The Mayor of Bromley, Cllr. Julian Bennington attended a Celebration lunch of the 25th Anniversary of “The Link” Community Cafe. Operated by members St. John’s Church, Eden Park, Beckenham it is very much a community resource for the local area.

Started back in 1989 by Margaret Young, the then Vicar’s wife. It was set up as a resource for the local community where people can come and enjoy a meal and have time to meet and chat with others. It has been especially valuable to those who live on their own where they can come and have company rather than eating alone. Not just for the elderly, young mums drop in with their toddlers and children and The Link provides a hub for the church where people who attend some of the groups and organisations who meet in the halls, can also drop in for coffee or a snack. The cost of meals and snacks available at The Link are kept as low as possible, so as to make it affordable for those who may be on a tight budget.

Run entirely by volunteers, The Link has a current list of around 40 helpers who carry out a variety of tasks such as shopping, food preparation, cooking, serving, washing up, laundry, order taking, money handling.

The two main co-ordinators at present are Sue Rogers & Judith Parry who give an amazing amount of time in organising, planning and co-ordinating the rota of volunteers to provide a smooth running and well organised community cafe.

Looking forward, we are in the process of finalising plans for rebuilding of the pre-fabricated halls which are well past their life span and very much at the heart of the plans for the new building is providing a well equipped kitchen and dining area in order to retain the Community Cafe and continue to provide this valuable resource for the people of Eden Park and beyond.

Based on information supplied by Liz King.