One of Shipley’s oldest cafes opened its doors long before trendy coffee shops started dominating the High Street. Next year sees the 25th anniversary of Shipley Cuppa Care, which has a tradition of serving up hot food and drink and providing a listening ear to the hundreds of people calling in.

Cuppa Care opened its doors in the basement of Shipley Baptist Church in November, 1986, and was opened by the-then Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Betty Nunn.

Geoff Roberts, one of the original volunteers, says although it wasn’t the first church cafe in the area, Cuppa Care was ‘a pioneer in local churches getting together and presenting a united front’.

The Monday and Friday sessions are staffed by more than 30 volunteers ranging in age from the 30s to the 90s, representing different denominations.

Saltaire United Reform Church, Saltaire Methodist, Northcliffe Church, St Walburga’s, St Paul’s and St Peter’s Shipley, Christ Church, Windhill, St Margaret’s Frizinghall and the Salvation Army are among the churches involved.

Like any organisation that has lasted so long, Cuppa Care has undergone changes. Geoff recalls the change from home baking to buying-in meals to meet rising demand.

What hasn’t changed is the ethos behind it. “We have a motto on the menu which says ‘Joys and woes shared free’,” says Geoff.

Marion Thompson answered a plea among the churches to lend a hand at Cuppa Care six months after it opened. Her husband, Ian, also helps out. “It provides a friendly listening ear, sharing the ups and downs of life,” says Marion.

According to one of its oldest original members, it’s as beneficial for the volunteers as it is for the customers. Frances Greenacre and Noreen Riley are founder members. Next month Frances turns 90. She helped prepare salads and home-made soups in the early days. While she no longer does kitchen duties, she still helps on a book stall on Mondays.

“We were feeling around for new ideas for what to do for Shipley and somebody thought of the idea of having a drop-in centre,” she recalls.

“I was there the first day we opened, and we hadn’t advertised. It was Wednesday when the market used to be open and there wasn’t a soul coming in, so I went into Shipley market and invited people in. I never thought I could have done that because I’ve always been very shy.”

Frances, who has provided a listening ear for many people bringing their problems to Cuppa Care, says the organisation has done as much for her as she has done for others.

“A few years ago when I came out of hospital, I had such a lovely reception from the people I had introduced to Cuppa Care and they welcomed me back,” she says.