Mayor Sohi and his wife Davinder attended the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Bourne Café. Situated in Gogmore, the café sat closed for many years. Dolsie Clarke put a message on Chertsey Chatter that she was looking for someone to join with The Youth Club and Community Centre (YCCC) to reopen the café in this beautiful park. Lauren Rose, daughter of Stephen and Florence replied to Dolsie with interest. The Roses have been in the catering business for many years. Stephen said, ‘Since the lockdown for Covid, we thought we would take this opportunity to become involved with the community.’ As local residents in Chertsey for over 30 years and visitors to the park, they put themselves forward. Dolsie called Lauren and said she would like to offer her the opportunity to join with the YCCC in running the café in this beautiful park.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on 5th October to coincide with the wheelchair and disabled walk organised by Suzanne Stronge of Runnymede Borough Council. The café offers hot and cold meals options, cakes, snacks, and a variety of drinks. The Roses have created a safe and friendly atmosphere in the park again.
Samantha, a local resident said, ‘Lauren and her family are so friendly. I feel the park is a welcoming place and enjoy being able to get out of the house and talk to people as I live alone.’ There are more people like Samantha appreciating the reopening of the café and get some exercise, walk the dog, do pilates and social distance with others. Show your support to Lauren and her family and pop by for a tea and some lovely food while you take in the sights and sounds of Gogmore. The café will work with YCCC to run courses in hygiene and give the youths of Chertsey the opportunity to gain hands on experience of working in a cafe as part of the youth club experience.