Virtual cafe marks special event with online singalong and tea

THE organisers of a virtual cafe - set up in Caithness a year ago - will not be making a song and dance about a special event which is being held next week.

But they will be having an online singalong and tea to mark the first anniversary of 'e Peedie Cafe which was established in March last year when the Castletown-based community cafe closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Christine Stone, one of the people behind the initiative, said the decision to shut the doors was made with "a heavy heart."

"Up until that time, the cafe had enjoyed the company of many different folks from all over the county and there was a real sense of loss, especially with such an uncertain future. To continue, in some form, was an essential next step in order to maintain links and sustain continued interest. 'e Peedie Cafe quickly set up an online 'virtual' cafe to establish continuity and create a sense of ongoing community spirit, albeit on screen rather than in person! The online 'e Peedie Cafe singalong is now clocking up its 52nd programme on Tuesday, (March 16) - marking its first anniversary with the usual singalong and a virtual afternoon tea together."

Mrs Stone added: "The weekly programme, which goes out via the social media platform, Facebook has garnered much interest and has accomplished its wish in creating an opportunity for conversations, sharing of songs and stories and ongoing community vision, while also reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. The programme offers a wide variety of songs, with all lyrics provided, which has proved helpful in allowing folks who tune in to sing along. As well as songs, the programme includes stories, sharing of feedback from listeners, sharing recipes, a weekly quiz and other snippets of interesting conversation and updates. 'e Peedie Cafe volunteers are aware that the road ahead is uncertain in terms of when the cafe will be able to re-open and so 'e Peedie Cafe looks set to embark on its second year. In preparing the weekly programme, continued feedback, support and suggestions from the listeners is invaluable and greatly appreciated. The virtual cafe can be accessed on Facebook, at 'Castletown Community Hub - 'e Peedie Cafe'. New listeners and singers are always encouraged and welcomed."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.