Game for a new lease of life

A pair of board game enthusiasts saddened by the closure of their favourite gaming space have snapped up the town centre store.

Jacob Thorp and Lillian James were regulars at Delicia on Blenheim’s Scott Street, enjoying the cafes regular game nights.

So, when the café shut its doors recently, the pair jumped at the chance to launch Marlborough’s first tabletop game hub.

It’s about the social aspect of the games says Jacob.

“These game nights build connections and communities in the same way that playing sport or taking part in theatrical productions does.

“The revenue from the evening game events here was more than the café’s revenue, so we know there’s a definite gap in the market for somewhere like this”.

Jacob has spent much of his career working in mental health and says the new outlet, Sanctum Tabletop will benefit gamers in different ways.

“The games we play are all very social games, and plenty of the children that come along aren’t usually the type to socialise in their general life.

“A few that come along have learning difficulties or physical disabilities that limit their social confidence.

“By giving them this creative outlet, it allows for a healthy kind of escapism where you see them coming out of their shells, collaborating, problem solving and socialise without socialising through their characters in games."

The evening sessions will include games ranging from chess and classic board games to Dungeons and Dragons.

But the couple have bigger plans for the space too.

“We’ve been able to get our hands on a coffee machine, so we want to have this up and running as a café by next school holidays,” says Jacob.

“We have dreams of also being a game and merchandise retail store but we’re just running on volunteer help and our enthusiasm at this point.”

If you are able to assist Jacob, Lillian and Sanctum Tabletop, are able to volunteer or are just interested in coming along to a games night, contact the team on 022 165 2159.