The Cellar seeks a new home after 41 years

Dr Chris Jagger, chair of the Warehouse Christian Trust, which runs the Cellar and Skillway, has told Nub News that despite shutting the doors on the premises in Crown Court after 41 years at the end of the lease, he is optimistic that the Cellar will find a new home, and aims to continue a presence at the heart of Godalming.

The staff and trustees are researching possible locations for their ongoing activity, and this could be a staged process, with short and long term options, he said.

He added that the opportunity of working collaboratively with other organisations, including local churches, is a "real inspiration in these challenging times".

Chris said: "Our mission to operate ecumenically and as servant to both the local churches and the community of Godalming is as strong as ever, and our regular weekly meetings in the garden of our deputy manager keep us encouraged and focussed."

The Cellar was originally set up for young people of the town to discourage them from using pubs. It was once described as a 'pub without beer'!

Since opening its doors over 41 years ago the Cellar has been host to many different social groups, including squatters, bikers, young mums, students from the local sixth form college and others. As well as food and drink in a friendly, welcoming environment, customers have also enjoyed day trips run by the staff during the summer.

Chris continued: "We have a special mission and ministry to those with special needs, mental illness and circumstantial crises and always try to respond to those with issues of poverty by providing food parcels, free meals and a caring, listening ear.

"We have links of love with other local charities and institutions, which is a great privilege, and receive referrals and voluntary help through the network including the Meath and GP surgeries.

"The future 'shape' of the Cellar could be more of a 'hub and spoke' model, with a central gathering place for warmth, welcome and refreshment plus outward movement including ministry in the street, giving assistance at church services or visiting needy folk in their homes.

" I am keen to develop the Cellar Praise Band to provide inspiration and joy to young and old alike and to take the healing love of Jesus out into the community during the recovery phase after the pandemic."

The Cellar continues to look for support from the local community. Anyone who would like to join this 'joyous, caring movement' is invited to make contact via email at [email protected] or by phone on 07818 675 528.