TWO special guests visited Cumnock’s Heart and Soul and were greeted with the team’s usual friendly welcome.

After inspirational Christine McGrory had wowed everyone as the team’s first Woman of Wonder, Cumnock’s MSP Jeane Freeman dropped in for a chat with staff and customers.

Ms Freeman was so inpressed with the ambience and efficiency of the cafe that she extended her visit and stayed for a late lunch with her colleagues.

She said: “Heart and Soul is superb. The fact is that it is led locally and driven by the women, who are all volunteers, and are doing such a great job.

“They are doing a lot of work with the mums at Logan Primary and supporting the head teacher there.

“So they are reaching out and running activities such as crafts and candle making, having a chat and learning new skills.

It makes each day more enjoyable for them.”

Heart and Soul’s base in Ayr Road, Cumnock, is now the home of numerous events and activities on a constant basis — as well as a cafe which serves first class food in pleasant surroundings.

“The place is so professionally run but the great thing about the team is their ambition.

They are not content just to settle for something on a small scale.

“Also the customers who just drop in for a cup of coffee. They are coming in to enjoy the atmosphere and service from Valerie and her staff,” added Ms Freeman.

In keeping with playing a major role in the community of Cumnock and surrounding areas, school pupils are also getting involved.

Cumnock Academy pupil, Debbie Malcolm, has been working in the cafe for three weeks on a placement.

She said: “I am enjoying it. I clear tables and serve orders. I would love to do something like this when I leave school. The customers are so nice to me.”

Debbie’s close friend, Rebecca Marshall, who hopes to join her as part of the team, visited on the same day as Ms Freeman.

Photos by Alister Firth and Ken McKissock