The bad news (but in some ways it’s good news) is that Covid restrictions mean that it will not be possible to resume the rotational shelter this winter, and I’m afraid we will not be welcoming up to 16 homeless guests to the Parish Rooms on Saturday night. But the good news is that after much frustrating searching, we were surprised to be offered a floor – 20 rooms – of the County Hotel, where the shelter was held last winter. We have secured a grant to cover the cost and are now excited (and very busy!) planning and making arrangements.

Although it’s a shame we, at HPC, cannot be hosts ourselves, the hotel with single rooms, with beds!, is more comfortable for guests and convenient for welfare work. It also means the burden of hospitality for the churches is much less. This season, we will be responsible for dinner, breakfasts and lunch from Friday evening 3^rd to Sunday morning 5^th December. We need to provide food (there will be a kitchen), friendship and some entertainment; I will work out more precisely what is needed when arrangements are a bit clearer. At this stage it would be very helpful to know if to are in principle able to help, either in attending at the hotel for a time, or in preparing food (at the hotel or to take to it). Ideas for entertainment will also be gratefully received; Bingo and films have been mentioned and I’m hoping to arrange a guitar and song recital, but more ideas are needed!

If you have already indicated willingness to help in response to the email to past volunteers, there is no need to respond again, but new blood is wanted, and if that is you, please let Andrew Penny know.