A WIVENHOE café and gallery is fundraising for a new log burner as it thanks the community for its support during its first year.
The Wivenhoe Cafe and Gallery in East Street opened its doors on August 21, 2024, offering food, homemade cakes, and coffee alongside a rotation of creative exhibitions.
Owner Margo Zawislak-Joannides said she loves running the business on her own but has had her struggles particularly last winter.
She said: “Our space is very big, it is an old fish and chip shop but sadly the lesson on my part, and my lack of experience, meant I took on a premises with no heating.
“All my customers and our lovely community were there with me during that time. They supported me, we had electric heaters, blankets, hot water bottles.
"They were all coming for breakfast and lunch to make sure I can pay the rent.”
This year, Margo has launched a fundraiser for a log-burner installation with a goal of £3,000.
To help achieve, this Margo will be hosting a special thank you dinner with live entertainment on Thursday November 6 from 6pm to 8pm.
Margo said she would be using a local company to fit the log burner saying winter and this year has been a hard time for all businesses.
Plumbers, electricians, and designers from the area have also already helped Margo realise her dream with the building’s conversion last year.
She said: “It’s the importance of supporting business on the doorstep, as we rely on the community and tourists to build our dream.
“We need all the help we can get.”
The café sells Polish cake, tea, and coffee with the gallery now becoming a platform for creative souls including clothing brands, florist, and artists.
This includes artist Lee Thomas whose new collection inspired by the sea will be shown from October 25 to February 1 following a private viewing on October 24.
Jazz and other evening performers will perform at one-off experiences with artists Barbara Pearson and Adam Smith already lined up for future exhibitions.
To donate to the log burner, visit https://tinyurl.com/ys73ye6d and to find out more follow Wivenhoe Cafe and Gallery on Facebook.
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