The village scheme offering a 'warm welcome'

Fiona Goldsmith is one of the volunteers at Pawlett Village Hall

A weekly gathering offering people a warm space, hot food and drink, and a chance to socialise is proving extremely popular in a small village.

Pawlett Village Hall, in Somerset, began opening its doors for the "warm welcome" event earlier this month, drawing in about 60 people. Anyone can attend - not just those struggling with their heating bills.

The scheme is funded by Churches Together in Pawlett, the parish council and community grants, with many of the people running it working as volunteers.

Fiona Goldsmith, one of the volunteers, said: "It's lovely, it brings people together and puts a smile on their faces and they look forward to it."

For two hours every Tuesday, volunteers serve up bowls of soup, sausage or bacon rolls, sweet treats and hot drinks to attendees.

They welcome a variety of people from the village and its surrounding towns, with some coming to benefit from the warm space, while others use it as an opportunity to get out of the house and meet new people.

Shirley Coombes says people are welcome regardless of where they live

Shirley Coombes uses the sessions as a "good opportunity to catch up" with friends.

She praised the team of volunteers who worked "ever so hard" to keep the sessions going.

"It's lovely for people on their own.

"It doesn't matter if you don't live in the village - you can come along and you're welcome in here.

"We're very lucky," she added.

Tony Wadsworth attends the sessions to meet new people

While Tony Wadsworth's wife helps out on the volunteer team, he uses the time to meet new people.

"It gives people a chance to get out the house, especially when it's cold and miserable.

"They can have a good chat, something to eat, a coffee. It's a break for them," he said.

Sam Warren says she likes to get involved

Sam Warren, the parish clerk, helps to prepare food for those attending.

"I like to get involved to help keep people warm and fed over the winter.

"You only have to come for 10 minutes, have a bacon roll and you can go again," she said.

Ms Goldsmith added she was "not surprised" at how popular the scheme was.

She noted that the volunteers often saw familiar faces but more and more new people were joining.

"It's for the community," she said.

The Reverend Annie Deche says the scheme is "wonderful"

The Reverend Annie Deche, from the Methodist Church, said the sessions were "essential" for the community.

The scheme did not run in 2024 but people's calls to bring it back this year were answered.

"There's a lot of interaction and friendships. Some people are lonely at home.

"They really need this."

She added: "I enjoy this space. You see so many people, I get to greet them and they greet me. It's wonderful."

The warm welcome event runs every Tuesday until 11 February.