New Milton café Quench spreads community cheer by opening its doors for free to clubs

A NEW Milton café has opened its doors to host free community get-togethers with weekly board game events, wellbeing sessions and a veterans club.

Kathy Sirl, who runs the Quench coffee shop based in Station Road, came up with the idea as a way to help people socialise post-pandemic.

Among the clubs on offer is the Chat Cafe, which aims to combat loneliness, on Fridays between 9.30am and 11.30am.

A weekly board games afternoon, Coffee and Dice Too, takes place on Thursdays from 1.30pm. Although well attended, new players are always welcomed at the sessions.

She told the A&T: “If you feel uncomfortable to start with then the board games club is great as you don’t need to talk – you just need a shared interest in playing and I always say to people, bring a book in case you are the first one here.”

Beginning on 19th April, the café will host the New Forest Backgammon Club on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

All are welcome, from beginners to seasoned professionals, who can play or help others learn.

Kathy said: “Some places that are built for community gatherings can seem closed off and inaccessible, but where we are in the high street people find us easier to come to.

“We just want it to be a safe and comfortable environment where people feel welcome, and we want to help combat loneliness, especially after Covid. We aim for a relaxed atmosphere, and are fully inclusive, with dogs welcome.

“We don’t charge these organisations for the use of our space but just ask that participants purchase a drink and a snack while with us enjoying the activities.”

On the third Wednesday of each month the café hosts a veterans’ breakfast meet in association with armed forces charity, SSAFA.

Veterans from any of the armed forces can meet fellow ex-service personnel and talk about shared experiences, or just have a chat over breakfast.

Tea is provided for free with every breakfast purchased.

The café will also be holding two wellbeing pop-up sessions in partnership with Oakhaven Hospice on 25th May and 12th October, with staff and volunteers in attendance to explain the help and support available through the charity.

Kathy is happy to hear from other groups or individuals who would like to run an event, revealing there had been interest for a craft or activity club.

Call Kathy on 01425 613555.