Temperatures may have dipped below freezing but that didn’t stop almost 500 Hackney residents turning out for the annual Winter Warmer at Stoke Newington Town Hall.

The popular free event, which this year was held on Thursday 26 January, is organised specifically for the borough’s over-55s. The showcase provides residents with valuable advice on staying fit, healthy and saving energy throughout the winter months.

Patricia Sim from Stoke Newington said: “I am really enjoying today it brings older people together to socialise, you can also find out what’s going on all around Hackney.”

As well as complimentary hot soup and a sandwich, residents could pick up advice and goodies from more than 30 vendors. One of the most popular stalls was the Hackney Parks team, who were giving out free pots of herbs for residents as well as providing advice on gardening. Visitors were also able to pick up recipe cards and a bag of fruit and veg provided by Tesco.

Owen Duckett a local resident who was keen to pick up a thyme plant, said: “It is great to be able to grow your own thyme, I’m looking forward to using it in my cooking.”

The wellbeing hub saw queues of residents keen to unwind with a professional hand, foot and shoulder massage. There was also lots of fun and games to be had with bingo and prize raffles which saw one lucky resident win a free pair of spectacles.

Alongside local charity and voluntary organisations residents also had the chance to speak directly to staff from across the Council including Housing, Public Health and Community Safety.

Residents interested in starting or taking part in community projects can visit: www.hackney.gov.uk/housing-get-involved, call 020 8356 7845; or email: get.involved@hackney.gov.uk.