THE Archbishop of Canterbury learnt how to make “the perfect coffee” at a church in Charminster during his visit to Bournemouth.

On Friday, October 25, the Most Revd Justin Welby spent the day in Bournemouth as part of a visit to the Diocese of Winchester.

The Archbishop with MP Tom Hayes The Archbishop with MP Tom Hayes (Image: NQ)

Archbishop Welby stopped off at St Andrew’s Church in Charminster to take part in a barista training project.

The project aims to teach job skills to people who are unemployed and lack support systems.

The St Andrew’s Church vicar, Revd Tom Hodkinson, said: “We are delighted to host the Archbishop here at St Andrew’s.

“It’s been great to be able to show him what it looks like for a local church to be committed to serving the people of Charminster.”

The Archbishop spent some time talking to church volunteers and members of the Dorset-based charity Faith Works. Faith Works is a Christian organisation that works alongside people in crisis through skills-based projects, such as barista training held at St Andrew’s Church.

(Image: NQ)

The chief executive of Faithworks, Alistair Doxat-Purser, said: “What I really love is that the Archbishop hasn’t come to a church service.

“What he realises in spades is that Christians are supposed to be at the heart of the community and if we are going to share our faith, then we share it practically as well as with words.”

The MP for Bournemouth East, Tom Hayes, attended and spent time with Archbishop Welby and the people at Faithworks.

(Image: NQ)

On the visit, Mr Hayes said: “It’s not every day we have such a distinguished guest, somebody who has actually crowned a monarch.

“We’re so blessed to have such an active, community-focused church with St Andrew’s.

“Faithworks do amazing work, supporting young people, people living in poverty, and homeless people. I learn so much by working with them.”

For the remainder of his time in Bournemouth, Archbishop Welby visited Bournemouth School, Bethany CE Junior School, St Clement’s, and St John’s CE Infant School.

He also went to St Luke’s Church in Bournemouth and spoke to a choir which brings together children with additional needs as well as their parents and carers, for group singing and mutual support.