Cake and carols were the order of the day as a much-loved charity shop and café marked its first birthday in style – including a visit from TV presenter Tanya Mercer.
Staff, volunteers and customers came together to celebrate a year since the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) base in Wroxham opened last December.
As well as being a popular community shop, the premises is also home to Café 98, which refers to the year Quidenham Children’s Hospice merged with Milton Children’s Hospice, near Cambridge, to become East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices.
On the day it opened, the ribbon was cut by schoolgirl Emma Gulliver, who has congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and receives care at The Nook.
The ten-year-old and her family were invited back to cut the birthday cake, and there were also lots of in-store activities, including carols sung by members of BroadBeat Choir.
“Reaching our first birthday is a wonderful milestone,” said shop and Café 98 Manager Naomi Munro.
“We had an amazing day of celebrations and we’re proud of our achievements in just 12 months.
“It’s only been possible thanks to the generosity of our community, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we receive.
“The funds we’ve raised directly help children and families, and our volunteers, donors and customers have made it such a friendly, vibrant and thriving environment.
“My thanks go to everyone who has played some part, and now we’re excited to see what the next year brings.”
Tanya, from ITV News Anglia, gave up her time to volunteer in the café, swapping the glare of cameras for coffee, cake and customers.
A familiar face as both a studio presenter and reporter, she has covered many EACH-related stories, including the public appeal to raise funds for a purpose-built hospice near Norwich. She was then present when The Nook was officially opened by The Princess of Wales in November 2019.
“EACH is a very special charity, and I’ve been lucky enough to follow the last 12 years of its journey,” said Tanya.
“In that time, it’s been a privilege to see and hear first-hand the real difference its services make to so many families facing unthinkable challenges.
“It was such a pleasure to go and see the shop and meet staff and volunteers. I enjoyed my day and it was extra special to celebrate their first birthday with them.
“I love Café 98 and the warm, welcoming environment they’ve created there. Thank you to everyone for a lovely day. Do go and visit if you can – I can definitely recommend the carrot cake!”.
To find out more about volunteering in the shop or Café 98, pop in for a chat, email Naomi.Munro@each.org.uk or call 01603 369852.
