THE newly appointed minister at a Catshill church is to open a new drop in centre next month.

Reverend Anne Smith has recently been appointed a minister at Catshill Methodist Church Centre, in Golden Cross Lane.

On Friday, September 5, she will be officially opening the new venture Coffee@CMCC.

“It is a pleasure to be asked to open this new venture as I begin my ministry in Catshill," she said.

"I look forward to welcoming others in the same generous way that I have been welcomed to the area."

Utilising the newly opened facilities at the centre, Coffee @CMCC offers people a place to drop in for coffee and biscuits, and relax and chat.

At the official launch of the coffee bar the first cup of coffee or tea and a tea cake will be provided free of charge, with no donation requested.

People will be on hand to give tours of the premises, seeing the facilities available at the centre. There will also be a presentation showing the history of the church in Catshill.

The venture is open on Friday and Saturday mornings, from 10am until noon.

Hilary Ryder, one of the organisers, said: “We recognise that there could be many people in Catshill who can become isolated during the week, from young mums and dads with children of all ages to older people, on their own, all of whom can feel lonely at times – even in a busy area like Catshill.

"So the idea of opening up a coffee bar twice a week gives local people the opportunity to drop in, and enjoy some company and a chat.

"The objective of the coffee mornings is not to make large profits but to provide a service to the community where people can meet, relax and enjoy fellowship and refreshments – hence we will not be charging for the refreshments, just asking for a small donation.”

For more information visit catshillmethodists.org.uk.