Salvation Army cafe offers a warm welcome
A FREE hot drink and toast are being offered to islanders who need a warm place to go on cold mornings.
The Warm Welcome initiative was launched by the Salvation Army at its Nocq Road cafe this week.
Major Andrew Diaper-Clausen, the officer in charge of the local corps, said the army recognised that some local churches had been providing warm spaces for people to go, including the Church of Scotland’s St Andrew’s in the Grange in St Peter Port, which has a Heat Hub.
‘They’ve opened up a new space but because we run this cafe already we’ve just said we’ll support everybody who wants to come for a free tea or coffee.’
This will be offered on mornings when the temperature is 7C or lower, he said. Free toast will also be available, as will soup – for as long as it lasts.
‘We’ve always had some people who’ve come in at nine for a cup of tea and made it last all day. Now they don’t need to do this, they can get a refill.’
On its second day, the Warm Welcome saw 18 people taking advantage of the offer, with 29 coming in the day after.
If the popularity rose, Major Diaper-Clausen said an expansion could be considered.
‘It’s early days, but if it becomes full ,we’ll find a solution.’
Among those who had enjoyed a cuppa and a bite to eat were Alfred and Dorothy King, with Mrs King having a piece of toast with her coffee while Mr King had just tea.
The couple are regulars at the cafe and walked there from their home at Rodley Park.
‘I love it here,’ said Mr King. ‘I used to be in the Salvation Army band and played the big bass drum.’
Having enjoyed elevenses they were waiting for their lunch of sausages and mash.
Daphne Zabiela was another cafe regular who had brought seven friends with her on this occasion to enjoy a drink, which they appreciated having for free.
‘We come every Wednesday,’ she said.
