WITH the aim of serving up community events as well as food and drink, the 1759 Cafe was given a warm welcome on its opening day.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds cut the ceremonial ribbon in front of dozens of guests, including the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, at Quebec Park in Whitehill and Bordon on Saturday.

Mr Hinds said: “I was delighted to open Café 1759, which will provide an important centre for the community. Facilities like this, which enable people to meet others and get involved with community activities, can help to make a difference to people’s lives.

“It’s great to see first hand Radian’s commitment not just to building much-needed new homes for local people, but also providing the facilities that can help build long-lasting communities.”

East Hampshire District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Whitehill and Bordon, Cllr Ferris Cowper, said: “It is fantastic that Café 1759 is supporting East Hampshire District Council’s Healthy New Town programme.

“The café is very impressive and I’m looking forward to residents being able to see and enjoy it.”

Café 1759 will be supported by volunteers looking to develop their skills, gain some work experience or just build social ties and get involved in the community.

The café will also become home to Radian’s catering business which has a track record of offering practical skills training and employment support to many local people.

Radian’s Group Director of Housing and Customer Services, Ralph Facey, was delighted by the fantastic reception. He said: “This is such a proud moment for Radian and all of our partners who have been involved in bringing this project to life.

"Café 1759 represents a whole new generation of community-building that has something to appeal to everyone. Because it is not for profit, we can keep prices low and reinvest all the money made back into services that will really benefit people in the local area.”

For information, visit www.cafe1759.co.uk