More than 40 venues across Huntingdonshire have opened as ‘Warm Spaces’ for communities to use this winter.
These are places where residents can stay cosy and chat with other friendly faces over a hot drink during the chilly weather.
Some locations even serve free lunches and snacks, and arrange activities such as crafts and board games to pass the time.
Huntingdonshire District Council has been coordinating the area’s ‘Warm Spaces’ network in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
It has created an online directory of venues, which is updated regularly to help residents find out which buildings are open in their town or village.
Details of any activities on offer, or themed sessions are also listed.
The council has also distributed almost £5,000 through the Community Chest Grant Scheme to organisations supporting residents this winter.
Cllr Ben Pitt, executive councillor for Community and Health at Huntingdonshire District Council, described the community effort as ‘heart-warming’.
He said: “Each Warm Space is providing their own unique offer, whether that is a place to socialise and play a game, have a hot meal and drink or take part in a new activity.
“Local organisations that are able to help are eligible for our Warm Spaces Community Chest Grant scheme to help them make a positive difference to our local communities.
“So far, HDC has distributed £4,920 to support the set-up of Warm Spaces.
"It is heart-warming to see local community organisations play such a key role in supporting our residents through the cost-of-living crisis this winter."
Within weeks of launching its Warm Space, Yaxley Parish Council could fund lunches for its residents.
It was awarded £500 which went towards various kitchen supplies to expand the Monday Morning Coffee Club at Queens Park Hall.
Parish Clerk Helen Taylor said 50 baked potatoes were served at one of the first sessions where lunch was prepared.
She said: “Those attending can't sing its praises enough saying that it has given them a warm friendly place where they can sit amongst friends and enjoy a chat and a bite to eat.”
Among the organisations also awarded grants are: Godmanchester Town Council; The Bridge Church, in St Ives; Godmanchester Baptist Church; Sawtry Women’s Institute; Huntingdon Methodist Church; Fenstanton Parish Council; and The Coneygear Centre, in Huntingdon.
- ‘There With You This Winter’ campaign from The Hunts Post is aimed at supporting our communities through the tough winter months ahead. If you have a story or would like your organisation to be featured, email louise.hepburn@newsquest.co.uk.
Huntingdonshire's Warm Spaces
MONDAY
Eynesbury
St Mary's Church, St Mary's Street. Open 8:45am-12:15pm. Church and church room open for chats, reading, card and board games. Hot refreshments served. Free.
Fenstanton
Fenstanton Parish Council, The Church Centre, School Lane. Open 9am-4pm. Free refreshments, books, jigsaws and WiFi access.
Godmanchester
Godmanchester Community Plant Nursery, Park Lane. Open 10am-3:30pm. Free activities and refreshments.
Huntingdon
Huntingdon Library and Archives, Princes Street. Open 9:30am-5pm.
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-6pm.
Perry
Perry Baptist Church. Open 10am-12noon on the first and third Monday of the month. ‘Drop In’ free tea, coffee and chat.
Ramsey
Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust, Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 1pm-5pm. Craft, crochet, games, babies and children’s activities and job search support available. Free.
Sawtry
Sawtry WI Hall, Gidding Road. 11am-3pm on the second Monday of each month. Sewing, patchwork and quilting social group. £2 plus 20p for refreshments.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 9am-1pm. Caresco Cave. Free.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 10am-2pm. Green End Day Club. £10 including two course meal and transport.
St Ives
St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement. Extended opening 3pm-5pm. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, book swap and film on television. Free.
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 11am-2:30pm and 6pm-11pm. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives Library, Library Row. Open 9:30am-7pm.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots
Bargroves Community Centre, Cromwell Road. Open 1pm-2:30pm. Living Hope Community Café, soup, hot drinks, snacks. Donation £2.50.
Kingfisher Church, The Hub, Samuel Jones Crescent. Open 8:45am-12noon. Coffee Stop at The Hub Community Café (term time only).
Open Door Church, St Neots Road. Open 10am-12noon. Coffee Connect Morning. Free.
St Neots Evangelical Church, Cambridge Street. Open 10am-11:30am. Little Fishes mother and toddler group.
St Neots Library, Priory Lane. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free, no obligation to buy food or drink. (Family café 9:30am-12:30pm).
St Mary’s Eaton Socon, Eaton Socon. Open 10am-12noon. Café on the Green (term time only).
Yaxley
Yaxley Library, Landsdowne. Open 3pm-7pm.
Yaxley Parish Council, Queens Park Hall, Daimler Avenue. Open 10am-12pm and 12pm-2pm. Coffee club, light lunches and refreshments. Free.
