A LARGE painted frieze now brightens up Carew Wesley Hall, the creation of volunteers and users of the Warm Space that has operated there for the past few years.

A dedicated team of volunteers drawn from the Carew community have been running the Warm Space every Monday from 11.30 to 3.30pm from the beginning of November to the end of March.

As well as providing a meal each time, they also arrange a schedule of activities including keep fit, games, slide shows, music, speakers and arts and crafts.

The majority of the group come every week without fail, not for the food but for the company, conversation and friendship. Most of them are of an age and not without health issues but not one of them misses the opportunity to attend or take part.

To brighten up the room, volunteer Ruth Ashworth persuaded them all to join her in a painting session. Using A2 sheets and large DIY paintbrushes - working in pairs - they were tasked to cover the paper with either a sky - mountain scene or a tree and meadow scene.

“They all readily joined in,” said Ruth. “Some had never before lifted a paintbrush and the result was amazing. The following week I asked them to bring in old magazines and invited them to collage their masterpieces.

“Ok - it’s not going to fetch millions, but they’re very proud of their achievements and although it’s not altogether joined up - every time I look at it I see something different.

“These community warm spaces are vital for bringing together isolated people from all walks of life. Talking, sharing, laughing and singing, just being together - friendships formed, troubles shared, stories told, memories made.”