One guest was so absorbed in a knitting project at the Moonrakers Educafe that she came back the next morning with her knitting needles, asking for more wool so she could carry on. It’s a small moment that captures what is happening at Educafe run by Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre.
Funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, Educafe offers a welcoming space where people can meet, chat, get creative and spend time together. Educafe is helping people build connections, grow in confidence and find new ways to get involved in community life. Along the way, it is also helping more people feel at home in the History Centre and explore what it has to offer.
Clare Middleton, Director of Educafe, said:
Educafe is built on the belief that welcoming, volunteer-led spaces can transform lives and strengthen communities. It is wonderful to see our model evolving in a new location, supported by passionate local partners who share that vision.
Since launching, the Educafe has brought together returning visitors and new faces, including members of the Migration Stories group, who use creativity and storytelling to share experiences and build connections.
Creativity is at the heart of the Educafe. Guests and volunteers are working together on a shared “Moonraking Tree” project celebrating friendship, connection and belonging. They have also been creating community bunting that will be displayed when the Educafe joins the Chippenham Carnival procession on Saturday 4th July.
Educafe recently marked Pride Month, with guests and volunteers coming together to support Wiltshire Pride and celebrate the diverse community helping to shape the space.
The project is also helping people feel more confident using the History Centre and exploring its resources. During recent sessions, guests have spent time researching topics that matter to them with support from volunteers.
One guest who had previously felt unsure about using the History Centre has since booked a session with the Wiltshire Family History Society. It’s a simple example of how the Educafe is helping people take their next step into learning, local history and community life.
The Educafe continues to grow, with art students from New College Swindon set to support creative activities over the summer and bring new ideas to future sessions.
In its first few months, the Educafe is already showing the value of creating simple, welcoming spaces where people can connect, learn new things and feel part of their community.
Educafe takes place fortnightly between 10.30am-2pm at Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre, Cocklebury Road, Chippenham, SN15 3QN
You can stay for as little or as long as you like and upcoming dates include: 22 June, 6 July, 20 July, 3 August, 17 August, 14 September, 28 September, 12 October, 26 October, 9 November, 23 November, 7 December, 21 December.
Find out more about the Moonrakers Educafe:
https://wshc.org.uk/exhibitions-and-projects/moonrakers-educafe-at-wshc/
