Bransgore community cafe re-opens with a “bright” new look and a celebration opening party attended by MP Desmond Swayne
A NEWLY refurbished community cafe in Bransgore has officially reopened at a ribbon cutting ceremony carried out by the Rev. Dr Ben Sargent.
Bransgore Coffee House now boasts a new shopfront and flooring, along with a “bright” new look.
Run by volunteers, the popular spot’s makeover is thanks to donations from the village’s Rotary club, the parish council, New Forest District Council, and local residents.
After the Betsy Lane eatery opened its doors, New Forest West MP Sir Desmond Swayne cut a celebration cake and gave a speech, in which he said: “St Jerome translates St Paul’s clear instruction in Hebrews 10:25 ‘Keep meeting together’. I’ve always thought that some earlier transcriber from the original Greek that St Jerome was working from missed out the last two words of the sentence: ‘over coffee’!”
The old shopfront was leaking water and had to be replaced, and the doorway has also been widened to make the premises more accessible for prams, pushchairs, and wheelchairs.
A joint initiative between St Mary’s Church and Bransgore Community Church, the cafe serves homemade cakes, biscuits, and soups. A best-seller is teacakes from Elizabeth’s Bakery.
It also supports local businesses wherever possible, and has what is described as a “great team of volunteers”, but still needs more. Anyone interested will be given full training and an opportunity to “learn the art of being a barista”.
A spokesperson said: “Making your first cappuccino with the correct amount of froth gives a feeling of great satisfaction!”
On Saturdays, several Duke of Edinburgh Award students work at the coffee house.
It is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm. For more information or to volunteer, visit http://www.bransgorecoffeehouse.org.uk/ or call 01425 672 674