Warboys
Warboys Library, High Street. Open 2pm-5pm.
TUESDAY
Brampton
Brampton Community Centre, High Street. Open 3pm-5pm. Free refreshments and WiFi available.
Buckden
Buckden Library, Burberry Road. Open 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.
Fenstanton
Fenstanton Parish Council, The Church Centre, School Lane. Open 9am-4pm. Free refreshments, books, jigsaws and WiFi access.
Godmanchester
Godmanchester Community Plant Nursery, Park Lane. Open 10am-3:30pm. Free activities and refreshments.
Houghton
St Mary’s Centre, Chapel Lane. Open 10:30am-4pm. Free soup and lunch from 12noon. Donations welcome.
Huntingdon
Coneygear Centre, Buttsgrove Way. Open 9am-12noon. Community café, community library and family-friendly activities.
Huntingdon Library and Archives, Princes Street. Open 9:30am-5pm.
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-6pm.
Little Paxton
St James’ Church, High Street. First Tuesday of the month. Open 1:30pm-3:30pm. Film with refreshments. Donations welcome.
St James’ Church, High Street. Fourth Tuesday of the month. Open 1:30pm-5pm. Film with refreshments. Donations welcome.
Ramsey
Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 10am-5pm.
Sawtry
Sawtry Library, Sawtry Community Centre, Green End Road. 3pm-7pm.
Sawtry WI Hall, Gidding Road. 3:15pm-6:15pm on the third Tuesday of the month. Free warm space.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 9am-1pm. Caresco Cave. Free.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 10am-2pm. Green End Day Club. £10 including two course meal and transport.
St Ives
St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement. Extended opening 3pm-5pm. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, book swap and film on television. Free.
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 11am-2:30pm and 6pm-11pm. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives Library, Library Row. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 1pm-4pm. Patchwork – for those interested in sewing together.
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 2pm-5pm. ‘Women’s Own’, fellowship open to all ladies.
New Street Baptist Church, New Street. Open 10am-11.30am. Noah’s Ark, for pre-school toddlers and carers (term time only). Call 07870 317312 for availability. £1 per family.
Open Door Church, St Neots Road. Open 10am-11.30am. Sparkle & Shine, parent and toddler group (term time only). £1.
St Neots Evangelical Church, Cambridge Street. Open 10am-11.30am. Conversation class, for internationals wishing to learn English. Free.
St Neots Library, Priory Lane. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free.
St Mary’s Eaton Socon, Eaton Socon. Open 10am-11.30am. Craft session, bring your own crafts.
Warboys
Warboys Library, High Street. Open 10am-1pm.
Yaxley
Yaxley Library, Landsdowne. Open 9:30am-5pm.
WEDNESDAY
Brampton
Brampton Community Centre, High Street. Open 3pm-5pm. Free refreshments and wifi available.
Buckden
St Mary's Church, Church Street. Open 10:30am-11:30am. Coffee and community cafe. Free.
St Mary's Church, Church Street. Open 2:30pm-3:30pm on the second Wednesday of the month. Coffee and community cafe. Free.
Fenstanton
Fenstanton Parish Council, The Church Centre, School Lane. Open 9am-4pm. Free refreshments, books, jigsaws and WiFi access.
Godmanchester
Godmanchester Community Plant Nursery, Park Lane. Open 10am-3:30pm. Free activities and refreshments.
Hemingford Grey
St James Parish Church, High Street. Open 10am-12:30pm. Coffee morning drop in. Donations welcome.
Huntingdon
All Saints' Church, Market Square. Open 11am-1:30pm. Chatty Café community café.
Coneygear Centre, Buttsgrove Way. Open 10am-1pm. Over 65s activities with lunch and health advice. £3.
Coneygear Centre, Buttsgrove Way. Open 4:30pm-6:30pm. Homework club for the over 8s with computer access and other resources.
Huntingdon Library and Archives, Princes Street. Open 9:30am-7pm.
Huntingdon Methodist Church, High Street. Open 10am-12noon. Open door and craft group.
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-6pm.
Little Paxton
St James’ Church, High Street. Open 11am-12.30pm term time only. Tots and carers group. Donations welcome.
Ramsey
Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 4pm-7pm.
Ramsey Neighbourhoods Trust, Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 9:30pm-4pm. Craft, crochet, games, babies and children's activities and job search support available. Free.
Sawtry
Sawtry Library, Sawtry Community Centre, Green End Road. Open 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm.
