THE organisers behind the Victoria Park Café say that the café has evolved into a “vibrant community hub” following its opening last spring.
A spokesperson for the café says, “In its first year, Victoria Park Cafe has become more than just a spot for coffee and cake; it’s a vibrant community hub that has brought warmth and connection to the heart of Victoria Park. Since opening its doors in April, the cafe has played a pivotal role in fostering community spirit and offering a welcoming space for all.
“Christmas Day 2023 marked a memorable event; while the café had closed for the season, it opened especially on Christmas morning to welcome around 350 people for a pre-Christmas lunch stroll around the park, offering free warm drinks and cakes. The event, complete with a cute parade of dogs in festive outfits, brought together staff, volunteers, and park visitors for a joyous and social morning.”
A visitor to the café who attended the event said, “We were having a Christmas Day walk and didn’t realise what was in store at the park – but there was a lovely turnout at the cafe. It was a wonderful gesture to the community for them to be open and offering free warm drinks and treats, and probably a lifeline for those without family around them on Christmas Day. ”
A café spokesperson continued, “The café is supported by a group of 20 staff and volunteers and it has become a beloved part of the community. Our early morning opening hours, seven days a week, have been a welcome addition for park users. The new shelter, erected in August, provided much-needed covered seating, enhancing the cafe’s appeal as has the play trolley. Amazing support from Frome Town Council, the Frome Lottery and the National Lottery have all helped make this happen.
“For many the café has been a lifeline this year. A regular patron noted that, ‘Victoria Park Cafe has literally been the highlight of my mornings this past year, not just because of the warm welcome and the nice coffee, but mostly because of the teams understanding that not every day is a good day and that community and connections can make the difference between a manageable bad day, and a non-manageable one.’
“Looking ahead to 2024, Victoria Park Cafe is set to become even more integral to the community and the park. In January and February, the cafe’s interiors will undergo a complete revamp to improve its facilities which will enable the team to do more work skills training with young adults. It will reopen for the season at the end of March. The cafe is also developing a programme of activities and is eager to collaborate with individuals interested in hosting community tables or running activities – are there any chair yoga instructors out there?”
For more information about Victoria Park Cafe or to get in touch, please visit victoriaparkcafe.org, follow them on Facebook @victoriaparkcafe or email contactcultivatingcommunity@gmail.com
