Coffee group creates community connections

A NEW group has formed in Bannockburn and while coffee might be the reason, it’s not the focus for the gatherings.

The group meets every Monday morning at 10am at the Red Dog Cafe and was established by Bill Ritchie, whose been a local for about five years.

Mr Ritchie said aside from the Men’s Shed and bingo at Bannockburn Library, he hasn’t found many opportunities for social groups in the area.

“I’d joined a neighbours’ group and meetup group but there was no real response there,” he said.

“I asked myself a couple months ago what is going on in Bannockburn, so I asked around if there were any coffee groups around here.

“People just suggested I start one myself so I thought I might as well have a go. No one else is really doing it.

“There’s not much in Bannockburn; there’s only three cafes here. But the response has been unbelievable.”

Since promoting the idea on social media, Mr Ritchie said he received more than 30 responses from people, with about 24 attending the inaugural meetup.

Although the group’s chosen venue and time may change depending on members, he said the first meeting highlighted a need for coffee group in Bannockburn.

“There was a variety of different ages there, and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Sue, the owner, cut up a load of cakes for us,” he said.

“There’s definitely a need for this, anything social. You’ve got no pokies. You’ve got no pub. What other outlets are there here?

“A lot of the people who are attended are really looking forward to it continuing.

“There were a few that were really keen because they’ve only been here a short period and just want to make friends.”