Cafe chat

Kay Rogers is the cafe manager at 'The Well', a former converted pub at the heart of the Hemmingwell estate. Hemmingwellartist caught up with Kay for her personal view on the cafe, her job and the estate.

Hemmingwellartist/HA: What do you most enjoy about your job?

Kay Rogers/KR: I really enjoy meeting people from the estate. It is a privilege that you can get to know them and their lives, the good times and the struggles. We have lots of laughs in the Well, and a few tears, too. If you were in a cafe in town, you'd probably only say 'hello'. There is a real family feeling here. If there are people on their own, they can come here and know they have someone to talk with.

HA: How is the cafe run?

KR: The cafe is owned by the Hope project, which runs a church on the estate. There are 35 adults who go to the church on a Sunday. The project is run on a shoe-string. I do things like goto the cash 'n' carry supermarket to buy food for the cafe on my own time. But I do this because I love my job. Being part of a Christian organisation feels like working in a family. We have very good volunteers and many come from the community.

HA: How many people do you serve on an average day?

KR: We probably have at least 75 people through our doors on an average day and we're open 9am-1.30pm every day. We have our regulars, who say 'my usual, please'. Some dinner-times can be full. It's quieter in the school holidays, as we have lots of single Mums who meet here, but they take their children out during the holidays. We have a play area for the kids, so the Mums can chat. We try to keep our prices at an affordable level for everyone and we encourage healthier eating.

HA: What's the most challenging situation you've faced at the cafe?

KR: We had a lady who cleaned here for us. Her baby died at eight months. People don't like talking about death. We held a gathering after the funeral at the cafe as our gift to her. We're thrilled now that she's pregnant again.

HA: What do you think about the artist-in-residence project?

KR: The cafe looks out over the area where the artwork will go. I think it's a good idea. It will brighten up the whole area and that's a good thing. Lots of people congregate in that area and want to feel safe.

HA: What does the future hold for you and the Well?

KR: I like working with the community. I don't live here, but I was part of a youth club on the estate for 11 years, before I got this job as cafe manager. I hope to do this job until I retire. It's not a stop-gap thing for me. People have the wrong view of this estate. We've had no trouble in the cafe. Everyone is treated equally. There are some wonderful families here.