Companions come together to celebrate warm bank's success and say hello to spring
A community hub near Newport has bid farewell to winter with its final warm bank session of the season.
Over 100 voluntary and community groups, town and parish councils, churches and other organisations across Shropshire opened their doors to residents feeling the cold pinch over winter.
Wednesdays at St Andrew's Church Hall in Church Aston have long been a haven for members of the community to gather for a cup of tea and a chat.
But Telford & Wrekin Council funding last December allowed the church's 'Community Cuppa' morning to run for a couple of extra hours each week.
The end of the cold season was celebrated by the community in typically British fashion. To thank the volunteers for their contribution and to welcome in the spring, on Wednesday, March 29 organisers arranged an afternoon tea.
Activities coordinator Dani Talbot said the scheme had been a huge success.
Dani said: "It's been really positive, usually we get anywhere between 40 and 60 people each day, for the afternoon tea we had 88 people through the door.
"We started the community cafe to tackle isolation in the community after Covid, but the warm bank funding allowed us to extend our hours and offer extra facilities.
"As a warm space, we haven't just been offering refreshments and heating but also charging points and free Wi-fi so people aren't at home using up their electricity.
"While we tend to keep things positive and not talk too much about the cost of living crisis, we've been pointing people in the directions of resources, having chats about slow cookers and air fryers and simple store cupboard recipes.
"We've also been running drawing mornings and chair yoga which have been really popular, and they will continue."
But the thing most valued, Dani says, has been companionship: "Nothing can beat a good old-fashioned chitchat - that's what works wonders for the soul."
The Community Cuppa mornings will continue at the church every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, and offer a range of refreshments and activities completely free of charge.
