Who is Charlie?

In January 2014 we opened Cafe Life, which certainly has proved to be a great success. It serves speciality coffees, lunches, cakes etc and three days a week serves many customers. One of the great things about having this place of relaxation is that the garden doors are open and while parents and carers chat and relax.

The garden, named Charlie’s Meadow by one of our ‘Coffee and Chaos’ children, is an integral part of the centre. Full of fun things, including a man made grass caterpillar named appropriately Charlie, youngsters happily play there in safety.

Other features in the garden are our very own 'Noah's Ark' (also known as 'Michael's Ark'), a willow wigwam, raised flower beds for the children, pergolas, and seating areas for relaxing in.

And we haven’t finished yet!

We have plans but like any other charity we have to take it slowly as it has its costs to organise such a large area. In the future we plan to add more age appropriate equipment like a climbing frame but in the mean time the children are happy to play on the Noah’s Ark and driving the various small vehicles up and down the paths.

It’s not just for children. Different groups have their own needs, but we aim to serve all ages in the garden so that the wider community can come and enjoy the relaxing space as well, whether they want to use the cafe or not. All are welcome – just drop by!

The addition of an extra, and quite beautiful, garden bench is such a great addition and we are so grateful to the Iron Work Centre for their generous and lovely gift.