Tilly’s in Bunbury launch new “Chatty Table” to tackle loneliness

Tilly’s in Bunbury have launched their “Chatty Table” as a way of tackling loneliness in the village and surrounding area.

The launch was attended by Cheshire East Mayor Cllr David Edwardes, local Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth, and Ward Cllr Becky Posnett.

But the big star of the launch was local resident Charles, aged 86.

He was the inspiration for Tilly’s choosing Thursdays to host their “Chatty” mornings.

Tilly’s owner Paula Robinson said: “Charles drives to Bunbury every Thursday for breakfast at Tilly’s Bunbury at 8:30am.

“We look forward to our weekly catch up talking about anything and nothing!

“We are very lucky to have regular groups meeting at Tilly’s.

“But we are also aware that there are some people who don’t have a group to come with so when we saw the national chatty scheme we wanted to join.”

The scheme is open to all, no age or gender barriers.

“At Tilly’s we are already very welcoming to everyone and want this to extend to give people an opportunity to choose to sit at the chatty table, for however long they wish, but also give people the option not too!” added Paula.

The Chatty Café scheme is the brainchild of Alexandra Hoskyn, who founded it after a miserable day at a supermarket café with her infant son, where she noticed no one was talking to each other.

She found that by simply putting “Chatter & Natter” signs on tables in cafes it created a space for people to talk.

Coventry University research shows that 100% of Chatter & Natter table users said it made them feel less lonely and socially isolated.

And 97% of venues feel that the Chatter & Natter tables are encouraging community spirit.

The Chatty Café Scheme stated: “The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted those experiencing loneliness and we know that simply having a chat can brighten someone’s day.”

For more information, visit their website https://thechattycafescheme.co.uk/