GigaHubs showcase: Snells Hall and Cinnamon Café and Larder

On Monday 19th May, representatives from Oxfordshire County Council’s Digital Infrastructure Programme visited Snells Hall in East Hendred. The purpose was to see first-hand how gigabit-capable broadband—delivered through the GigaHubs project—is making a tangible difference. This visit was part of a wider series of engagements with local hubs to explore how improved connectivity is helping communities thrive.

Broadband’s role in community spaces

While broadband is something many people use every day, few may realise the full potential it holds for village halls and community centres. That’s why our team has been taking the time to capture real-life examples of its impact.

GigaHubs has already demonstrated measurable outcomes in terms of delivery and cost efficiency, but we’re now looking beyond the numbers—at how this infrastructure supports everyday life for residents, volunteers, and local groups.

Tucked at the foot of the Berkshire Downs, the village of East Hendred is a gem of rural Oxfordshire. With a history stretching back to Saxon times—then known as Hennarith—this picturesque village is rich in heritage, with winding lanes, listed buildings, and centuries-old landmarks.

One of its most iconic features is the Church of St Augustine, a fine example of Norman architecture, complete with its famous faceless clock—which, on Monday 26th May, celebrated its 500th year.

Despite its deep historical roots, East Hendred is also embracing the future. A perfect example is Snells Hall, a busy and well-used village hall that has undergone a quiet transformation—thanks to the reliable broadband connectivity installed by our team.

Meeting the team

Representing the Digital Infrastructure Programme were Rosie Hayes, Senior Communications Lead, and Anna Miles, Project Manager. They visited Snells Hall specifically to see the Cinnamon Café and Larder, which is run by the Hendreds Environment Group, part of the Oxfordshire Community Action Group network.

There, they met Frances Tristram—a retired nurse who moved to the village four years ago and now manages the café.

Snells Hall, originally a Victorian school, was modified and extended in 1974 and again in 1999. The main hall boasts a 41×27-foot space complete with a stage, sound and lighting system, HD projector and screen—and now, fast Wi-Fi throughout the building.

We sat down with Frances to hear about the café’s mission.

“The café offers drinks, treats, and meals all on a donation basis, helping locals access food affordably while reducing waste,” she said. “We usually see around 12–20 people a week, so it’s also a valuable space for social connection.”

Frances shared that she previously ran a community café for children in Wiltshire, so when the opportunity at Snells Hall arose, it was a natural fit. She was also proud to mention that their last food hygiene inspection in March 2024 resulted in a top rating of 5.

Understanding the community larder

Alongside the café is the community larder, operated by SOFEA in partnership with national charity FareShare. Together, they save surplus food from going to waste and distribute it to not-for-profit groups and community larders. In 2023 alone, SOFEA redistributed 1,667 tonnes of good-to-eat food.

The East Hendred community larder operates on a subscription model—£3.50 a week gives members access to up to 14 items. It’s not a food bank, but a ‘pop-up’ hub designed to reduce waste and support households. Members can save up to £400 a year on food costs through the scheme.

SOFEA supports volunteers to establish and run these larders. They also use the hubs to signpost people to services such as financial and health advice. Events like bingo and film nights help raise funds for running costs, adding a social element to the initiative.

You may recognise SOFEA as the lead partner for Getting Oxfordshire Online, a charity we’ve partnered with that provides devices, connectivity, and digital support to those who need it.

How broadband is making a difference

While at the café, we met Jerry Bird, a volunteer treasurer for both the village sports club and Sustainable Wantage. Jerry was using the broadband connection to catch up on administrative work.

He described how the upgraded digital setup recently enabled a local history talk organised by community group Downs Golden Age. A former helicopter pilot shared photos from his service, including time spent in the Falklands. With Jerry’s help, the presentation was projected onto the big screen—something that simply wouldn’t have been possible without fast, reliable internet.

Jerry also explained how broadband has improved café operations:

“Volunteers can now plan stock and place orders online, right from the building,” he said.

This time-saving shift towards digital tools is a meaningful step for volunteers, who are already generously giving their time.

From stock lists to community data

Moving to a shared digital space rather than paper-based systems doesn’t just benefit the environment—it streamlines everything. From digital schedules and task lists to quicker access to allergy information, recipe ideas, and menu updates, broadband enables real-time communication and better organisation.

With data tracking, the café can monitor sales, donations, and volunteer hours. Frances also mentioned plans to introduce a card reader for easier, cashless payments.

Supporting early years and beyond

Before wrapping up the visit, we said a quick hello to the parish clerk working on her laptop in the café, and then explored more of the building.

In another corner of Snells Hall is Hendreds Preschool. Manager Cherrelle Taylor told us:

“We send updates and photos to parents via the Tapestry platform, and play educational videos for the children.”

Thanks to broadband, the preschool can enhance its charity-based learning environment with online tools and communication—making a real difference to children and families.

A future-proofed Community Hub

Snells Hall hosts a range of activities, including parish meetings in the upstairs committee room. With its upgraded connectivity, it’s become a more flexible and efficient space for many different users.

It’s clear that broadband at Snells Hall is more than just a utility—it’s enhancing the daily lives of residents, supporting volunteers, and strengthening community resilience. In a village where history and modern life blend seamlessly, digital infrastructure is helping East Hendred not only preserve its past—but shape its future.

Want to learn more about the GigaHubs project? Visit our website page here.

Header image: Snells Hall