Whitehill and Bordon’s Café 1759 is offering weekly kids teas for £1 for local families throughout February.
The Café, which is run by Abri, one of the south of England’s largest housing providers, launched the scheme in January. It was so popular, serving up 87 meals, they’ve extended it to run until the end of February.
“By using some of the excess FareShare food we’ve been able to support our community with warm, healthy meals. Families need to prebook, paying their £1 per child, either in person or by calling the Café 01420 555 970 and making an online payment. The meals are served on Thursdays between 4-5pm. It’s part of our commitment to doing everything we can to support our customers and communities through this period,” said Susi Drummond, Community Development Officer at Abri.
“Last year we also set up a community pantry in the café, offering food at the fraction of the cost of supermarkets. We now have 220 members, with around 73 shoppers using the pantry once a week. We receive a weekly delivery from FareShare a charity network aimed at relieving food poverty and reducing food waste in the UK.”
The café also has a community space called The Room. In January, the café held their third clothes swap in The Room, where customers brought in five items to swap, alter or revamp.
Susi said;
“There were over 30 shoppers and our lovely volunteer Handmaidens (a local craft group) completed 22 repairs/alterations. I even sewed a few buttons on myself! We also had two energy advisors from Utilita who gave advice to several people throughout the day. Thank you to Timebank and Whitehill Town Council who also volunteered their time to help run the event.”
Other activities that have taken place in The Room include trial yoga and Quigong sessions, and a new boxing class for girls 11-16yrs. Plus regular groups supporting Dementia, adults with learning disabilities, SEND parent group, the menopause cafe, Abri’s Employment Hub, a parent toddler group, and veteran’s breakfasts. Adult boot camp sessions have also been held during the evening outside the café in Barrack Square.
The Room is also available to hire for birthday parties and other social events at an affordable cost.
To find out more, go www.cafe1759.co.uk or email susi.drummond@abri.co.uk for any information on events, classes or room booking.
