Charity-run cafe to reopen after shock closure

The cafe had to close its site at Cheney Manor Estate

A charity-run cafe, which was forced to leave its previous home, is set to reopen after "extraordinary" support from the community.

The Olive Tree Cafe and Garden had to close in July due to plumbing issues at its site at Cheney Manor Estate in Swindon, Wiltshire.

The Recovery Tree Charity, a mental health charity which runs the cafe, has since announced it has found a new home at Toomers Garden Centre nearby.

Cafe manager Phyllida Richards said she was excited to reopen and have volunteers "reconnect" with people, after the "shell shock" of the closure.

"Part of what we do is help people to feel part of a big network. We describe ourselves as a family," she said.

"The fact we've been able to start getting back on our feet in just four weeks is extraordinary and a lot of that is thanks to support from the Swindon community.

"We've been very lucky to be here and will be very sorry to say goodbye," she added.

Ms Richards said the team was shocked when they discovered the cafe would have to close.

The cafe will move to its new home at Toomers Garden Centre

"We had to adjust from being a busy, thriving cafe, to closure.

"Our first thought was for our staff and volunteers, many of whom we're supporting in some kind of way with a mental health condition," Ms Richards said.

Paul Toomer, from Toomers Garden Centre, said his family had already been looking to run a cafe, so when The Olive Tree Cafe came to them asking for help, it "seemed the ideal solution".

"We would be very happy to have their coffee shop here, they are an extremely good charity, so we're delighted.

"For a while it's going to be a temporary structure but in the long-term we want to work together," he added.