Todholm Primary School launches its first community cafe to the public

Entrepreneurs from Todholm Primary have run their first community café after being awarded funding through the council's Dragons' Den competition.

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 5 December 2016 11:16

The first Todholm Tearooms event was held on Fri 2 December with more than 40 members of the community coming along to enjoy the pupils’ hospitality and wares. On the day visitors were offered a delicious selection of home baking prepared and served by the children themselves.

Earlier this year the school received £630, double the requested amount, for their idea to establish the Todholm Tearooms. The funding was used to purchase resources such as cups, saucers, branded aprons and ingredients as well as helping to finance the compilation of a school cook book to help fund future events.

The idea to run a café was inspired by the children wanting to offer a place where members of the community, especially the older generation, could congregate. As part of the project pupils are also looking to run a mobile service to deliver their home baking to neighbouring care homes Rowan Gardens and Hunterhill Care Home.

The ‘Cooking Up A Storm with Todholm Tearooms’ cook book, also unveiled at the event, was compiled by all the pupils of Todholm Primary School. Each class selected a starter, main course and dessert that they themselves had made to feature in the book. Priced at £5 the funds from the book sales will go towards running future Todholm Tearooms.

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, Convener of Education and Children's Services Policy Board, who attended the launch said: “I would like to congratulate all the pupils from Todholm Primary School and the teachers that supported them for running such an excellent event for members of the local community to enjoy.

“It was inspiring to see the children apply the creative ideas presented during the Dragons’ Den event with such successful results. The Todholm Tearooms is aimed at helping others in their local community and highlights why the school was presented with the funding. I’m sure this will lead to more successful events in the future.”

Todholm Primary School Head Teacher, Lynne McGinn, said: “The children have been so enthusiastic about this project and we’re really impressed with their efforts and how well it’s been received by the local community.

“The Todholm Tearooms project has enabled the pupils to learn valuable life skills such as team work, planning and also helped to improve their confidence which will help them in the future. This has been an excellent learning opportunity for the children and provided them with the chance to give something back to the community. I look forward to our next Todholm Tearooms event.”