New chapter For Brookenby Church Cafe After Unexpected Closure

A new chapter

A community cafe and thrift shop at St Michael and All Angels Church in Brookenby, which was forced to close due to structural damage, has celebrated its grand reopening.

A new chapter is now unfolding for this beloved community gathering place which is called the ‘Angels Tea Room and Thrift Shop‘ .

The reopening event was a testament to the resilience and energy of the Brookenby community, while pledges of support continue to be offered to this beloved space thanks to the generosity of local people.

There were even some very generous anonymous donations to help fund the repairs and renovations which have stunned the church.

The reopening was attended by local residents and the church community. Even The Bishop of Lincoln, The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, joined the celebration.

Everyone was delighted to support the revitalized space and offer their support for this important addition to the local community which is now full of life once again.

Sew far sew good

One highlight of the day was the presence of the Brookenby Sewing Group, called the Sewing Angels, who formed about two years ago. The group showcased their latest creations in a place they can now call home once again.

Their vibrant display of quilts brought heaps of creativity and joy to the event.

The sewing group has been a source of fellowship for many years, and they welcome new members to join them. All are welcome to learn how to sew and start to create their own designs.

Their participation in the reopening of the cafe and thrift shop shows just how much it means to local people to have an atmosphere that is friendly, comfortable and full of the Holy Spirit at work.

Homemade and preloved

Visitors enjoyed a variety of homemade treats and beverages at the cafe during its reopening, which were prepared with love by volunteers.

The thrift shop, which is stocked with preloved clothing for adults and children as well as bric-a-brac and general small goods, was available to browse.

The thrift shop also has new ‘Secret Angels’ who have offered to play a very important role in taking home items of clothing for washing and ironing, sewing on buttons and mending hems.

All Proceeds from the thrift shop will continue to support the church, and as well as this, 10% of the proceeds are going directly back into the community such as the local fire station and school.

Co-ordinating the vision

Carol Lea, who has been co-ordinating the running of the Angels Tea Room and Thrift Shop, said:

“the most important thing is the fact that we exist for the benefit of the community.

“We particularly provide a welcoming space for those who need companionship, those with dementia, and those for whom the wider world might be a scary place.

“We particularly provide a welcoming space for those who need companionship, those with dementia, and those for whom the wider world might be a scary place.”

“Developing where the need is greatest is exactly what we’re going to do. It would be fantastic to have dementia days and more.”

Thanks from the priest

The Revd Claire Burnett, who led the reopening ceremony, expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the renovation efforts. She said:

“I’m so thankful for the work and support of volunteers who have made this all possible.

“When we heard the devastating news of the plumbing leak which put our beloved tea room out of action we could never have imagined that this renovation and relaunch would be possible.

“We could never have imagined that this renovation and relaunch would be possible.”

It would not have been without the tireless work of a few dedicated people who love this place and who understand how vital it is for the local community and for us, as a church, to share the love of Christ.”

A warm welcome awaits

The Angels Tea Room and Thrift Shop is now open to the public, welcoming all who seek a warm and friendly place to rest.

It is open every week on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

The sewing Angels meet on the third Wednesday of the month and the cafe is open that day too.

You can find the cafe and shop at the following address: Brookenby, Market Rasen, LN8 6EW

Find out more about the church here.

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