Listen here to interviews we carried out with several of our Cafe regulars in March 2024…

Spotlight on the Community Café; Q&A with Volunteers, Autumn 2022

Margo (Volunteer)

What brought you to volunteer at the Friday Café? 

 I wanted to do something for the community, I really approve of community activities, and I do my little bit.

What has been your highlight so far?

Seeing the appreciation of the people who come in, they enjoy the chat, the craft activities have been really engaging. I get some self-satisfaction in terms of knowing that I’m doing something valuable for the community, but it is also that I have met people that I have not seen for a long time, and I have met people I did not know before, which has been great.

 What impact do you think the café is having?

 I think the café really serves the community well. The coffee and tea are lovely, and the baking is wonderful, there are some great bakers!

Rosie (Customer)

What brought you along to the café today?

I came along for the beekeeping chat, I’m fascinated by them, and it was a really interesting chat, although I won’t keep bees myself.

What was your impression of the café ? 

I don’t eat cakes or drink tea or coffee, lol.  I came along with a friend whose birthday it was, he had two cakes as a birthday treat which he said were lovely. I have bumped into some people from my street and from the allotments too.  Someone said it is really nice coffee too, my son is back from Vietnam, and he’s been looking for somewhere to go so I might just come along with him next week.

Any recommendations? 

 It would be nice to have a sharing place and a safe space for local musicians to be able to share and build confidence even if they aren’t very good, but in a safe space. The café could be great for that.

Ursula (volunteer)

What broughf you to volunteer at the Friday Café? 

I’ve been volunteering since the Cafe started 6 weeks ago, I do two mornings per month.

What has been a highlight so far?

I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people and consolidating friendships as well as Ella’s cinnamon buns!

What impact do you think the café is having?

I think it’s a really great idea, so many people are hiding in their houses post lockdown and it’s great to get everyone out and together and talking to one another again.

 The workshops are great for entertainment, they aren’t imposing, but if people are feeling difficult about talking, they can sit side by side with each other, feel the companionship and learn a skill.

I love baking, everyone is always on a diet, so it has been nice to cook a cake or two, and they always go!

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

I would say to any new volunteers, it’s worthwhile, you feel wonderful, everyone says thank you and it’s a really enjoyable, uplifting experience.

Richard ( Volunteer)

What broughf you to volunteer at the Friday Café? 

I saw the post on your website, and I was looking for something to do where I could meet new people. I have loved it so far, great people, lots of folk in the cafe and the garden to chat to. I have loved interacting with the customers

I learned how to bind a book last week that I am going to use to write interviews for my radio show in.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

I’d say to anyone who was considering volunteering it’s amazing, friendly and fun.