The Coffee House, based at Moseleys Farm, in Fornham All Saints, to celebrate 15th anniversary with Christmas market in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care
A café will mark its 15th anniversary this weekend with a Christmas market in aid of a hospice.
The Coffee House, based at Moseleys Farm, in Fornham All Saints, will hold the event on Saturday, sponsored by Chassis Cab DAF, and raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.
The market will have 16 different stalls offering handmade gifts, treats and unique crafts, while there will also be music from the Blackbourne choir and St Nicholas Hospice singers, hot drinks and children’s activities, including an ice-skating rink and a visit from Santa himseIf.
Jessica Darnell and Lucy Newell, The Coffee House directors, said: “With a feeling of pride and nervous anticipation we head toward a huge landmark of 15 years of our beloved Coffee house, especially through such turbulent times within hospitality, as well as raising loads of money for the hospice.
“We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate and come together, we can make this season brighter for everyone.”
Meanwhile next Tuesday, The Coffee House will launch its new community book club, also in aid of St Nicholas Hospice, with authors Helen Fisher and Matt Gaw headlining.
Ms Fisher is known for Space Hopper and Joe Nothin's Guide to Life. while Mr Gaw is the author of In All Weathers, Under the Stars and The Pull of the River.
They will discuss their books and the craft of writing at the event, at which all entrance fees will be donated to St Nicholas Hospice. There will also be a charity raffle, with the chance for a Suffolk-based book group to win a visit from the two authors.
Jessica said: “We're excited to host Beyond the Page, a perfect blend of great stories and warm conversation. There's always been something special about the connection between books and coffee, inviting us to slow down, connect and share ideas.”
It is hoped the event, which will run from 7pm to 9pm, will be the first in a series of author-run events celebrating local artists and the community spaces - such as The Coffee House - where they write.
Across its 15 years, The Coffee House has been a big supporter of the hospice, with its initiatives such as ‘Penny a Cup’ raising in excess of £30,000 for it.
Ms Fisher said: “If there's two things I love, it's talking about writing books and hanging out in lovely coffee shops, so I'm guaranteed to have a great evening. The Coffee House is a beautiful venue, there will be prizes and giveaways and lots of interesting bookish chat. Plus we're raising money for an important charity that touches so many of our lives. I hope loads of people come along ready to have a really enjoyable evening.”
Mr Gaw said: “The Coffee House is a real community café that does so much to showcase local artists and makers, so it's great to be celebrating their 15th birthday while supporting the work of St Nicholas Hospice at the same time. For me, cafés have often proven to be a really creative space, so it feels like a natural location to talk about how and why we write."