A family-run canalside cafe in north Shropshire is staging a special charity day to help thank the community which has supported it since the collapse of the Llangollen Canal.
The Lockside Café at Grindley Brook, near Whitchurch, is bringing together a selection of charities for the community fundraising day on June 14 – shining a spotlight on organisations that support people across Shropshire and beyond.
The event, which gets under way from 10am, will feature teams from Macmillan Cancer Research Whitchurch, Guide Dogs, the Canal & River Trust and cat rescue service Cat Assist Team Whitchurch alongside stalls from local producers.
The event aims to raise awareness of the vital work the charity groups do as well as encourage donations and volunteering.
Jane Beaumont, who runs the cafe with son Chris and daughter Rachel, said the day was about giving something back to the community that has stood by the business since the canal breach.
“The support we’ve had from customers and local people over the past few months has meant the world to us,” Jane said.
“This charity day is our way of saying thank you and helping shine a light on the brilliant organisations that make such a difference in our area.”
Alongside charity stalls, the café will be serving its usual menu of homemade food and drinks, with outdoor seating overlooking the lock flight.
The café’s future was itself thrown into doubt when the canal collapse wiped out 75 per cent of its trade overnight.
The Lockside Café sits alongside the A41 just outside Whitchurch and is open daily from 9am to 3pm.
More information and event updates can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/GrindleybrookLocksideCafe/
Jane Beaumont and son Chris Burtonwood.
