St Michael’s church has been running a café in the Community Hall on Saturday mornings from 8.30 to 10.30am for almost thirty years. It started as an outreach for people in the local community and to provide cooked breakfasts for those in need such as the homeless. We give vouchers out to First Base, the Clock Tower Sanctuary and Antifreeze so that homeless people can get a good, free hot meal.

Two years ago we started a weekday café on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1.00pm. Our aim was to provide a greater outreach to the community by becoming a more ‘upmarket’ café with a larger and more varied menu. We don’t give out free vouchers but the prices are still very reasonable. We serve breakfast, brunch and snacks. [See Menu] For over a year we have been giving the church garden a ‘makeover’. It is now a very pleasant sunny haven, where customers can sit and have their meals or just enjoy the garden. Access to the café is either from Powis Road or from St Michael’s Place, where we have disabled access.

In addition to the café there is a playgroup on Monday mornings. The entrance is in St Michael’s Place. Little Angels playgroup is for pre-school children and meets every Monday in term time from 10.00 to 11.00am. It is a relaxed, informal hour of free play, crafts, and messy play, concluding with some singing. No need to book ahead and entry is free. Tea and coffee are provided for adults and fruit snacks for the children. Donations are gratefully received. All are welcome.

Also of interest is a new yoga class run by Katie Napier. This is from 6.30 to 7.30pm on Monday evenings. It costs £4 for the first class and then £8 (£7 concessions) per session. It is very informal and relaxed and not too strenuous. Contact Katie by email – katnap1012@gmail.com or phone her on 07756 694118.

The hall is available for bookings. Contact the Parish Administrator on 01273 822284. Email: parishoffice@saintmichaelsbrighton.org. Guided tours of the church can be arranged by prior appointment. Phone 01273 822284.

Jane Gray