Community cafe plans continue forward Powys town council is told

At their most recent meeting, Llanfair Caereinion Town Council received a report on the project with a view to progressing with the pilot scheme at the town's Institute, including developments with the funding, volunteers and management.

A public meeting to discuss the project was held on March 16 at the Institute and was chaired by Councillor Ian Davies with Ruth Bates and the town clerk in attendance.

There were 14 members of the community present with five apologies from people showing interest in being involved.

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The major takeaway from the public meeting, listed in the report sent to the council, included the fact that there are enough volunteers to run the pilot scheme.

Cllr Davies said: “We would call upon people to support this idea, either by coming forward to volunteer or sponsor the café or to simply use the facility.”

The meeting also appointed a management committee for the running of the project, which includes Cllr Davies as well as two other prospective council representatives, as well as Ruth Bates and Lindsay James as community representatives, Pauline Bennett as a representative of the Institute and town clerk Robert Robinson as administrator.

Ms Bates said: “A community café could be a great place for young parents and older residents to meet, to enhance wellbeing and friendships and combat rural isolation and loneliness.”

A representative from Powys County Council’s Hygiene Department has also agreed to be on the community café’s management committee and advise.

The council also agreed to provide support to cover the eight-week period of initial funding, while necessary documentation and accounts procedures are to be put in place by the town clerk.

Phil Langford, chairman of the Institute Management Committee said: “We are pleased to support this pilot and look forward to seeing people attend the Institute.

"We hope that through the community café people will also see the many facilities available at the Institute including a recording study, library, and of course its kitchen facilities.”

The community café pilot scheme is scheduled to begin on April 14, in the Institute youth room on Thursday mornings between 10.30am and 12.30pm, and Friday afternoons between 2.30am and 5.30pm.