Official opening of Café Connect in Queens Park

A community cafe which offers food, friendship, and fun for all the family, has been launched in Queens Park.

Café Connect is open every other Wednesday during term time from 12.15-2.15pm, at the community centre in Marlborough Road.

The cafe is run by volunteers from the community who make home-cooked food for local people to buy at low cost, with takeaway options available – just remember to bring an empty container! There is also free tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Each fortnight visitors can try a range of free craft activities, access support and advice, and use free WiFi and charging points.

Bedford Borough Council’s Family Hubs has worked with housing association bpha and the Faith In Queens Park group to establish the cafe.

Mayor of Bedford Borough Tom Wootton, who was delighted to attend on 29 November, said; “This is such a fantastic venue for bringing together people from across Queens Park.

“This is a community with a real sense of pride and self-reliance, where people support each other and care for their neighbours, so I can’t think of anywhere more suited to Café Connect.”

bpha’s chief executive Richard Hill said; “bpha are pleased to be partnering with Bedford Borough Council’s Family Hub.

“Community hubs are a great way to build value partnerships that support communities to come together by providing key services, advice and or support.”