The High Sheriff of Essex, Julie Fosh DL, has opened the Braintree Hub’s new tearoom. At a special ribbon cutting ceremony held at the Hub, in High Street, Braintree on Sunday 7th September, the High Sheriff formally declared the tearoom open, in the presence of the Hub’s Trustees, staff and volunteers, who all enjoyed tea and cakes.
In her remarks at the ceremony, the High Sheriff paid warm tribute to the hard work of Chair of Trustees Tina Townsend and her team, who took over the building in February. They subsequently obtained planning permission for a tearoom, works commenced in July and were completed in six weeks. She said: “This Hub is a shining example of the spirit of community. Your commitment, your energy, your vision has created something that will enrich the lives of many people in Braintree and far beyond.”
The principal purpose of the Tearoom is to reduce social isolation and provide support for people suffering with mental health issues by providing a safe place to meet. It provides hot and cold refreshments, plus afternoon tea, all at affordable prices.
Tina Townsend, Chair of the Braintree Hub’s Trustees said: “It is wonderful to see the Tearoom up and running. It is the culmination of many weeks of hard work by our dedicated team. My thanks to all who have contributed to this magnificent effort and, in particular, to Maria Towner, Hub Manager and staff members Tim Hull and Chantelle Cooper who have worked very hard to keep the Hub Community Supermarket and Hub Community Fridge operational during the building works. I am also very grateful to the High Sheriff for joining us today and making our opening ceremony a very special occasion.”
During her visit to the Braintree Hub, the High Sheriff also presented a special award to local volunteer Kim Barker, recognising her ‘great and valuable services to the community’. Kim is the Royal British Legion’s Branch Community Support Officer for Witham. She was nominated for the award by Tina Townsend for her long track record of supporting veterans in the area through ensuring that they are safe and have access to whatever they need, be it food, medical supplies or just someone to talk to.
