St George's Church in Colegate, Norwich becomes cool spot

Reverend Annie Blyth from St George's Church in Colgate set up the spot in October 2022, with Brian O'Connell, for those struggling to heat their homes due to the energy crisis.

But as Norwich has basked in some early summer temperatures, the spot is now being turned into a space offering "people a cool space, with a warm welcome".

The event was started in October 2022 in response to providing warm spaces due to the energy crisis (Image: Annie Blyth)

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Norfolk Community Foundation has helped fund Rev Blyth's project with £5,600 enabling the spot to continue running, every Wednesday from 10.30am to 1pm.

Rev Blyth said: "Morphing into a cool spot, offers people a cool space with a warm welcome and we're keeping this a comfortable temperature without using any energy in air conditioning.

Reverend Annie Blyth said the cool spot is just what we all need (Image: Annie Blyth)

"Medieval churches offer a lovely, cool, bright space when it's hot outside and because they are big, airy and bright they're naturally cool.

"It's a beautiful community event in which absolutely everybody is welcome and the benefits are far-reaching.

"Having the spot here means that, without fail, people know that there is somewhere local for them to come to which is free, cool and welcoming."

The spot is open every Wednesday between 10.30am and 1pm at St George Church in Colgate (Image: Annie Blyth)

Visitors to the church can also receive advice from Age UK Norwich.

Last year, Age UK pleaded for people to look after the elderly during the country's heatwave, while there were a recorded 2,800 excess deaths of over-65s nationwide last year due to the heat.

A spokeswoman for Age UK Norwich provided some warning signs to look out for in the heat.

She said: "Watch out for signs of dehydration such as confusion, cramps, dark urine and feeling weak.

The events held at St George Church are there to offer a cool space with a warm welcome (Image: Annie Blyth)

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"You don’t have to feel thirsty to be dehydrated.

"Also be wary of signs of heat exhaustion – these can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and a fast pulse.

"If you feel unwell, lie down in a cool room and drink plenty of water."

Brian O'Connell and Annie Blyth, who run the community spot (Image: Annie Blyth)