A NEW community bakery has been opened at Droitwich Railway Station by the charity Onside which helps vulnerable people and those with learning disabilities across the county.
The launch of the Mix Bakery on platform one comes just months after the previous eatery Snax on Trax was forced to close after 15 years because its funding was withdrawn by Worcestershire County Council.
The charity is now appealing for people to come and volunteer at the venue which serves coffee, tea, home-made cakes and bread and lunches.
The closure of Snax on Trax left a void in the community as it offered work placements to disabled residents and it is hoped this new venture will also help vulnerable people and those with learning disabilities gain new skills and grow in confidence so they can go on to other employment opportunities.
All the profits from the social enterprise scheme will go back to Onside so it can continue its good work in the community.
And Nicola Reece, spokesperson for the charity, said she felt the bakery was perfectly placed to achieve its aims.
“We hope people will come and enjoy a nice cup of tea or coffee and a cake or something for their lunch, with the knowledge that they are also helping the community and the vulnerable people living within it.”
She added the bakery had barista machines so could offer high quality coffee as good as people would find in any high profile High Street cafe.
Coun Margaret Rowley, who campaigned against the closure of Snax on Trax, said she felt Onside was the right charity to run the venue.
“This is fantastic news – I feel it will be a real asset to the community and I wish them the best of luck in making a success of it.”
The cafe has been revamped with a welcoming seating area and a rejuvenated menu of food freshly produced everyday.
Visit www.facebook.com/mixbakeryandcafe for more on The Mix Bakery, special offers, opening times and the latest food creations.
Anyone interested in volunteering should e-mail Claire.Watkins@onside-advocacy.org.uk or call her on 01905 27525.