Thanks for buying a cuppa

When we open the chapel (usually the last Sunday of the month) the kitchen is always super-busy – serving drinks, cakes and snacks.

The kitchen wasn’t always there (in fact, nor was the loo). It was added, along with the balcony above, when the chapel was refurbished. And that – was quite some time ago.

As those who volunteer to work in the kitchen will attest, was something of an ergonomic nightmare. Not enough storage, not enough room, everything is in the wrong place. It was designed to hold one person (a member of the council’s museum team) but to make the kiosk work, it needs to hold at least two.

People like coming for a drink and a bit of entertainment, but it became apparent to the volunteers who staff the kiosk that something needed to be done.

So, this year’s ‘big project’ for the Friends of Chadkirk has been to fund a refit of the kitchen. This has provided far more storage space, a double-sink, more space to work (that is also better organised) and a new fridge. All of this has been paid for by the Friends of Chadkirk – or, more accurately, it’s been paid for by YOU.

When you have a brew at Chadkirk, buy a cake, attend a paying event or donate, your money goes back into the chapel – in one way or another. Signage, a PA system, tablecloths, cups, toys for children, walkie-talkies for events – that kind of thing. Now and again, we have enough to do something bigger. (Not many people realise that the lovely east window of the chapel was paid for by the Friends of Chadkirk.) This year, it’s the kitchen.

True, visitors don’t go into the kitchen, but many – if not most – benefit from the work that goes on there. The goal was to bring the kitchen up to date and make it work better for the volunteers. The project was driven by one of that team, Frances Holmes, who organised the suppliers, getting quotes in, getting plans drawn up, gathering views of the team and so on. Once the work commenced, it was overseen by our chair, John Pengelly – because these kinds of projects always have the odd thing come to light that wasn’t apparent at the offset. This time, it included moving some electrical sockets, for example.

We chose a local supplier (from a shortlist of all local suppliers) CLJ Installations. Chris Jones (owner of CLJ) has done a cracking job, always looking at the best way to do everything, open to ideas, easy to get on with – and a great interior installation fitter.

So, thanks to Frances, John, Chris, Ann (who manages the kiosk volunteers), all of the kiosk volunteers – and a special thanks to you, each and every person who drops in for a brew, a snack, to watch a performance or to donate. Every penny makes a difference and it all goes towards making Chadkirk better for everyone.