Appeal to secure the future of the Lamplighter

An appeal has been launched to help secure the future of the Lamplighter Community Café in Bishopston.

Canon Peter Brooks, Vicar of the Parish of Three Cliffs, said: “The Lamplighter has served the community for 27 years as a coffeeshop/bookshop/giftshop and has been at the heart of the community of Bishopston but also the Gower Ministry Area as a whole.

“The presence has been reaffirmed throughout this year whilst we have struggled with the pandemic and although we had a short period of opening we have acted as a community hub for the Isolation Support Group.

“Now we find ourselves facing anew and unexpected challenge as the owners of the Lamplighter are looking to sell the property.”

Those campaigning to save the Lamplighter are now faced with the raising of the asking price, which is in the region of £125,000.

Peter said: “This is why I am now going out in faith and asking the following:

“Is there a generous benefactor out there who would purchase the Lamplighter shop for us so we may continue in the vital work of being a place for the community to gather as well as providing a service to the community?

“Are there a number of people out there who could gift/loan the capital to invest in the property long term with no immediate return on the investment as we continue to trade through difficult recovery times?

“Is there a wider group of people out there (considerably wider and larger) who could crowdfund the purchase of the property to again enable us to continue this vital work and presence?

“This is a tall ask at such a difficult time but I believe the Lamplighter is a vital part of our community.”

If you want to discuss this further in confidence, contact Peter on 01792 232928 or email Peter.brooks256@btinternet.com