IF you happened to be near Agostina’s Cafe a week or so back, you may have heard the gathering before you saw it. Thirty-six blokes catching up for coffee and a chat, all at the same venue.
Blokes Coffee Time was founded on 3 February 2021 at Sea Acres Rainforest Café, Port Macquarie.Ten men attended that first meet-up.
At the most recent gathering, on Wednesday 8 July at Agostina’s Cafe in William Street, there were three dozen.
There was lots of warm conversation and camaraderie and the sound of male voices filled the space.
The group has grown to around 350 members, with 30 – 40 regulars.
They meet at 10am every second Wednesday at cafés in and around Port Macquarie – sometimes as far away as Laurieton, Wauchope and Dunbogan.
Vincent Moore is the founder of the group.
“It was established in response to the social isolation many men experienced following the pandemic, providing a welcoming opportunity to connect, build friendships, and enjoy good conversation,” Mr Moore said.
“It gives guys somewhere they can go and have a yarn. There’s no pressure and it’s cheap; just the price of a cup of coffee.
”We have about three breakfasts a year, just to mix it up.
“The group also aims to support local businesses, though they have to be able to cope with 25-30 guys.
“We never do the same venue twice in a year and we meet 23 times a year.
“There are no age restrictions, but as the group meets at 10am every second Wednesday most members tend to be older, ranging in age from late 50s to late 80s.
Younger men are still welcome to join if they happen to be free on a Wednesday morning.
The next gathering is at 10am on Wednesday 22 July at Growers Cafe in Gordon Street.
Membership is via their Facebook group.
By Pauline CAIN
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