Welcome to Birmingham Hospice’s new community cafe in Rookery Park, Erdington, which is an extension of the strong ties we have built in the area for over a century.
The Hive in the Park
Crowds flock to community cafe’s Grand Opening
LARGE crowds flocked to the Grand Opening of Birmingham Hospice’s new community café in Erdington, The Hive in the Park.
Local people came out in force to experience the café’s friendly atmosphere and sample its delicious food and drink on Friday 1st May.
Inpatient Unit Nurse Tony O’Reilly, who is based on our Erdington hospice site, cut the ribbon to officially open the café. The event featured entertainment from jazz trio Rhythm & Bone throughout the morning.
Michelle Stuteley, Director of People and Culture at Birmingham Hospice said: “With Hive in the Park we wanted to create somewhere that would bring the local community together. And we are delighted that a week in that’s already happening.
“In the first seven days of ‘going live’ we’ve served 700 customers of all ages and welcomed around 50 dogs.
“Our team of volunteers have done a wonderful job and we are very grateful for all their hard work so far.
“What’s been lovely is the number of people we have met at the café who already have a place in their heart for Birmingham Hospice as we have previously supported them or their loved ones.
“If you haven’t yet visited, I promise you won’t be disappointed!”
Hive in the Park is open seven days a week and offers good value breakfasts, lunches, sweet treats, children’s food and beverages as well as providing a warm and friendly space for local people.
The hospice has been part of the local area since 1910, and the café is an extension of the relationships and connections it has built over many years.
It will bring the hospice’s services into the community, providing information on the range of support it offers people and be available for community groups to book outside opening hours.
The café has also created 40 volunteering opportunities, which will help local people develop skills and give back to the community.
Rookery House was built in 1727 for industrialist Abraham Spooner and was at one time home to leading anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, who married Abraham’s granddaughter Barbara.
It eventually became Erdington Town Hall and was then used as council offices for many years until 2008. The building has now been converted into apartments by Cameron Homes, with the new café marking the final stage in its redevelopment.
Hive in the Park is open to the public Monday to Friday 8.30am-4pm, Saturday 9am-2.30pm and Sunday 10am-2.30pm and its address is Rookery House, Rookery Park, 4 Wilberforce Way, Erdington, B24 9AT.
