Coffee shop with a community spirit

Carole Johnson (seated) with (behind, l to r) her daughter Helen, grand-daughter Kiera, husband Barry and son-in-law Steve

It has just celebrated its 10th birthday, and it has been a great help to many people.

It started life 10 years ago, as an idea put forward by one of our regular worshippers, Carole Johnson.

She thought it would be good to launch a coffee shop at the parish hall in Blendworth to allow people to meet for drinks and a chat.

Ten years later, we’re still meeting from 9.30am-11.30am every Thursday, with between 20 and 50 people coming each time.

Anyone can come and have tea, coffee, biscuits, and a chat.

For some people, it’s a really important part of the week, when they can make friends and feel part of their local community.

In today’s hectic culture, it’s easy to under-estimate the importance of face-to-face relationships, but that’s what creates a real community spirit.

Although it is run by church people, you don’t have to be a churchgoer to come, and we won’t talk to you about faith unless you want us to!

It was simply created as a service to the local community.

Over the 10 years, it has also developed to include the sale of good quality home-made cards, and the chance for guests to play table tennis together.

More recently, the local police have started a drop-in surgery there, and join us about once a month, if they are free.

Other events have been held for charity, and the total raised for the church and for charities has exceeded £10,000.

This is a fantastic achievement, given that the original intention was for a non-profit making coffee shop.

It has been managed by Carole, who has organised a rota for behind-the-counter helpers, and has held raffles on special occasions.

She is now standing down from her duties to enjoy retirement with her family.

Our congregation and community would like to thank Carole for all her work and also to the many others who have made it a continuing success.

The coffee shop will continue each Thursday morning, and you’re welcome to come along and join the fun.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, Blendworth Lane, Horndean

Sunday services: 8am and 11am each week

Contact: 023-9259 7023 or [email protected]

Website: www.bcichurches.org.uk