Grant Hobbs is the captain of the social scene in Durban.
Mr Hobbs, who started the Durban North Coffee Club in January, is encouraging people to get back to socialising again.
He said during Covid-19 people stayed at home and stopped getting out to meet their friends, especially the elderly. But Mr Hobbs changed that – now these social butterflies meet up every month and enjoy a cup of coffee and good conversation.
Mr Hobbs, a Durban North resident, is a baker and owner of Captain Cupcake. He said he borrowed the idea of a coffee club from a community on the North Coast.
“The coffee club encourages local residents to get together informally, so I decided to do the same with the Durban North Coffee Club,” said Mr Hobbs. “It’s not a networking or business club. It’s for anyone who wants to get out, meet people and have a chat. Covid isolated us and we need to learn to socialise again.
“You come along and enjoy a cup of coffee or whatever you fancy. By arrangement with the coffee shop, everyone only pays their own bill. Friends are welcome and there’s no membership fees involved.”
Mr Hobbs admits he loves socialising and his club members are from the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. All age groups are welcome to join the club, they have 90 members who meet every month. Sometimes there are talks which educate the members on a variety of different topics.
“There’s no obligation on the members, no one is forced to attend. Folks feel relaxed and enjoy socialising without any pressure. Friends have been made and old friendships rekindled. It has been a good way for singles to meet people in person as well. We meet once a month but I want to see if people are willing to meet on the weekends, as many who work don’t have the time to attend our weekday meetings.
“We meet at local restaurants; they were impacted greatly during Covid-19 and we want to support them. Local businesses and coffee shops are happy to accommodate the club by offering a coffee and cake special,” said Mr Hobbs.
Members socialise, and while cognizant of the fact that Covid is still around, they don’t wear masks. If someone is ill, it’s best they skip a meeting and return when they feel better, said Mr Hobbs. Many people feel loneliness or get depressed, and the coffee club is a safe environment, where they can talk to their friends and help each get through tough times.
“I have enjoyed attending the coffee club and meeting new people,” said member, Glenda Slade. “I get to meet new people from my neighbourhood. The conversation is always good, they a lively and friendly group. Many of us are meeting for the first time but it feels like we have been friends forever.”
Dawn Buxton and Sharon Moss said they enjoy meeting old and new friends at the club meetings.
“I hope we continue to meet more often, it’s so nice to meet old and new friends. We have a wonderful time in good company. We always look forward to our coffee club meetings, it’s always a lovely outing,” said they said.
