Tea and sympathy on offer at Welcome Café club open to new members
A special Welcome Café is open to new members after receiving royal recognition for its work.
The café is based at the Parish Centre of The Church of Saint Michael and All Angels, based on Upper Street in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton and is open on Mondays from 10am-noon.
It offers those who attend the chance to meet new people, have a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a good conversation.
They also raise money for charity, securing £5,000 in just four years for different charities.
Not only that, but the café has been recognised for all it has done in the community by the Queen, as members of the cafe received a letter from her Majesty's Lady in Waiting last year.
Jean Barratt, aged 79 of Tettenhall said: "We have such a good group of members, around 20 to 25 people in total, and just tow gentlemen.
"People say they look forward to coming on a Monday because for some people it's the only chance they get in the week to talk to someone.
"But it's not just about that, it's about the fundraising too."
Over the years, the café has raised money for Cancer Research, Macmillan Cancer Support, Dementia UK, the Midlands Air Ambulance, Compton Hospice, the RNLI and many more charities.
Jean and Mary Slater, 83, first set up the café after their previous club shut down.
They were so successful in their fundraising efforts that one of the café members, Lorna Taylor, 64, of Tettenhall, wrote to the Queen to tell her about it last year.
The café members were gobsmacked to receive a response from Her Majesty's Lady in Waiting.
The letter said: "The Queen wishes me to thank you for your letter in which you tell Her Majesty about the group of residents in Tettenhall who have contributed so much within the community by setting up a warm and safe meeting place for the elderly, and raising funds for local charities."
Cyril Randles, aged 78 of Tettenhall, is a Parish warden at the centre.
He said: "I think the Welcome café does just that - it really welcomes people.
"It goes some way to helping people combat loneliness, helps people build friendships and just provides that vital human contact we all need.
"Not only that, but the group from the café also go on outings and trips and raise money for charity to give something back.
"I would encourage others to join in with the café because it is just a wonderful informal get together for people
All proceeds from the café go to charity and all are welcome to attend.
Indeed, now the café is open to new members and anyone interested in joining them is asked to pop along or call the Parish centre on 01902 751 622.