Sawtry WI Hall, Gidding Road. Open 2pm-4pm. Knitting and crochet social group. £2 plus 20p refreshments.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 10am-2pm. Green End Day Club. £10 including two course meal and transport.
St Ives
St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement. Extended opening 3pm-5pm. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, book swap and film on television. Free.
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 11am-2:30pm and 6pm-11pm. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives Library, Library Row. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots
New Street Baptist Church, New Street. Open 10am-2pm. ‘New St Warm Space’, tea, coffee, games, jigsaws, etc. Free.
St Mary’s Eaton Socon, Eaton Socon. Open 10am-12noon. Little Stars pre-school toddlers group.
St Mary’s Eaton Socon, Eaton Socon. Open 3pm-4pm. ‘Wednesday Welcome’, tea, coffee cake and occasional speaker.
St Neots Conservative Club, New Street. Open 11am-3pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Purchase of food and drink available, pool £1 per game, free TV and board games.
St Neots Evangelical Church, Cambridge Street. Open 7:30pm-9:30pm on the first Wednesday of the month. ‘Craft and chat’, bring your own craft. Free.
St Neots Library, Priory Lane. Open 1:30am-7pm.
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free. (Family café 9:30am-12:30pm).
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 12noon-12:45pm. Free ‘Strictly’ FITSTEPS FAB low-impact dance class for adults aged 18-80. From January 4-February 15. Free.
Yaxley
Yaxley Social Echo, Heron Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park. Open 10am-4pm every other Wednesday. Hobby Hub Day Session. Free.
THURSDAY
Brampton
St Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Church Road. Open 2pm-5pm. A free space for people to chat with board cames and Xbox.
Buckden
Buckden Library, Burberry Road. Open 2pm-5pm.
Godmanchester
Godmanchester Baptist Church, East Chadley Lane. Open 10am-2pm. For people to enjoy conversation with a simple lunch and light refreshments. Free.
Godmanchester Community Plant Nursery, Park Lane. Open 10am-3:30pm. Free activities and refreshments.
Hemingford Grey
St James Parish Church, High Street. Open 10am-12:30pm. Coffee morning drop in. Donations welcome.
Houghton
St Mary’s Centre, Chapel Lane. Open 10:30am-4pm. Free soup and lunch from 12noon. Donations welcome.
Huntingdon
Coneygear Centre, Buttsgrove Way. Open 9am-12noon. Community café, community library and art therapy sessions. Free.
Huntingdon Community Church, High Street. Open 2:30pm-5pm. Free activities and hot refreshments.
Huntingdon Library and Archives, Princes Street. Open 9:30am-1:30pm.
Huntingdon Methodist Church, High Street. Open 10am-12noon. Open door and craft group.
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-6pm.
Ramsey
Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 10am-5pm.
Sawtry
Sawtry WI Hall, Gidding Road. Open 7pm-9pm on the third Thursday of each month. Tea and chat, crafts optional. £2 plus 20p refreshments.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 9am-1pm. Caresco Cave. Free.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 10am-2pm. Green End Day Club. £10 including two course meal and transport.
St Ives
St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement. Extended opening 3pm-5pm. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, book swap and film on television. Free.
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 11am-2:30pm and 6pm-11pm. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives Library, Library Row. Open 9:30am-1pm.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 10am-12noon. Coffee and scones.
Open Door Church, St Neots Road. Open 10.30am–12.30pm. Bereavement group. Free.
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 12noon on the third Thursday of the month. Souper lunch. £3.50.
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 6pm. Thursday Food: free hot meal.
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 7:30pm-9am on the fourth Thursday of the month. Fireside fellowship for ladies.
St Neots Evangelical Church, Cambridge Street. Open 10am-11:30am Little Fishes mother and toddler group. £1 per family.
St Neots Library, Priory Lane. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free.
Warboys
Warboys Library, High Street. Open 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.
Yaxley
Yaxley Library, Landsdowne. Open 9:30am-5pm.
Yaxley Social Echo, Heron Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park. Open 6pm-9pm. Hobby Hub Evening Session. Free.
FRIDAY
Brampton
Brampton Community Centre, High Street. Open 3pm-5pm. Free refreshments and WiFi available.
Buckden
Buckden Library, in Burberry Road. Open 4pm-7pm.
Buckden Methodist Church, in Church Street. First Friday of the month 10am-11:30am offers free coffee. Free soup and a sweet lunch on the third Friday of the month 12noon. Donations welcome.
Godmanchester
Godmanchester Community Plant Nursery, Park Lane. Open 10am-3:30pm. Free activities and refreshments.
