The Warehouse Christian Trust
The Trust was constituted in 1979 and the vision for a Christian Coffee Bar came through the Managing Director of RFD life-rafts, in Catteshall Lane - Mr Alan Craig. He approached various members of the local community to share his vision of the need for a place where young people could meet in an atmosphere of Christian welcome and where no alcohol was available. The local press stated that the place would be a ‘pub without beer’ as alcohol abuse amongst young people was an issue even then. There were six original Trustees including Robin Watson from the Baptist Church in Godalming and Bronwen, Lady Astor from Tuesley Manor.
After much discussion and prayer regarding possible locations Pinocchio’s Italian restaurant was chosen as the desired location in Crown Court for the work to take place. The alcohol licence was removed and the original kitchen upstairs continued to function for production of pizzas and use of a dumb waiter to serve the clientele downstairs. The premises were originally going to be called the ‘Salt Cellar’ to be consistent with the ‘Pepper Pot’. It was however decided on reflection that the ‘Cellar’ would be more acceptable to young people. The Cellar opened in the autumn of 1979 under the wardenship of Mr Colin Primmet.
That is one arm of the Trust – our other arm is Skillway
Skillway was authorised by the Trustees of the Warehouse Christian Trust in March 1997 and the vision was presented by Sheila Godwin who had read an article in the Tearfund magazine of the worth of a skills workshop in meeting the needs of young disaffected youngsters. The Trustees ‘resonated’ with this concept and after prayer and much planning the Skillway workshop opened later that year under the directorship of the late Mr Crispin Hill – previous headmaster of Aldro School in Shackleford. The original premises were located in Walnut Tree Close, Guildford in association with Weiland’s electrical components factory. Subsequent locations have included the Pump House in Farnham and latterly the Chapel workshop site in Deanery Road, Godalming. Skillway provides a vital service to local education serving many schools within the locality and providing apprenticeship-type education for pupils of both sexes of ages 14 and 15. Disheartened pupils are energised and motivated and often proceed to formal apprenticeships or full time employment in craft or trade professions. Some continue in full-time employment. Skillway is supported by Greg Bleach, the workshop manager and a team of volunteer craft and trades people.
