The Community Cafe opens its doors in Claydon
New Community Cafe opens in Claydon Community Centre. Cafe owner Jill Shipp.
A community cafe opened its doors for the first time in Claydon on Monday, thanks to a dream by a Suffolk mum of three to provide a new meeting place in the area.
New Community Cafe opens in Claydon Community Centre. Cafe owner Jill Shipp and fiance Ian Booth
Jill Shipp, 41 and who lives in neighbouring Barham, left her job of eight years as a teaching assistant at Claydon Primary School to open the cafe in the village.
The Community Café opened its doors for the first time at Claydon Community Centre at 8am on Monday morning, with around 80 people turning out throughout the day to support Ms Shipp in her new venture.
Speaking after the opening, Ms Shipp said: “It was a great success, well supported by the local community.
“Really good comments have come in, we had some lovely comments put on Facebook.
New Community Cafe opens in Claydon Community Centre. Cafe owner Jill Shipp.
“We even had people come from Stowmarket and Henley.
“We just flung the doors open. Unfortunately the weather didn’t help, but we were busy.”
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The idea for the cafe was first born by Ms Shipp and her fiancé Ian Booth just over two months ago, with the pair feeling that there was nowhere for people in the community to meet for a coffee.
When asked how it felt to open the cafe, Ms Shipp said: “It’s feels absolutely fantastic.
“To hear the lovely comments about the food and drinks is just so rewarding and worthwhile.”
The café will open from 8am-3.45pm Monday-Wednesday and on Fridays, and from 8am-12.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.
