In July 2000, what began as a seemingly simple request—well, more of a firm instruction from Pam Miller—sparked one of Blisland’s most cherished community efforts. That day, Shirley Runnalls turned up at the Institute to help with refreshments and found herself alongside Mavis Miles and Elaine Scantlebury. Little did they know they were about to start something truly remarkable.

Initially, the trio served teas, coffees, and cakes to villagers and passing visitors, raising funds for an ambitious vision: a new shop, post office, and doctors’ surgery for Blisland. From five days a week, 9am to late afternoon, they poured cups, washed up, and went home to bake again—often paying for their own food and drink in the process. Over time, bric-a-brac stalls and second-hand books added charm (and income), and the café quickly became a much-loved fixture on the village green.

One day, someone joked that they were “stooges” for working so hard for free. With a wink and a laugh, the name stuck—The Three Stooges Café was born. From that moment, Shirley, Mavis, and Elaine became known not just for their cakes and bacon butties, but for their humour, warmth, and tireless dedication.

As Health & Safety regulations evolved, they stopped home baking and relied on local Bodmin suppliers. Still, the café’s popularity never waned—especially when it came to their now-legendary bacon baps. One Christmas, visitors were asked to guess how many rashers of bacon had been used over the summer—it was over 1,000! Another year, a blown-up photo of the trio served as the centrepiece of a “guess the combined weight” contest, with local wit Martin Wilson nailing it down to the ounce.

But this effort was never carried alone.

Alongside the Three Stooges stood a dedicated team of volunteers who gave their time, energy, and kindness to the cause. Margaret Marshall, Pam Miller, Sandra Mathews, Betty Donnelly, Mike Ward-Lee, and Denise Holman were vital to the larger fundraising campaign. Whether helping behind the counter, organising stalls, lending a hand with logistics, or offering unwavering support—they played a crucial role in keeping spirits high and the mission on track.

Thanks to this united community spirit, the café raised over £21,000 towards the post office fund. In total, Blisland villagers rallied to raise nearly £60,000, helping to realise a long-held dream: the return of a permanent post office and shop in the heart of the village.

When Blisland lost its post office, it lost more than a service—it lost a social lifeline. Operating from a humble Portakabin for several years, the community never lost hope. And it was through this relentless grassroots effort that the new building was finally made possible.

Today, the Three Stooges Café lives on in memory as more than just a place for cream teas and coffee. It was a beacon of community pride, good humour, and old-fashioned hospitality. A place where friendships were made, news was shared, and the post office dream came back to life—one brew and one bacon bap at a time.

Here’s to Elaine, Shirley, Mavis—and to Margaret, Pam, Sandra, Betty, Mike, and Denise—whose generosity of spirit helped shape the story of modern-day Blisland.