Over 200 people attended Molly’s Community Café in Steeple Claydon on Saturday to celebrate its opening. Following a successful fundraising campaign and conversion of the old newsagents into a café, the café is now open, run by volunteers under the guidance of full-time manager Jo Vipan.
The event included speeches from founder director Paul Firth and Buckingham MP Greg Smith, followed by a fanfare written by local conductor Hilary Devan Wetton, played by Nigel Gibbon, and a ribbon cutting by Unita Hopkins, daughter of Molly Lewis.
The Lewis family ran the newsagents for many years and have supported the development of the café. Professional Master of Ceremonies, Tony Barrett, kept the proceedings on course. Music was provided by the village ‘Singing for Fun’ group and local musicians John Howarth and Miles Nottage.
The café, one of the biggest community initiatives in the village, will provide a welcoming environment where people can enjoy great coffee and good food. It will also provide help and support to a variety of people including those seeking help. It is a Community Interest Company which means that any surplus money will be given to local good causes.
Going forward the café will play a major role in the village through its ‘Community Partnership’ scheme. The cafe is open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
© The Claydons Parish Magazine
April 2020