Cafe Culture

At the centre of the Hemmingwell estate is a square where the new art-work, when it's finished, will go. The Oakway school-children said they wanted to improve this central area when they completed their original police questionnaires - which led, in part, to the creation of our artist-in-residence project.

Around the centre sit a general shop, fish and chip place, brand new community centre and a community cafe - the latter two are both run by the Hope Project. The Hope Project appears to be a real force for regeneration in the area.

The cafe is called 'The Well Cafe' and used to be a derlict old pub, 'The Swallow.' It's now a lovely airy space, which doubles as a one-stop shop for community info and help.

Wellingborough Council, describing the work on the cafe, say:

'The HOPE Project bought out the lease of a run down public house situated in the heart of the community. They have raised funds and converted it into a magnificent community facility. It employs 11 people with an additional pool of 12 volunteers drawn from the local community. Importantly the renovation project ensured that the majority (60%) of the work was contracted locally. All members of the local neighbourhood, but in particular young people, were encouraged to help with the renovation.'

Here's what I found when I peeked through the cafe doors recently...

In one corner of the cafe is a community noticeboard and leaflet space. In another is a play space for babies and toddlers (Mums find it a great place to gather and gossip). There are about 14 square tables and chairs. I visit on a day when the tv on the wall is playing a DVD of a recent community event. There's even an internet point.

It's clear this is more than just a cafe. The Credit Union (micro finance) visits on a Tuesday. There're job-advice workers and health-trainers who come to the cafe, too. Plus a cancer awareness lady has agreed to drop in regularly.

The cafe promotes local services, including the police, fire services, Surestart, nurseries and other specialist, community-focussed services, such as to women experiencing domestic abuse. Family Support workers are upstairs and anyone can make a free appointment to see them. There's also a fully trained counsellor, should anyone need one.

Of course, none of that takes away from the fact that this is a cafe. An affordable cafe, it might be added, where the friendly volunteer, who has learning difficulties, serves me a great, piping-hot cup of tea for just 50p.

Next time, I only half-joke, I'm coming for lunch, too - with toasted sandwiches at just £1 and a great atmosphere, it sure beats my local Costa.

Read my interview with cafe manager, Kay Rogers, in my next blog post!