WARM space events hosted at Gainford Village Hall were hailed a success by organisers who hope to make them a regular thing.
The two sessions were held on Friday mornings in December to coincide with the village’s baby and toddler group sessions.
Residents were not only given a warm welcome by volunteers handing out tea, coffee and cakes, they were able to relax and soak up the cosy atmosphere and cut heating bills at home.
Wendy Broderick came up with the idea to create the warm space events and was delighted with the response.
She said: “For me, coming up with the idea, it has been fantastic to see. The support and offers of help have been lovely. We have had volunteers from the church and the parish council – it is great to see so many people dropping it.”
The sessions held on December 2 and 16, had the support of the parish council, church groups and residents.
Volunteers provided baked goods, helped serve and washed up.
Resident and helper Maire Kennan said: “There is a great deal of goodwill in the village and we haven’t had a cafe in Gainford for such a long time it is nice to just get together and socialise.”
Ms Broderick said: “We’re hoping to make them a regular thing. We have booked the village hall, but we will have to do some training and look for grants. But the atmosphere has been buzzing and it has been lovely to see so many people making themselves at home.”
More warm space events were heldon Friday, January 6, between 10am and noon.
Ms Kennan said they too were a success.
She added: “We’re now continuing for all four weeks in January every Friday at the same time.
“We’ve been getting 20 to 25 people – it’s a case of word of mouth. The first people came and then their friends came.
“They’ve been playing backgammon and want to start a club so there are knock-on effects.”
