managing director, Jane Williams said: "Turning Tides @ the Tea Rooms will provide the opportunity for The Turning Tides Project to create an #Inclusive community venue in our community.

"The Tea Rooms will provide volunteering opportunities and supported employment as well as a base for our catering service, shop and gardening scheme.

"It will also provide community space for some of our open and inclusive music and art sessions."

Jane added: "We anticipate there will be some space to exhibit artwork and we are happy to talk with local artists and crafts people about stocking their work in our shop.

The group has spent the last two months working hard to update the decor and fittings and to improve accessibility and thank everyone for their help and support and attending the reopening.

The Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Frank Letch, who attended the event said: "What an uplifting experience the Turning Tides Project opening was.

"There were lots of people, good food and wonderful music.

"I salute that happy band of Turning Tide people who shine a light on folk who might easily remain in the dark."

County Councillor for Crediton Nick Way, who also attended the opening, said: “I think its terrific that the much valued Turning Tides project has taken over the tenancy of the station tea rooms and is reopening the café.“I was pleased to help the group when acquiring the building by putting them in touch with the Devon and Cornwall Community Rail Partnership Group and Crediton Museum.“This helped to enable the museum to re-house the large, detailed scale model of the station area, as they were very keen to do.“It is reassuring to know the model will continue to be well looked after in its new home and remain here in the town.”The group room will be available for hire during opening hours and the whole building will be available, outside the opening hours, for private hire use by other community organisations, for workshops and meetings, with room hire priced from £10/hr.

The Station Tea Rooms will be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.

For more information contact the Turning tides Project on 01363 772512 or by email: [email protected] .