DID YOU know that every district councillor is handed £4,500 to give to projects and organisations on their patch?

The team at The Winter Warmer Café in Sheet does, as they were given a £150 grant by Cllr Nick Drew to continue their fantastic work in the community.

The café, which runs every Friday through November to March, gives villagers a warm and welcoming place to meet, relax and enjoy a cuppa.

It’s place in the community has been heightened by the fuel crisis with some villagers reluctant to turn on the heating.

Cllr Drew had a brew at the café before Christmas with carol singing and festive food being served up on the day.

He said: “It’s so important that local communities stay strong and tightly knit, and that’s why it’s great to see places like this where people can gather and chat and reinforce those friendships and local connections.

“I am delighted to be able to give £150 of my annual grant to the café and I thank the volunteers who run it for their fantastic work.”

Jayne Flatt and a team of volunteers runs the café, which has also received funding from Sheet Parish Council and the Sheet Village Community Trust. There’s no charge for drinks or cake but donations are welcome.

She said: “We aim to provide a warm and welcoming place for local people to go to meet their neighbours and friends, and make new friends.

“We provide art materials for the children who come along after school, magazines, games and newspapers for the grown-ups. It’s a great place to catch up with local news and information, particularly for people new to the local area.

“Thank you to Cllr Drew for his generous grant which will keep us in tea bags and coffee for a few more months.”