Warm hubs, warm pubs (update 16 Dec)

There are more and more local ‘warm hubs’, if you're finding it hard to fight the chill: 

• The Station: free hot drinks, wi-fi and board games in the safe, warm space that is The Station's Boardroom. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 16:30 – 20:00 (exc. 18 Jan, 8 Feb, 1 Mar, 22 Mar). 01748 828259
• Richmond Methodist Church Hall, Dundas St. Free wi-fi; hot drinks. Open Monday and Friday 09:30 – 13:00, Wednesdays 13:00 – 16:00. 01748 823149
• Richmond Roman Catholic Church Hall, Newbiggin: Thursdays 10:00 – 14:00. Tea, coffee, soup/light lunch; board games and other activities available. 01748 822175
• Richmond Library, Dundas St. Free wi-fi and computers, newspapers, magazines, books; quiet sitting areas and children's play-space; tea and coffee available. Open 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00 weekdays, and 10:00 – 13:00 Saturdays. 01609 534580. There are similar facilities at the Catterick Garrison and Colburn libraries (tea and coffee to be confirmed); click the links for opening times.
• Richmond Town Hall: Tuesdays 13:00 – 15:00; Thursdays and Saturdays 09:30 – 14:30 (starting January). 01748 850808
• Colburn Community Cafe, Village Hall, Colburn Lane, Catterick Garrison. Free wi-fi; parking; food, hot drinks and food-share available. Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 12:00;  Sat 10:00 – 11:00. 07833 490502
• The Bridge, Shute Road, Catterick Garrison: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:00 – 15:00. Tea, coffee and biscuits, daily quizzes and activities available. 01748 832271
• Hudson House, Reeth. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 14:00 – 17:30. Hot drinks, food, wi-fi, board games, magazines, free transport for Swaledale and Arkengarthdale residents. 01748 880021
• Leyburn Arts Centre. Wednesday 10:00 – 16:00, Friday 10:00 – 14:00. Hot drinks, food, wi-fi, board games, magazines. 01969 624510
• Middleham Key Centre. Monday 11:30 – 14:30, Wednesday 14:00 – 15:30, Saturday 10:30 – 12:00. 1969 624002​

We suggest you use the phone numbers or the links above to check the detail of what's on offer. Please let us know if you hear of more ‘warm hubs’, and we'll update this post accordingly.

And don't forget your traditional local community centres - the pubs! They need to stay warm, and the landlords need to cover their soaring energy costs, so even if you just pop in for a coffee, to read a book for an hour or two or chat with friends, you'll be welcome. Here's one lovely example: 

• Castle Tavern, Market Place, Richmond: as well as a cosy space they're offering free home-made soup and bread to over-60s, weekdays 12:00 – 17:00. 01748 826931

The hubs above are all in Richmond and surrounding villages. If you're further afield, check this site:

• Warm Welcome Space

Finally, if you're struggling to keep your house warm...

• Warm Winter is a scheme run by the Influence Church, which provides essential items including blankets, hand warmers, hot water bottles, thermal flasks, hats, gloves, scarves, socks and coats.