IT HAS been at the heart of the community for three decades offering a friendly retreat and a good cuppa.

So to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the much-loved Coffee Room in Chandler’s Ford, volunteers and customers – pictured with retired minister the Rev John Archer, centre – threw a party, complete with cake.

Since the first hot drinks were served in 1980, the Coffee Room, which is part of Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church, has become a hub of activity, whether it is people dropping in for a bit of company, or to keep warm after missing the bus.

Now based at the Dovetail Centre in Winchester Road, more than 70 volunteers help to keep the coffee flowing every morning from Monday to Saturday, to anyone who fancies a caffeine boost. But coffee has not bee its only success, with volunteers raising more than £114,000 for charities across the county over the years. The Rev Peter Cornick said: “A number of folk have said to me how much they value the Coffee Room as a place to chat and meet people, particularly in time of trouble.

“I would like to convey, on behalf of the church, the appreciation for all who have served in the Coffee Room over the years.”

Echo picture by Joanna Mann.

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