Around 200 Beaconsfield residents gathered to cut the ribbon of the new community café in Holtspur.

The Dove Café at St Thomas’ Church, Mayflower Way, opened it’s doors in mid-February, but the official launch was celebrated on Saturday (May 14).

Everyone from the community was invited to try the Dove tasting menu and complimentary BBQ followed by games in the church’s garden.

Town Crier Dick Smith, Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey and deputy mayor Jackson Ng helped the long-standing church members Michael and Margaret Grace officially cut the opening ribbon.

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Joy Morrissey said: “I was delighted to attend the grand opening of The Dove Cafe this weekend.

“This fantastic initiative will bring local people together and I have no doubt become a popular spot in Holtspur and Beaconsfield.

"It was particularly humbling to be asked to help present some of the first Beaconsfield Community Stars Awards, recognising some truly remarkable local residents who have really made a difference in the last year."

Apart from Tanya, the café, which is open seven days a week, is run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers.

The winners of the first Beaconsfield Community Stars Awards were also crowned for their efforts in helping others and making a positive impact.

Tony Griffiths picked up the Good Neighbour Award for his work supporting his neighbours and the elderly, Jayne Cloudsdale, a local brownie leader, won the Best Community Star for her support of activities for young people, and the Young Community Star Award went to Ben Edwards and Sienna Taylor.

Buckinghamshire Council Councillor Anita Cranmer, Chair of Better Connected Beaconsfield and a judge of the awards said: "It was an absolute privilege to judge these inaugural awards - all entries were fantastic and heart-warming to read, these individuals have each made a huge positive impact connecting our town." 

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The Dove Cafe aims to be a space for connections to tackle loneliness. 

Rev Michael Johnson shared stories how locals have already benefitted of the community space.

These included how an elderly widow, who moved to Holtspur to be closer to her daughter, has found friends thanks to the cafe, a young mom living far away from her family connected with new friends at a baby class at the church, and a man living on his own was always made feel welcome at The Dove Cafe, Rev Johnson said. 

Since its opening, the cafe has already treated the community to Mediterranean plates, soups, a variety of cakes, Easter treats and coffee.

Anyone wanting to volunteer can contact meet@thedove.cafe.