Connect Community Groups were commissioned to set up a singing group for well-being at Wesleys Cafe/Food bank. Wesley’s Community Choir was then formed as part of the Wesley’s Community Programme initiative supported by Fylde Council and Church Road Methodist Church in St Annes. 

After lunch on a Tuesday our well fed choir creatively took over the space to make joyful music together in a relaxed atmosphere. We pride ourselves on a co-produced music set, which ranged from Motown to musicals and spanning the decades. Members are encouraged to bring their musical talents to the cafe choir supported by Phill on the keyboard, with guitar, drumming and additional piano from members of the choir.

We’re proud of what we achieved as a musical community at Wesleys with several performances over the year, and slowly transitioned the leadership of the choir to the community. A wonderful guitar player is available to drop in on a Tuesday, and the sing along booklets are handed out for members to get involved in some feel good singing.

A committed team of 35 volunteers run Wesley’s Community Cafe & Larder at the junction of Church Road and St Alban’s Road, St Annes, FY8 3NQ. Meals are provided free of charge by the Café, (donations welcome), which creates substantial quality meals, serving over 700 people a month with breakfast and lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As well as nutritious and wholesome cooked food, the Café provides teaching in cookery skills, helping to improve the lives of local people by enabling them to cook for themselves. The Café also provides a welcoming, safe, and hospitable venue for people to dine, meet for some company, and share a cup of tea. 

The Wesley’s project “started with a pan of soup” when Paul Caddy began serving bowls of soup to local people who needed it. These needs continue to grow. Last Christmas Wesley’s Café provided 92 full traditional Christmas dinners, with over 35 personally delivered to those unable to collect them. 

Wesley’s is always grateful for donations of food and people’s time and commitment as volunteers: please drop in any Tuesday or Thursday morning to experience the great atmosphere for yourself – and if it’s a Tuesday, make sure you stay for the choir!