About Chard CommuniTea Waffle
So, what's it all about In September 2023 a group got together to come up with a project that would be able to apply for a government grant to improve health and wellbeing within the area. The group decided that they wanted to try and tackle loneliness in Chard, origin
ally, we were going to provide a talking cafe in the Guildhall once a week. However, after a visit to the waffle house in Axminster, we were inspired to think bigger and started to look for an empty premise in the town. No 6 A Holyrood Street had been an Art Cafe but had been empty for almost a year and needed some TLC. We decided this was the place for us because it was already a cafe, we would not be introducing a new cafe into the town. Someone would have taken it on and re-opened it. The word "waffle" takes on a double meaning for us. We didn't want to open another cafe which would sell the same as others in the town , although some things like drinks will obviously cross over. We wanted our own identity and the idea of waffle to eat and waffle as in talk struck a chord with our original intentions. Although the project was initially proposed to be publicly funded from grants the people who are now the directors of the CIC were so committed to the project that they decided to use their own money to fund the refurbishment and set-up costs. Are you affiliated with any other organisation? A short No! Chard CommuniTEA Waffle is a CIC (community interest company) that means after we pay all our bills all excess money will go to organisations in Chard and surrounding villages. The five directors will not receive a penny, if you see them in the cafe they will be doing so as volunteers. What Are your costs As any other business we have to pay rent, stock, services utilities, licenses and wages for paid staff, these costs will be taken from the end of year takings before donations are made What about the volunteers? We are committed to supporting our volunteers with training and support, as they are committed to supporting us and the people of Chard. We will also be working with Holyrood School students as they take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and work experience. How many paid staff do you have? >We start with 3 paid staff who all share our ethos to serve the community but have to work to pay their bills, this may increase over time as we learn what we need to function What do you do for the community now? A free space for local groups and services, "such as looked after children" to meet with their families in a safe and private space, pay it forward, Pay what you can and a space for the Village agent.
If you would like to volunteer to help host a Chatter & Natter table at this venue, apply here.
