Professional magician Angus Baskerville brought his special brand of personal magic to Beauchamp Court residents at a weekly outdoor community coffee and chat morning last week.

The event was organised by the Mobile Warm Hub team (from Warwickshire charities WRCC and VASA) and Compassionate Kenilworth.

Angus, a member of the Magic Circle, amazed everyone with his mind reading magic and skilful sleight of hand, using cards, rope and even a Rubik's cube.

As well as enjoying the live performance, residents also benefited from the topical energy theme to the event.

Attendees received helpful tips and advice on energy efficiency, as well as free carbon monoxide monitors, Mobile Warm Hub sponsors Cadent Gas.

The Mobile Warm Hub minibus – or 'Chattybus' - travels around Warwickshire to help communities fight social isolation and reconnect in a safe and supportive way as Covid restrictions relax.

It has been visiting Beauchamp Court since July, and will continue to visit weekly until the end of October before moving on to another new location in Warwickshire.

Locals gather together outside the bus, under its large all weather gazebo, which provides a welcoming place to catch up with friends and meet new people, with support from friendly volunteers.

"WRCC and VASA are delighted to collaborate with Compassionate Kenilworth to support the local community," said Jackie Holcroft, WRCC project coordinator.

"And it's lovely to always get a warm welcome from our Beauchamp Court regulars. Having a magician at one of our events is a Mobile Warm Hub first and Angus is so talented that we're looking forward to hearing a lot more about him in the future."

Pauline Hayward, chair of Compassionate Kenilworth, said the regular coffee and chat morning is a great example of how to support and encourage people to safely return to community events.

"We're thrilled that the Chattybus team are coming to this part of Kenilworth, and we can already see what a positive difference this has made to many of our residents, especially those who may have lost touch with others and who use this as a weekly opportunity to reconnect."

Edward Allard, Cadent customer safeguarding manager, said: "It was a real pleasure to attend this event and to see the impact the Mobile Warm Hub is having for local people.

"This project supports our key values – targeting social isolation, promoting gas safety and helping to reduce fuel poverty."

As well as carrying information and advice on energy matters, home safety and warmth and free carbon monoxide monitors to share with residents, the community minibus also distributes flyers and information from other support groups and organisations on board.

If you'd like the Mobile Warm Hub to visit your community (the minibus goes out each week on Mondays – Fridays), please email [email protected].

The charity is always looking for more volunteers – please email [email protected] if you'd like to join the team.

You can find more information online here.