A WOKINGHAM community cafe would love to open up its doors every day of the week if it could.
All Saints Church cafe, held in the church’s recently refurbished SpaceForAll provides a warm welcome for everyone who steps in the door.
Currently the cafe is open four part days each week, but if they had more volunteers, organisers say they would be delighted to welcome people more often.
“We would love to serve people all day every day if we could,” said Sandra Burbury who organises the cafe.
“That’s always been the long term plan, once we have enough volunteers.
“We want this to be somewhere people can come inside and get warm – a place of friendship.
“All Saints is very inclusive – everyone is welcome – we don’t turn anyone away.
“Talking can really help when things are difficult, and times are hard just now.
“We want to help people meet and make friends – that’s what we’re here for.”
As well as coffee and cakes, the cafe offers other attractions, including a crochet club, a reading club, a board games club, and music.
Debra Wong has been performing recitals once a month this year.
The classically trained pianist from Hong Kong, said: “I’m starting to become quite a regular here.
“I’ve played all my life, and love it.
“Every musician has to keep playing – it’s a kind of inner calling that gives my life so much meaning and joy.
“As a full time mum, I’ve been seeking opportunities to perform locally, and I came upon All Saints Church when I was looking for a venue in May.
“They had just taken delivery of a new piano, and I had the honour of being the first person to play it at a recital.
“It’s such a pleasure to play for people who really appreciate the music, and that’s why I love to play here.
“I feel the cafe audience really listens with their heart.”
Volunteering can be a life enhancing activity too.
Volunteer Cathy said: “It gets me out of the house and there’s a lovely atmosphere here.
“I used to sit at home doing nothing once my children had left home.
“Now I have a new life – I’m a different person, and being part of All Saints’ community has really changed my life.”
Holly from Hong Kong, said: “I arrived in Wokingham in February, and I’m really enjoying getting to know the culture and meeting people.”
Phyllis, also from Hong Kong, said: “I love coming here – the cafe gives me opportunities to learn catering skills, improve my English, and to serve people.”
Cafe regulars appreciate the environment too.
Monday and Thursday visitor Jean Foster, said: “I just come and sit and chat with people who don’t have someone to talk to, and it’s lovely and warm inside.
“No-one needs to feel alone in Wokingham, there’s something happening most days at All Saints.”
During the week the cafe is open to all on:
Mondays from 10am until noon
Thursdays from 10am until 2pm (run by The Link Visiting project)
Fridays from 10am until noon
Saturdays from 10am until noon.
On the Second Saturday of each month, Wokingham Repair cafe takes place from 10am until 12.30pm.
The next repair cafe is on Saturday, December 14.
A craft fair will take place on Saturday, December 7, from 11am until 2pm, (the cafe will open from 10am until 2pm that day.)
And Debra Wong will perform Christmas music, including a piano arrangement of The Nutcracker, on Friday, December 13, from 10.30am until 11.30am.
For information, and to volunteer, email: parishoffice@allsaintswokingham.org.uk or visit: allsaintswokingham.org.uk
