Page 6 - link magazine

Spring upgrade for village centre Cafe provides community
Traders at Freshbrook Village Centre have been working together over meeting point for ten years
the winter months to agree on an action plan after Swindon Council an- A community cafe in West Swindon is celebrating its tenth anniversary
nounced that £125,000 would be spent on a makeover. and continues to prove its success on a variety of levels - as a place to get
Whilst developing a long term plan A major area of work would be to together, where you can get a low cost meal, and a stepping stone into a job.
the business people and representa- remove the raised planting beds, to
tives from the community centre and create more parking and to include
Elsie Hazel Court have discussed how disabled parking bays for the first time.
to work with each other on day to day Swindon Council community
issues and met with the police about facilitator Gail Light who is coordi-
dealing with anti-social behaviour. nating the project said the plans could
The discussions so far have centred be displayed in March or April before
on better signage around and within work starts at the end of the Spring.
the centre, and signs asking people Work on upgrading Toothill Com-
not to litter or allow dogs to foul munity Centre is being discussed later
pavements. in the year.
Anne Pileggi of Hairworks Salon, Emma Tanner of Freshbrook Community Cen-
tre, David Millard, manager at Elsie Hazell Court, Swindon Council community
facilitator Gail Light, dentist Brendon Ball, Tesco manager Liz Mason

The late BBC Radio Swindon presenter Sandy Martin launches the cafe in 2003
From two weekly meetings in lations to them for helping with an
Toothill and Freshbrook Commu- important community facility.”
nity Centres, the cafe now opens on The cafe is certainly appreciated by
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from the customers. Pensioner Noel Nich-
9am to 1.30pm, at Toothill. Last year ols said he visits the cafe three times
over 5,500 meals were served, as well a week to meet friends and the staff.
as catering for the weekly lunch club Sue Stevens is attracted by the good
for older people. value for money. “I love the food
Chairperson, Matthew Pearce said: served. A good breakfast at £2.75 is
“This anniversary is an exciting time. half what you pay in the town. It’s
From a small starter grant from Zurich filling and nutritious, good for people
PREMIER FLOORING we’re celebrating what has become an on limited incomes.”
Pensioners Stan and Jean Mark have
essential service.
CARPETS - VINYLS - LAMINATES “Not only is the cafe providing an been regulars for eight years. “There’s a
important focus for Toothill around varied menu and good portions,” said
THE PREMIER SERVICE food served at a reasonable price, the Stan. “There’s a friendly atmosphere;
GUARANTEED TO SAVE cafe has built up a lot of experience in the staff look after us.”
YOU MONEY giving volunteers the opportunity to www.toothillcafe.co.uk
learn catering skills.
FREE fitting and accessories on “We now employ two cooks to Cafe covers child care
all carpet and vinyl orders over coordinate the food preparation and for volunteer staff
£200 volunteers and we work closely with Thanks to a National Lottery Awards
FREE moving of furniture and Job Centre Plus. Several people have for All grant, the cafe can pay for
uplifting and disposal of your childcare for volunteers and also
existing floor coverings moved to employment in the food offers training in catering, health
NO Hall, stairs and landing industry. & hygiene and customer services.
surcharges Cafe founder Tina Mackie added: Drop into the cafe for details or
NO Delivery charges HOME SELECTION SERVICE “Without volunteers the cafe would call 07944 134915
NO Hidden Extras not be able to run, so huge congratu-
NO PRESSURE SALES
All products guaranteed FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTATION
Installation guaranteed CARRIED OUT IN THE COMFORT OF
Public liability insurance YOUR OWN HOME
APPOINTMENTS TO SUIT YOU -
“WHY PAY MORE DAY - EVENING - WEEKENDS
FOR LESS” COLOUR MATCH SAMPLES TO
EXISTING DECOR AND FURNISHINGS
CALL STEVEN WALDRON 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN
TEL 01793 320974 INSTALLATION AND PRODUCT
MOB 07812 855250 SALES
[email protected] “A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS THAT
Unit 35 Pembroke Centre DELIVERS SERVICE, QUALITY AND Food and friendship at Toothill, back from left, Charlotte Davis, Victoria Barrett,
Cheney Manor Industrial Estate VALUE FOR MONEY” Norris Kiddle, Tina Mackie, Simon Joliffe. Front, Barry Davis, Yve Wilder, Sue
Swindon SN2 2PQ
Stevens, Noel Nicholls
6 swindonlink.com • March 2013

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