Huntingdon
Huntingdon Library and Archives, Princes Street. Open 9:30am-5pm.
Huntingdon Methodist Church, High Street. Open 10am-12noon. Open door and craft group.
Huntingdon Methodist Church, High Street. Open 12noon-5:30pm. Soup with rolls and light refreshments will be served for lunch. Activities for all ages available. Families with children welcome after school.
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-6pm.
Little Paxton
St James’ Church, High Street. Open 10:30am-12noon. Drop in coffee morning. Donations welcome.
Ramsey
Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 10am-1pm.
Sawtry
Sawtry Library, Sawtry Community Centre, Green End Road. Open 3pm-5pm.
The Caresco Centre, Green End Road. 9:30am-11:30am. Coffee Shop. Prices from £1.
St Ives
Field Lodge Care Home, London Road. Open 2pm-4pm on the last Friday of each month for cinema showing with refreshments. Free.
St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement. Extended opening 3pm-5pm. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, book swap and film on television. Free.
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 11am-midnight. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives Library, Library Row. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-6pm.
The Bridge Church, Burrel Road. Open 10:30am-12:30pm. Free drop in for everyone.
St Neots
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 9am-10.30am. Busy Bees, for parents or carers with babies or toddlers.
Berkley Street Methodist Church, Berkley Street. Open 11am-1pm. Craft club for anyone interested in painting or crafts.
New Street Baptist Church, New Street. Open 10am-11.30am. Noah’s Ark, for pre-school toddlers and carers (term time only). £1 per family.
St Neots Evangelical Church, Cambridge Street. Open 10am-11.30am. Good Company Cafe, companionship and refreshments for elderly. Free.
St Neots Library, Priory Lane. Open 9:30am-5pm.
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-6pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free.
Yaxley
Yaxley Library, Landsdowne. Open 9:30am-1:30pm.
Yaxley Social Echo, Heron Court, Harrier Way, Eagle Business Park. Open 10am-4pm every other Friday. Hobby Hub Day Session. Free.
SATURDAY
Buckden
Buckden Library, Burberry Road. 10am-1pm.
St Mary's Church, Church Street. Open 10:30am-12noon on the first Saturday of the month. Coffee and community cafe. Free.
Huntingdon
All Saints' Church, Market Square. Open 11am-1:30pm. Chatty Café community café.
Huntingdon Library and Archives, Princes Street. Open 10am-4pm.
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-3pm.
Little Paxton
St James’ Church, High Street. Open 12:30pm-2:30pm on the first Saturday of the month. Simply Saturday session. Donations welcome.
Ramsey
Ramsey Library, Great Whyte. Open 10am-1pm.
Sawtry
Sawtry Library, Sawtry Community Centre, Green End Road. 9:30am-12:30pm.
Sawtry WI Hall, Gidding Road. 12noon-3pm on the first Saturday of each month. Free meal and warm space.
St Ives
St Ives Corn Exchange, The Pavement. Extended opening 3pm-5pm. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, book swap and film on television. Free.
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 11am-midnight. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives Library, Library Row. Open 9:30am-4pm.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-3pm.
St Neots
St Neots Conservative Club. 11am-3pm on the first Saturday of the month. Drinks, soup, bingo, pool, television. Prices vary.
St Neots Library, Priory Lane. Open 9:30am-4pm.
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-3pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free.
Warboys
Warboys Library, High Street. Open 10am-1pm.
Yaxley
Yaxley Library, Landsdowne. Open 9:30am-1:30pm.
SUNDAY
Buckden
St Mary's Church, Church Street. Open 10:30am-12noon on the first Saturday of the month. Coffee and community cafe. Free.
Buckden Methodist Church, Church Street. Open 10:30am-11:30am. Service and coffee. Donations welcome.
Huntingdon
Huntingdon One Leisure Centre Café, St Peter’s Road. Open 10am-3pm.
Little Paxton
St James’ Church, High Street. Open 10:45am-12noon on the first Sunday of the month. Service and refreshments. Donations welcome.
St James’ Church, High Street. Open 9:15am-10:15am (excludes first Sunday of the month). Morning service. Donations welcome.
St Ives
St Ives Ivy Leaf Club, The Broadway. Open 12pm-10:30pm. Social club. Free entry.
St Ives One Leisure Centre Café, Westwood Road. Open 10am-3pm.
St Neots
St Neots One Leisure Centre Café, Barford Road. Open 10am-3pm.
St Neots Town Council / Priory Centre, Priory Lane. Open 9am-5pm. Free.
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