It was a full house for October's Creative Communities session at Paul Street Community Centre organised by Make the Sunshine CiC as twenty attendees painted beautiful pumpkins, enjoyed an incredible flamenco performance from professional dancer Karina Gracia and put on their dancing shoes to join in!

Karina's Spanish origin and passion for dance led her to flamenco, which soon became the focus of not just her work but her way of life. Karina studied with renowned teachers in Andalucía and Madrid including La Truco, Raquel Villegas, Carmen Ledesma, Lorena Franco, Felipe de Algecirras and Cecelia Gomez. Everyone loved Karina's welcoming style, and as well as putting on a beautiful performance, Karina brought flamenco shawls, fans and canes for everyone to try out and taught some beautiful flamenco moves to the group. The room was filled with clapping, stamping and dancing as everyone got into the flamenco spirit.

The group, which takes place monthly, is aimed at Over 55s, celebrates the seasons and aims to bring people together by sharing a different artform and creative activity each month. Sessions are held at Paul Street Community Centre and are free to attend or by £3 donation for those who are able.

Many members have joined on their own and made new friends and connections through the sessions.

Coming up over the next two months there are some wonderful activities:

Light up November

Thursday 17th November, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Fire throwing, circus and Waldorf stars:

Come along and keep the winter cold at bay with an amazing fire performance by Danny Albone. Danny has travelled all over the UK, delighting audiences with his combination of comedy, dance and spectacular fire and circus routines. Not only will Danny perform an indoor fire throwing demonstration at November's session but he will also be teaching some fun circus skills to the whole group. Alongside Danny's performance will be the opportunity to make Waldorf stars and illuminated window displays.

Celebrate Christmas

Thursday 15th December, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Christmas Crafts, Carols and Pantomime

Enjoy a magical Christmas craft session and singing from St Paul's Junior school students, as well as a hilarious pantomime performance of Cinderella 2 from Tor theatre company.

These sessions are made possible through generous support from Mendip Communities Fund, Somerset Community Foundation and Shepton Mallet Town Council.

Attendees have described the atmosphere as "friendly and inclusive" and "happy and energetic", and 75% of attendees report having made new friends and connections through the sessions.

To find out more or come along to the next session email [email protected] or call Louise on 07834 039030. The next session is on Thursday 17th of November in Paul Street Community Centre.