Butternut-squash and ginger soup! What could be more warming on a cold wintry day in January? I'll tell you what is even more warming - the friendly, welcoming smile of the helpers.

Connexions was started as a service to the over fifties of the local community.

Nearly every Tuesday, a devoted band of Church members prepare and serve a home-cooked meal of soup, desert and tea or coffee, for a modest charge.

After lunch, there follows a social hour - perhaps an outside speaker or church member will give a talk, perhaps a quiz, or maybe the diners themselves offer readings to entertain the assembled company. One enjoyable event was when some rescued owls were shown. The birds were so clever and so beautiful, but unfortunately they can no longer live in the wild.

Belonging, as I do, to the over eighty-fives, I can assure the organisers that their efforts are really worthwhile and much appreciated.