‘Table Talk’ is a new initiative from Beacon Church, Bordon that is intended to provide a warm and friendly welcome to people moving into Bordon’s new housing development over the next few years. It will also provide an opportunity for existing residents to feel equally ‘welcomed’ into the emerging and changing face of our town.

It has a focus on social integration, and is aimed at tackling issues of isolation, loneliness or that feeling of ‘not yet belonging’ to Bordon. It is also just friendly, fun and engaging for everyone, regardless of age or background. It works simply by encouraging people to stop, pause, sit down and enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake with strangers, neighbours and, of course, members of the Beacon Community.

‘Table Talk’ is a ‘pop-up’ experience. In essence it involves the setting up of a long trestle table and benches, invitingly decorated with vintage cups, saucers, cutlery and tea pots from which passers by are invited to sit and enjoy a drink or slice of cake (all for free). Passers by can stop for 2 minutes or 2 hours and whilst there will be welcomed and entertained by volunteers from Beacon Church whose simple aim is to engage visitors in conversation, introduce them to other visitors and provide a form of simple refreshment.

Part of Table Talk’s appeal is the ‘wow factor’ of both appearing in unusual and unlikely places and situations and being something that is free, positive and engaging. A good comparison would be to think of the Mad Hatter’s tea party in the novel ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’.

Table Talk is also well suited to being set up at events, festivals, fun days and other community events locally.