**CLOSING DOWN SALE**

With support from a small Lottery Community Fund grant Branches are running a series of 'intergenerational Tea Parties'. An opportunity for our young people to meet and socialise with some of the older members of our community.

We are planning some traditional Halloween games for the 31st October, and there there will be a Quiz in November with questions to suit both age groups!? Who'll come out on top??

The baking and sandwich making will be done by Branches Young Leaders, and these events are free for Over 60's, though any donations are gratefully received.

Saturday 6^th April 12-3PM. Branches decamped back to our old pop-up venue at the Louie Memorial Pavilion to host a community BBQ. A brave quite-a-few showed up on this early April Saturday and enjoyed beef or Jack Fruit burgers and hotdogs served by Chef and the Young Leaders from the barbeque accompained by some lovely salads and sidedishes prepared and donated by our adult volunteers and supporters. There was not too much huddling under gazebos as the sunny intervals kept it from being too chilly and the rain stayed away. Our young leaders kept warm playing rounders and football with the customers in the MUGA, until we rewarded them with a presentation of certificates for those that have completed their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering with us. Thanks to all who came, and to FOBS for the loan of the BBQ, and to supporters and volunteers for the salads and gazebo loan. Many asked if we would be doing this again over the summer. Answer - We Hope So!

Curioser and curioser!

Up the stairs came the guests, The Whie Rabbit offered them a shimmering "Drink Me" potion and then it was through the Little looking glass door. A table spread with cucumber sandwiches, marbled scones and midnight fancies greeted them in a wonderland world of oversized cards, painted roses, and characters from Alice's dream. The guests paraded round the table before sitting down to their UnBirthday Tea. Whilst the catepillar rocked, and the Cheshire Cat chased the pom-poms Tweedle Di and Tweedle Dave poured TEA1 More TEA! onto the table as much as into the tea cups. A Ticker tape finale as we thanked the youn leaders for all their efforts finished the chaos off. Thanks to all our guests for coming. We hope you enjoyed your time in Branches wonderland.

Burns Supper, 25th January 2019

For the first of Branches Pop-Up evening events 30 Paying Guests enjoyed this traditional evening of Scot's food and culture at Branches. The Young Leaders helped Chef prep and deliver the traditional Menu of Cullen Skink Soup for starters, Haggis with Tatties and Neeps, for main and Cranachen for Dessert.

As well as the gret food there were the traditional grace, addressing of the Haggis and a toast not to the laddies and the lassies but across the gender spectrum. After the formalities and the meal everyone joined in Scottish stye dancing, and much fun was had by all guests and Branches team. Well done the Young Leaders for their hard work before during and after the event. Thanks Branches Team for putting this event on. We look forward to the next Pop-Up.

Pre Christmas Feast!

To finish off the year at Branches we invited Families in need of a little help with their Christmas cheer and the homeless to join us for a Pre Christmas Feast on the 22nd December from 11:00 am.

Donations of hats, gloves scarves, sock, travel mugs, toothbrushes, shower gel, pocket tissues, sanitary products, wipes, dog food/treats just add water food and drinks sachets were taken and distributed on the day.

After lots of help peeling spuds, and hatching sprouts we were glad to provide this delicious hot meal to all who attended. The remaining food and donations were distributed to the community fridge in Botley, the Food Bank, and the Gatehouse homeless project.

A BIG THANKS to all who donated money food clothes and time to support 

                                                               this event.

Branches cafe is very proud to introduce our: Youth Cafe@Branches

Providing a free and exclusive space for young people 12 -17 years old to come and relax after school. Maybe a snack or take part in a range of activities on offer (there may be a charge for some of these to cover resources). 

Open: 15:00-17:00, after school.

Starting: Thursday, 6th September 2018 and running weekly.      

How often: Mondays -Thursday, during term time.

                     Take away service available to all!

From the 13th September 2018,                              Youth Cafe @Branches will be open for              Young People 12-17 years.

Entry Fee: £1

Join us for some socialisation, music, and many activities between 19:00-21:00.                                     

Follow us: 

Instagram @_branches_youth_

Facebook: Branches Cafe