There was lots of festive cheer at last Tuesday's (December 6) Kenilworth Winter Warm Hub.

Over 35 people came together to start the seasonal celebrations with mince pies and Christmas decoration making, and everyone enjoyed the bright, cheerful community atmosphere at St Francis of Assisi's Church.

"It's just what's needed," said Graham, who's been coming since the free weekly event started last month.

"It's good to meet new people - and the bacon sandwiches are great!"

The event is part of Warwickshire Rural Community Council's (WRCC) Warm Hubs initiative, sponsored by Cadent Gas, which runs throughout Warwickshire and Solihull.

The hubs provide a warm, safe places where people can enjoy refreshments and activities such as board games, puzzles, crafts and books.

Plus, there's energy saving tips, home safety information, free carbon monoxide alarms, and links to other community support services, for example Safer Neighbourhood police.

Most importantly, everyone who comes to a Warm Hub is made to feel welcome and part of a community.

Magda, another regular attendee, added: "I have found friendship, support and an open door from people who I never knew before."

Some people drop in for a coffee and a quick chat, whereas others stay all morning (9.00am – 1.00pm) to enjoy all the activities on offer.

Kenilworth's Winter Warm Hub is one of more than fifty new events that have been started by WRCC and local groups such as Compassionate Kenilworth and Kenilworth SVP to support communities across the county this winter.

There will be a special Kenilworth Christmas event at St Francis's Church on Tuesday 20 December, when Santa will be dropping by so bring the children along too - everyone's invited to wear Christmas jumpers, take part in Christmas crafts and activities, and enjoy special seasonal treats!

Pauline Hayward, of Compassionate Kenilworth, said: "Compassionate Kenilworth is delighted to be partnering with WRCC and SVP to run this weekly Winter Warm Hub. You can find our full list of local community hubs at www.compassionatekenilworth.co.uk and on our Facebook page."

Jackie Holcroft, WRCC Warm Hubs manager, said: "It's great to be able to support Kenilworth residents and many thanks to our partners Compassionate Kenilworth, the SVP team who have welcomed us to this fantastic community space and our sponsor Cadent.

"We're really enjoying meeting and chatting to so many local people – and everyone's welcome to join in the fun at our free weekly community event!"

Kenilworth's Winter Warm Hub runs from 9.00am – 1.00pm every Tuesday (except for 27 December) at St Francis of Assisi RC Church, Warwick Road, Kenilworth CV8 1HL, until 28 March 2023.

On 13 December and 14 February, due to pre-existing bookings the event will be held at the Methodist Church, New Priory Road, Kenilworth CV8 1LQ. You can find your nearest Warm Hub in Warwickshire here.