“Meet up Mondays has given us a direction in life, meeting neighbours that normally one may be reluctant to bother. Talks by different knowledgeable people help solve domestic problems. The provision of a warm hub providing food and drinks is invaluable especially during the dull weather conditions of the country.”
(A quote from a regular visitor to the MeetUpMondays hosted at The Old Parcel Room, Bishopstone Station, East Sussex)
In August 2022, Barbara Mine, CEO of Friends at Bishopstone Station CIC (FOBS) in East Sussex, got in touch with us. Seeing a pavement swing sign inviting people to a MeetUpMondays in Snape, Suffolk, prompted the community group she was then Chair, to ‘get on board!’
FOBS had set out to restore the local Art Deco Railway Station of Bishopstone, to preserve it and revive its usefulness to the local community. They launched MeetUpMondays as their first community project, helping them on their journey to establishing a thriving community hub at the station in ‘The Old Parcel Room’.
The team of volunteers has now been nominated for several awards – including the Kings Award for Voluntary Service (the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary groups) – for the amazing benefits FOBS has brought to people in the area. (We recommend at look at their Facebook page to see the many fab things they get up to!)
Current Chair, Jim Stanford, shares the details with us, and some feedback from the group, below.
The front facade of Bishopstone Station
“Friends of Bishopstone Station run the vibrant community hub, the Old Parcel Room, which buzzes with activity throughout the week. The restoration of this Art Deco Grade 2 listed building continues; we are currently working on the former Ladies Toilets, one of just four station toilets in the country with an Art Deco Murano Italian glass mosaic flooring. A specialist company is restoring the room to its original state. Built without wash hand basins, the toilets won’t be functional; it’s a restoration project of a heritage space, accessible for viewing on open days and similar occasions.
When we opened the community hub two and a half years ago, our first community project was the launch of MeetUpMondays in this welcoming building. In the first months we were averaging maybe 20 or so guests. Now, our average is in the upper 30’s, and most weeks we are close to full capacity. When the weather is warmer, we spill out into the station atrium, a beautiful octagonal room featuring a series of original artworks and Art Deco train posters.
The station hall
With weekly talks from local groups and individuals on a wide range of topics, particularly health and wellbeing and local history/ interest. When you walk through the door, you’ll find a vibrant, welcoming and bustling space. We have added a pop-up pantry, with support from a local food waste reduction charity, Havens Food Coop. A year ago, we restored and opened a second smaller room, where on a Monday morning drop-in advice/ wellbeing sessions are held, such as Citizens Advice, A Touch of Gentleness hand massage, free legal advice and Ovesco Energy who offer energy advice.
Our two other community projects also have a focus on overcoming social isolation, health and wellbeing and building community resilience. We run a monthly Community Food Project, with cookery or gardening workshops that are very well received. Twice a month we hold the well-attended ‘Man Space’, a men’s group for those who may have lost their previous social circle due to retirement, separation, divorce, Covid, or the many other factors that can adversely affect people’s lives and wellbeing.
In March, we are hoping to hear some good news when receive the outcome of several awards that we have been nominated for. Firstly, the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. Next, the Seahaven Business Award for Best Wellbeing, Health and Fitness, which will judge the benefit to the local community of our various community projects. And lastly, two Community Rail Awards, ‘It’s your Station’ for our community projects including Meet up Mondays, and the Small Project Award for our successful History Weekend.
The CEO of Friends of Bishopstone Station Barbara Mine was recognised for her important community voluntary work with the Bishopstone station project last year when she was invited to the Royal Garden Party. The honour has been extended to our Chair, Jim Stanford, who is off to Buckingham Palace and the Royal Garden Party this spring.”
(FOBS article written by Jim Stanford, photo credits to Barbara Mine and Michael Spence)
To illustrate the significant positive impact MeetUpMondays (and the FOBS community hub) has had on people in the area, here are a few more examples of the kind of feedback Barbara, Jim and the team have received:
“I am writing for my friend who says she lives on her own and feels ‘sad and lonely and depressed’. She needs to go to a place to get out and meet people. She has come to this group 2 times and needs help as she forgets things, so is managing with support to get to this group. She says she is being more happy and relaxed. She loves the friendly, kind people. Thank you so much.”
“Very friendly – wonderful people. Always a very warm welcome. I was made to feel so at home, have been coming since the beginning, and now happy to meet any newcomers. Sunday’s a very lonely day so the thought of FOBS on Monday is so worthwhile. Always a happy thought to know you are going to feel at home. It is so nice to know how it has been so successful.”
“Thank you for this group. I have been coming for about 6 meetings. Everyone is so good to talk to. There is a real positive, happy atmosphere. I have anxiety but since coming here in this welcoming place, I have felt so much happier in myself. Have met lots of lovely people. Also, the talks are really useful, interesting. Really look forward to Meet up Mondays.”
“Gets me up in the morning – Monday is always difficult. Gives you a chance to meet people – have a chat. There have been some useful and very interesting talks. Makes a good use of a welcoming space. Very helpful not having to pay – donations are more acceptable. Lovely volunteers – always helpful, cheerful. Many thanks.”
“…It has made a great difference to my life. I have nothing similar in my community. My friend and I who come are both gluten free and it gives us an opportunity to chat and have a snack together… We have both been through difficult times, mainly bereavements and it has made such a difference to our lives… It is warm, inclusive and friendly.”
“Gets me out to meet people. The talks are interesting, which is good for people who have retired, so they don’t get isolated and good for the community as it covers a wide area…”
“Great opportunity to ‘catch up’ when you’re on your own. Nice to have some company for a couple of hours. Everyone is so friendly and kind. Really nice to feel part of the community!“
All of us at The Rural Coffee Caravan/MeetUpMondays HQ wishes the FOBS team the best of luck with their well deserved awards nominations, and we’ll be sure to share how they get on!
If you’d like to launch a MeetUpMondays group as part of plans to create a community hub in your local area, get in touch with us for information on joining the network.
