Reverend Canon Becky Dyball and Reverend Diane Kutar, part of the Church of England’s Yaxley Deanery, launched the Coffee Ark in November. This innovative project features a mobile coffee bar, affectionately named Daisy, which operates out of a converted Land Rover Defender.
The Coffee Ark has become a vital social hub, encouraging people to get outside and meet new friends. “We move weekly to new locations, focusing on rural villages that lack facilities and emerging communities in the area,” said Reverend Dyball.
The primary goal of the Coffee Ark is to promote mental health by fostering open and supportive conversations. “We aim to create an environment where saying ‘I’m not alright’ is completely acceptable,” Reverend Dyball emphasized.
The concept of the mobile coffee shop is inspired by Reverend George Broke, a predecessor who, in the late 1800s, created the Fenland Ark. This boat served as a mobile church and supply vessel for isolated communities. “We are continuing his legacy with updated branding, a modern vehicle, and, of course, coffee,” Dyball explained.
Funding for the Coffee Ark comes from various sources, including individuals who have experienced mental health challenges and wish to contribute to their community. “People have said, ‘I want to make a difference to my community. I believe in this and want to make it happen,'” Dyball noted. The project has also benefited from fundraising and grant applications.
As a community interest company, the Coffee Ark relies heavily on volunteers. Local businesses have stepped up to sponsor fuel, cover Daisy’s maintenance, and provide storage. “This project wouldn’t be possible without their support,” Dyball acknowledged.
Kari Jones, 56, a resident of Glatton, a village between Huntingdon and Peterborough, expressed her gratitude for the Coffee Ark. “I’ve met so many new friends through the Ark. It parks outside the village hall every Tuesday and always draws a crowd,” Jones shared. “It’s been a wonderful way to connect with neighbors I hadn’t met in my 26 years here.”
The Land Rover Defender, which now houses the Coffee Ark, has a rich history. Originally a Ministry of Defence vehicle from 1981, it changed hands several times before being converted into a mobile coffee shop in 2016 by The Rural Coffee Project, a Cambridge-based company.
The Coffee Ark, with its mission to enhance community spirit and mental well-being, has become a beloved fixture in the region.