A vibrant new community initiative rooted in Wiltshire’s rich storytelling traditions is set to open its doors at Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.
Launching on Monday 27th April 2026, Moonrakers’ Educafe is an inclusive, welcoming space designed to bring people together, spark creativity and celebrate the diverse stories that shape the local community. Funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community connections across Chippenham and beyond.
A Space for Everyone
Set within a relaxed café environment, the Educafe invites residents of all ages and backgrounds to connect, share experiences and build a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a long-time local, new to the area, or simply curious, the space has been thoughtfully designed to be open, accessible and inclusive.
Visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking part in a variety of activities inspired by the project’s core values of inclusion, empowerment and sustainability, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Bringing Heritage to Life
At the heart of Moonrakers’ Educafe is a passion for storytelling. Wiltshire has a long and fascinating history of folklore and community narratives and this initiative seeks to carry that tradition forward in new and meaningful ways.
Activities will include:
- Creators’ Corner – a space for making, fixing, crafting, and skill-sharing
- Migration Stories – an oral history project capturing lived experiences from across the community
- Games and Reading Corners – relaxed areas for connection, conversation, and discovery
- Moonrakers’ Café – a welcoming setting to enjoy hot drinks, cake, and conversation
This blend of heritage and creativity allows participants not only to explore the past but also to contribute their own stories to help shape the future.
Why “Moonrakers”?
The name draws inspiration from Wiltshire’s folklore and its long tradition of storytelling tied to the land and its people. Moonrakers’ Educafe embraces this spirit, placing storytelling at the centre of everything it does encouraging people to share ideas, experiences and creativity to build a stronger, more connected community.
Join the Community
Moonrakers’ Educafe will run fortnightly from 10:30am to 2pm, starting Monday 27th April 2026. Visitors are welcome to drop in for as little or as long as they like.
The Educafe is open to:
- Local residents, volunteers, and community members.
- Grandparents, carers, parents, and nannies.
- Young people, including those who are care experienced or neurodivergent.
- People new to the area, including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and those who speak English as an additional language.
- People living with disabilities, long-term conditions, or other health related needs.
In short – everyone is welcome!
Looking Ahead
Early feedback from pilot sessions has already highlighted the warm, relaxed atmosphere and the joy of shared experiences, from conversations over coffee to discovering local history together.
With a full programme of activities planned including crafts, storytelling, games, and even a few homemade treats Moonrakers’ Educafe is set to become a valued part of community life in Chippenham.
As the doors open this April, the invitation is simple: come along, share your story, and be part of something special.
Find out more about Moonraker’s Educafe on the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre’s website here: https://wshc.org.uk/exhibitions-and-projects/moonrakers-educafe-at-wshc/
