Friends of Droxford Church (FODC) would like to clarify its position following recent challenges involving Droxford Community Hub (DCH). Under this arrangement, FODC provided the space for DCH to run the café under licence.
Wilfrid’s Café can only operate under a licence that follows charity law. Those requirements are set by the Charity Commission and by our donors, and they apply to both FODC and DCH. They cannot be changed or overridden.
Earlier in the year, DCH requested changes to the existing operational agreement which would have transferred full decision-making control of the café surplus to DCH. FODC has previously explained that our legal duties mean we cannot agree to those changes.
Later in the summer, there were conversations about mediation. After listening to feedback from the village, FODC offered mediation on 14th August 2025 so that all parties could explore a constructive way forward. We have not had direct correspondence from DCH since 27th August, and this offer was not taken up.
As mediation was not taken up and DCH confirmed it wished to continue challenging the terms of the licence, FODC had no option but to bring the current licence to an end.
Our focus is on ensuring that Wilfrid’s Café continues to serve the community. The café will reopen on 6th January, following planned improvements to the building, and will continue to operate within the existing charitable framework. We look forward to welcoming volunteers and visitors once again.
For further information, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Friends of Droxford Church Trustees
Written by Ivor Coleman, Designed by David Goodman
