AN open door cafe which makes wishes come true with free hot meals while helping people find new friends has been going strong for two years. 

Warndon’s Open Door Cafe (ODC) is gearing up for a Christmas extravaganza with a trip to see Aladdin but the project has already helped wishes come true since it was founded two years ago.

There will be a Christmas lunch and a trip to see Aladdin at the Swan Theatre in Worcester with organisers saying the trip 'tops a remarkable year' during which the cafe celebrated its second birthday. 

The ODC offers a free community lunch most Saturdays at the Warndon Hub on Shap Drive with a sponsored walk earlier in the year allowing the project to continue serving the community.

The Christmas lunch will be the last meal of the year, with lots of traditional festive treats, including a guest appearance of the Worcester Ukulele Band who will be playing carols and singalong anthems to get the meal off to a jolly start.

The following day the ODC is taking 40 people to the Swan Theatre to see Aladdin with many of the spaces filled by city children although adults have also been keen to sign up.

Lesley Milton of Warndon said: “So looking forward to the Open Door Cafe Christmas lunch and of course the pantomime trip. Fun times ahead!“

The cafe’s oldest attendee, 95-year-old Joan Baldwin, said: “I’m thrilled that this is happening because outings are difficult for me being wheelchair bound and it’s so long since I’ve been to the Swan Theatre.

"The last time was over 25 years ago when I saw Toad of Toad Hall. I can’t wait to be returning for their Christmas show."

Volunteer Jason Clay whose sponsored walk raised the funds to cover the cost of the weekend says “When I became aware of the ODC I felt compelled to get involved too. But when we set out on that walk, I never imagined so much could be done with the £1,200 raised.

"I feel very proud and humble to have played a small part in this story, alongside all the volunteers, in delivering this wonderful service to our community. All the support we have had from other organisations is massively appreciated. They are all such welcome gestures and further proof of community spirit at work in Warndon.”

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Warndon and Elbury Park Councillor Jill Desayrah said: “The ODC is a special place where a diverse mix of neighbours and friends meet to chat and enjoy a home cooked meal.

"Craig Cook and I set up the café in October 2022 and we are very pleased at how it has developed though it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our dedicated hardworking team of volunteers.

"Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Jason Clay and his fellow walkers this Christmas we can really push the boat out. I’d like to thank the Ukulele Band for playing for free, the Swan Theatre for subsidising the cost of the panto tickets and Dormston Cook of Worcester Wheels for discounting the cost of the buses.

"The goodwill and spirit that the ODC has pulled together will ensure a great Christmas weekend that we think will create many happy memories.”