St Kenelm’s Warm Welcome in Clifton on Teme meets in the Village Hall every Thursday offering a place to go for local people as well as the opportunity to have lunch together.
The community group was started by churchwarden Ruth Wilson and is now in its third year, regularly attracting around 30 – 40 people of all ages.
Ruth said: “We started in response to the increase in heating and fuel prices, wanting to provide somewhere for people to come so they wouldn’t have to heat their own homes. We run weekly from November to May and then move to monthly during the summer months. The first year we had planned to stop at Easter, but people wanted us to continue!”
The space is open from 10.30am to 1pm with lunch served around 12. There is also a toddler group running from 9.30 – 11.15am with some of the mums staying on. Once a month Citizens Advice run an outreach service from the hall and the local Community Police and Age Concern pop in occasionally.
“We’ve been amazed at how popular it has been,” continued Ruth. “We get a real cross section of people. There are retired people who wouldn’t speak to anyone if they didn’t come out to the Warm Welcome as well as people who are working from home who come during their lunch hour. Lots of friends have been made through it and its particularly good for people who are new to the village.”
Lunch varies from soup to baked potatoes or pasta bake. There is always a veggie option and dietary requirements can be catered for as necessary. There is also plenty of cake! Everything is provided free of charge with people giving a donation if they feel able to. There is a core volunteer team of about 6 or 7 people who take it in turns to work in the kitchen or prepare food to bring in and at the end of the session others pitch in to do the washing up and put away the chairs and tables. There is always a Christmas and an Easter meal.
Rosemary comes from nearby Shelsley Walsh. She said: “In our rural area, lots of people sit at home on their own and so the Warm Welcome addresses isolation and loneliness. It started as a way to provide somewhere to be warm and has grown into something slightly different – it’s a real social opportunity.”
Michelle is one of the volunteers who helps in the kitchen. She said: “I met Ruth after moving into the village and she asked if I might help on my day off. It’s been a great way to get to know people in the village. When people come in, you see the joy on their faces as it’s often their weekly chance to catch up with each other. The church feels at the heart of everything we do in Clifton on Teme, it really brings people together.”
Adrian said: “It is nice to come and out and meet people. I live in a remote area and only have one neighbour so the Warm Welcome is a chance to come and talk to people.”
Tim said: “I work from home, so it is an opportunity to come out and get to know other people in the village. I enjoy the company and the friendship, and it is always a really good social event.”
Ruth is supported by the Revd Jen Denniston who regularly attends the Warm Welcome. They are thinking about how they can make the link to church more explicit. Jen said: “We want to ensure that Warm Welcome continues to feel welcoming to everyone but are considering introducing ‘Soul Space’ with a short time of worship and prayers at 1pm immediately after lunch for those who are interested. We also make sure that it’s always advertised as ‘St Kenelm’s Warm Welcome’ and that we let those attending know about other events and activities happening in church.”
Charlotte Neville, the Being Well Coordinator at Citizens Advice South Worcestershire recently said: “St Kenelm’s Warm Welcome is a wonderful space for members of the local community. It provides vital social connection, a nutritious meal, and the opportunity to volunteer and give back. It is well organised, has a friendly atmosphere, and is a great example of how the church is supporting the village. It is always a pleasure to attend. I believe the wellbeing of Clifton-upon-Teme has improved because of the Warm Welcome.”
