19/06/2024
You all have my full support and the Meal machine too.....obvs...###
Dear Wonderful People of Shepton Mallet,
I hope this message finds you all well! It's been a while since I last posted on the café's page, but I have some exciting news and important updates to share with you.
First and foremost, our beloved café is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! 🥳 Can you believe it? It feels like just yesterday that Ian, Andy, and the team built it back in 2014. Lizzie and Morwenna were just babies then, and now they are 12 and 11, with George about to turn 9. Time certainly flies! It's also been 5 years since the incredible Tracy took over as Manager, when we moved back to Cornwall.
To celebrate these milestones in the café's history, we are thrilled to announce a special 'Music in the Park' event this August! Just like the good old days, when Ian would chat away while the rest of us ran around like crazy. Keep an eye on this page for updates; we'll share the date as soon as possible!!
Secondly, and most importantly, I want to update you on our lease situation. Earlier this year, the Council refused our lease renewal and insisted we leave the park within 12 months. I applied for a new lease at Bristol County Court, keen to fight, and fortunately (due to a paperwork error on their part), we have now signed a new lease that runs until December 2026.
Here's the tricky part: The Council plans to demolish our café (that bizarrely they claim to now own) and build a large shipping container-style café with indoor and outdoor seating and a fully licensed bar. This makes me giggle, after all the years of having to fight to be allowed to sell alcohol at our events!
Despite their offer to let me tender for the new café if I left quietly, I refused to be bullied and fought for our right to stay. As it stands, we have been told that we will absolutely not be allowed to tender for the new café, so this current lease might be our last unless we receive your support.
The Council has released a survey asking what residents of Shepton Mallet would like in the park. Although I requested that one of the options be 'leave the café as it is,' this option is absent from the survey.
If you, like us, love the café and want us to stay, we need your help!
Please, please, please:
a) Share this post.
b) Fill out the survey below, and make it clear that you want Collett Park Café to stay.
https://sheptonmallet-tc.gov.uk/2024/05/15/collett-park-improvements/
Remember, any new development will come at a cost to you through increased council tax. We truly believe the park just needs toilets that stay open past 2pm!!
Tracy and I are incredibly grateful for all your love and support over the years. We can't wait to celebrate with you in August and give you all a big hug!
With much love,
Jo, Lizzie, Morwenna & George xx🥰xx😘xx🥰xx