During the summer months, the Pennar community realised with utility bills going up, cost of living crisis and Covid 19 still lingering around, it would be a bleak winter.

They came up with the idea of having a warm room to support those in need. Funding was discussed with Lee Hinds; Liz, Michele, Tony and Lionel filled in the application form and Liz sent it off. They were delighted when the funding came through from PAVS, Pembrokeshire County Council and Welsh Government.

Pembroke Dock Town Council have also shown their support through contributions to food provided each week.

The Warm Room opened on Monday, October 10 - one of the first warm rooms to open. It provides so much more than just a warm room; company, companionship, friendship, refreshments, light lunches as well as advice from many professionals who have popped in. Leaflets were posted throughout Pennar and Bufferland as many of those who attend don’t use social media.

Councillor Michele Wiggins said: “We’ve had lots of professionals in such as Mia and Sarah from PAVS, Jon the Digi coach, Frank from Frame, Take Me Too, and County councillor Jon Harvey. We’ve also had lots of school children in from Pennar Community School learning about the importance of Community and are now organising a community garden at Pennar Hall.”

It has been a hugely successful and beneficial venture, particularly for those struggling through the winter months. A huge ‘thank you’ goes to Tony Wilcox, Lionel Nutting, Michele Wiggins for hosting with lots of help from Liz Cook, Sally Bearne and Carmel McNulty.

“Our last one will be Monday, March 27,” added Cllr Wiggins, “but we hope to run a coffee morning after Easter to continue to support our community.”