First birthday of Upper Beeding church Hub Café

The Hub Café in Upper Beeding Baptist Church,Church Lane, is run by Vicki Butchers who co-ordinates the volunteers.

She said: “It has grown loads and it’s been very exciting to see the progression.”

The team of volunteers has grown from six to around 35 over the course of a year. The café opens on Saturdays as well as week day mornings, helped by teenage volunteers who also lend a hand during the school holidays.

It hosts a number of community events, including Half-Term Hubbub for large groups of children and families, a youth group on Monday nights and Carols in the Café over Christmas.

Mrs Butchers said: “If that’s what we have done from nothing in a year, imagine what we could have by this time next year.

“I really enjoy seeing something work in the same space for all generations.

“We have babies in there at the same time as seniors and it works.

“It’s actually a true community space. It comes out of our Christian ethos but that’s not our motivation.

“People walk in and they don’t even realise they are in a church.”

Regular customer Faye Hermon, 38, said: “I totally love this café - it’s my second home. The coffee is amazing, the cakes are truly scrumptious and the staff are wonderful.

“Before the café opened we didn’t have anywhere like this in Upper Beeding and now it really is the heart of our community.

“The kids love it and they are always so welcome here. I’d be lost without it.”

Another regular, Pauline Mhadheloi, 68, said: “The Hub is a great centre for all ages to meet for coffee and a chat.”

The Hub Café is open from 9am to noon Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays from 10am to noon.