Guernsey Press

Mill Street community cafe relaunches

REGULAR customers at the Mill Street Community Cafe joined in yesterday for the relaunch of the cafe which intends to continue its ethos of inclusion.

Published
The official opening of the Mill Street Community Cafe. Left to right, Martin Priest, the Rev. Richard Bellinger, director Pauline Murray, Sue Devine and David Savident, who run the cafe, and Joni Nettleship from the Community Foundation. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 30285964)

The cafe reopened a few weeks ago, but yesterday’s ceremony aimed at launching its new branding.

Helpers were joined by Joni Nettleship from the Guernsey Community Foundation, which supported the re-opening.

‘We have been thrilled to be involved to help bring it alive today. The foundation has an ethos of making Guernsey a better, fairer place, and this building, and all of you, have encapsulated our vision,’ she said.

The cafe was formerly the Caritas Community Cafe, and former Caritas Community Trust trustee, the Rev. Richard Bellinger, said it was great to see how the cafe had developed.

‘It’s a great joy and the atmosphere is terrific. That’s what is special about this cafe, everyone is welcome and given attention, which we’re all in need of from time to time. It’s a place where you can be embraced,’ said Mr Bellinger.

Hot food, drinks and cakes are served at a low price with the aim of supporting people from all economic backgrounds and growing customers’ self-esteem.

The cafe faced an uncertain future earlier this year when the Church of England Deanery announced they would not be continuing with the lease on the property, after being responsible for it for eight years.

An anonymous benefactor stepped forward in November with the intention of maintaining the cafe’s community feel. He decided to facilitate the purchase after being impressed with how many people benefitted from the services and support it provided.

Looking to the future, cafe manager David Savident said there were many plans which would soon be progressed.

The cafe's annual Christmas lunch will be taking place again this year, offering a free meal and friendly company to members of the community who might have otherwise spent the day alone.

There are also plans to introduce vegan nights in January and to re-introduce its book club.

The cafe will be moving to Town Church for one day on Saturday 18 December, where it will be serving food at the church's Christmas tree fair.