Hi readers, it’s Emily and William here talking about Café Hendover.

This is a friendly local café in Dorchester, which we use a lot for meetings and events at People First Dorset. For example, we use it for our Speaking Up groups, Friendship Club events, Volunteer/Access Guide and Glitter Ball meetings.

We like going there because the owner Paul, is very friendly and understands us all. He stays open especially for us early evening so that we can meet there when it’s quieter, without disturbing the public. Nothing seems to be a problem for him. He always makes things right.

He has one of our charity boxes on the front counter. He also doesn’t charge us to use the venue. We buy drinks from him, but sometimes it’s not many, but he still welcomes us. The food is very good, so some of us meet before to eat there.

We are sad because we recently heard he is selling the café. It’s expensive to rent, so he is moving on. We have heard the new owners may turn it into a cocktail bar.

We are sorry he is leaving because he is so good for the community. Not many cafes are as friendly as his, or as accessible. It’s easy for wheelchairs, there are disabled toilets and plenty of parking opposite. Some cafes don’t understand people who have learning disabilities, but he does and has lots of patience and time for us.

We want to say thank you to Paul and wish him good luck for the future. We hope he stays in touch with us at People First Dorset.

* The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset.