AFTER months of building and preparation, Hope Cottage café in Bere Alston opens its doors for business next Monday February 26. The cottage is adjacent to and part of Bere Alston United Church, having been bought by the church in 1999. It has been used for occasional meetings and coffee mornings, but was in need of repair and adaptation. Plans were drawn up which linked the cottage into the church and provided disabled access to both, plus the addition of a garden room and improved kitchen area. The building work cost far in excess of the original estimate, but a spokesperson for the church said it was amazing that as costs rose, extra money came in from various sources. There was even enough to redecorate upstairs as well, which was not in the original plan. The cottage is available for hire for meetings in the village, but the church is opening a café every morning from Monday to Friday from 10am to noon. Hot and cold drinks and snacks will be served. All drinks will be Fairtrade and there will be a small Fairtrade shop. The building was re-dedicated by the Rev Stuart Nixon during the Sunday service on February 11, He said the plan was for it to be 'a place of rest, refreshment and conversation at the heart of the village'. There will be a grand opening in warmer weather, when the garden can also be used. It is hoped to extend the café hours later on. Anyone who would like to support the project or would like to know more should call Hilary Boot-Handford on 841185.
