CLAPHAM AND PATCHING VILLAGES
The village cafe and shop
The Junction @ Clapham was unable to operate normally while Covid-19 restrictions were in place; but Yvette and John made good use of the time carrying out substantial renovations to the building, helped by a donation of funds from the former C&P Community Shop and Cafe Project.
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Use it or lose it!
Light lunches are served from 12-2 Tuesday to Friday during July and August; this is run by local students as a holiday job.
The Breakfast Club. offering a full English Breakfast for just £6.50, with tea of coffee for £2, operates on the second Wednesday of each month from 10-12.
Yvette and John are continuing to coordinate orders from various local suppliers for bread, meat etc; you pick up your goods when delivered, from Yvette's house (Fourwinds, The Street, Clapham) or, if necessary, someone can deliver them to your door. You pay by online transfer to avoid having to handle cash. You can place your orders by emailing Yvette Fisher. or via the village WhatsApp group (Yvette can add you to this is you're not already on it - all she needs is your mobile number).
The future of The Junction
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The Junction is a good example of a community-led facility for local people. It doesn't make a profit and relies on volunteers to run it. Ultimately, however, The Junction cannot survive without funds, and it has now reached the point that unless usage increases the cafe will have to permanently close, with the building removed from the Recreation Ground ... for ever.
Does the Junction have a future as a community hub hosting regular activities? Ideas so far have included quizzes, craft activities, a venue for hobbies, card games, a meeting place for people with shared interests. Would anything like this encourage you to use the cafe or do you have an activity or interest you might use The Junction for?
Please let your views be heard. Contact Haydn or Alastair via alongthefurlong@gmail.com
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