This Friday Café opened weekly in October 2023, offering a safe, welcoming space for the public to drop in for a simple drink of tea/coffee + biscuit without charge. Other simple food items are available at a small charge. Donations received go to MU Diocesan AFIA scheme, with an agreed contribution going to the Cathedral for use of the hall. In addition, there are shelves of second-hand books, again no charge, donations accepted. These are popular and add greatly to our funds.
Three City Centre branches operate the café. Midday Prayers are offered before closure of the café at noon.
At the end of 2024 nearly £1,000 for AFIA was raised. Looking forward, hopefully, to a similar amount being forwarded at the end of 2025.
I am delighted to have an opportunity to tell you about MU “AFIA” Away From It All Holidays . Donations of money raised at our weekly Café go towards the upkeep of two caravans, each with three bedrooms, based at Filey. MU in Leeds Diocese offers families in need a week’s holiday that they would never otherwise afford
Free site passes are provided, allowing entry to site shows, swimming pools and 15% discount at the shops and food outlets
Last year 33 holidays were taken up, Thus 60 adults, 45 children, (8 disabled adults , 3 disabled children) all enjoyed free of charge a week away.
Two of the families had an adult with a terminal illness. In another two cases grandparents with custody of grandchildren had a break away. Four families came via the City of Sanctury scheme. In 2023 A Wakefield Cathedral MU member successfully arranged a week’s break for a family in her parish.
Recommendations for bookings are from one of the following sponsors:
- Mothers’ union members
- Clergy
- Medical Professional
- Social worker
- Head Teacher
- Recognised Charities
During February 2025, during Wakefield Rhubarb Festival weekend, Wakefield branch Age UK organisation hosted ‘Afternoon Tea with Flat Cap 3’ in the Cathedral. MU set up a publicity stall and met Age UK organisers. Hopefully our links with them will continue.
A group of Wakefield Council Foster Carers come together through song! Their choir ‘Foster Care Singers’ come and sing occasionally at our Café. It always makes for a splendid morning of entertainment. They are due to sing in the Treacy Hall on Friday 5th December. A fantastic way to end our last session for 2025.
We are delighted with the support we receive from Cathedral Clergy and staff. Our Area project meets both the Cathedral and MU’s Vision and Mission.
Yvonne and Eileen, co-ordinators
