How we formed?For many years Knaphill Residents’ Association (KRA) kept hearing local people say "there isn’t anywhere for young people to go" and "Knaphill needs more things for youngsters to do". Eileen Martin (KRA Secretary) decided to find out what they meant; she looked at three issues:
(a) what was currently on offer
(b) what young people wanted
(c) what might need to be done to fill the gaps

In 2006 Eileen contacted all the local organisations that worked with young people in their ‘teens’: Youth Development Officers at Woking Borough Council (WBC) and Surrey County Council (SCC), local schools - Winston Churchill and Woking High, and all the community and church groups who offered activities, clubs and classes in the area. Meetings with the organisations led to fact-finding research with adults, volunteers and young people.

2007 – First Edition of the Local Directory ‘Knaphill info’ was produced – listing all the clubs and activities in the village, helping to know what was ‘currently on offer’.
(This has been updated in 2008 and 2009).

The Directory showed that there was quite a lot going on in Knaphill: from Dance and Drama, to Scouts and Sports; but it also became clear that these were not to everyone’s taste, and that many youngsters thought there was nothing for them. With the help of Woking Borough Council’s Youth Development Officer a survey was run asking local young people what they wanted.

What was asked for was: a ‘drop in’, a place to meet friends; somewhere to relax and play pool or other games; where you can get snacks and soft drinks; ‘our own place’.

So the KRA started to work on persuading WBC and SCC that this was what was needed and wanted. It took a lot of hard work and effort to get from these ideas to the first Monday evening of ‘Knaphill Café’ at The Vyne Community Centre, on 27th April 2009, initially for a three month trial period.

Now the youth café is a popular meeting place for local youngsters. It has its own name and logo – The Cabin, its own Management Committee and a permanent place at The Vyne on Monday evenings, a core of dedicated volunteers of all ages and lots of exciting plans for the future.

Why we formed?
To provide a safe place for the young people of Knaphill to meet and relax with their friends.
　
When we formed?
Initial launch of the three month trial period – 27th April 2009.
　
The force behind The Cabin or Drop In Cafe as it was
Eileen struggled for three years to move the idea to reality. Providing a place for young people was the aim, but it took a lot of hard work, nagging, persistence and persuasion to get there. Along the way many individuals and organisations have become involved and the future success of The Cabin will depend on maintaining the energy and enthusiasm that got THE CABIN a place in Knaphill.