A COMMUNITY cafe in the borough was keen to display the skills and interests of its service users and cafe regulars last week.
Wokingham Salvation Army on Sturges Road runs Cafe Refresh.
The church opens its doors to everyone, including those needing a free hot drink and a meal, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Last week it held an exhibition highlighting the talents of some of its visitors.
With paintings, live music, gift cards, cakes, and an original Hornby model train on display, the church was proud to be able to show the public what its community members can do.
Corps Officer Captain Jan Howlin, community centre manager Marina Brain, and volunteer support worker Christina Marinomi, welcomed visitors to the exhibition.
“Many of our service users’ talents aren’t recognised,” said Captain Howlin.
“They may be struggling with all sorts of issues, but that doesn’t stop them from having some amazing skills and abilities, and we wanted to showcase that.”
Volunteer support worker Christina Marinomi had the idea to hold an exhibition.
“It started with one of our service users, Aaron, who had a passion for angling, but no fishing equipment,” she said.
“We approached Wokingham United Charities, and they gave us a grant to buy what he needed to be able to enjoy his hobby.”
“Aaron also mentioned to us that he was an artist, and had enjoyed painting, so we asked to see some of his work.”
“I soon realised that he’s a fantastic painter, and told him that we would like to put together an exhibition of his work.
“Then one of his friends, Stephen, who played the guitar, asked if it might be possible to buy an instrument for him.”
A guitar was bought, and the musician, who has performed several times at Cafe Refresh, played live at the Exhibition of Talents.
“Today, we’re celebrating people’s skills and gifts,” said Captain Howlin.
“We want to show that our community of visitors are valued individuals, and not simply the issues that affect them.
“It’s all too easy to write off those experiencing problems and difficulties.
“But they’re not categories, they’re people, and talented individuals.”
“We’re terribly proud of our boys and what they can do, and we’ll hold an exhibition like this again.”
Artist Aaron started painting with watercolours when he was 11.
“I have autism,” he explained, “and art is where my skills lie.
“If I try to explain myself in words, I can be misunderstood.
“But through painting I can really put myself across, because people can relate to it.
“I do a lot of treescapes and landscapes, often in the style of Bob Ross, who inspired me.
“But I also paint in a post impressionistic style, allowing the brush strokes to give an impression of what I’m looking at, rather than aiming for perfectionism.
“Painting makes me feel really relaxed, and when I get into it I can end up working on a piece all afternoon.”
John, another contributor to the exhibition, enjoys dropping in for a chat with friends at the Friday Cafe Refresh.
He set out his 1950s Hornby train set for people to enjoy.
“It’s good to get out and meet people, and fun to share my interest with others,” he said.
“I recently bought a book about these old meccano toys, and I’m beginning to find out about their history.
“Each train would have been printed onto a piece of tin plate, stamped out, and assembled into shape by hand.”
Another exhibitor, Ann, displayed her greeting cards, made using recycled images.
A regular visitor to Cafe Refresh, she explained what it is that she loves about it.
“Coming through that door, I always feel peace,” she said.
“It just sweeps over you.
“I originally came with my sister, a Salvation Army soldier, after my husband died.
“And I’ve never looked back, the cafe is absolutely gorgeous.”
Cafe Refresh is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 1.30pm.
There is no charge for meals or drinks, but people can make donations if they wish.
For more information visit: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/wokingham, email: marina.brain@salvationarmy.org.uk, or call: 07786957195.
