Few of us look forward to the arrival of the winter months, and as we get older our bodies can find it harder to cope with the cold, but by being prepared, we can stay warm and healthy this winter. Here are a few things to consider, and information about where you can find sources of help.

• Check the exterior of your property – are there any loose tiles, damp patches? Ensure your boiler has been serviced and chimneys have been swept. If you need it, Age UK has a list of registered traders to help you find the right person for the job.
• Is your property fully insulated? This will help keep your home warm and lower your bills. There are schemes running locally to provide advice on this, and you might be entitled to help with the cost.
• Are your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working? Wiltshire Fire and Rescue carry out free home fire safety checks for qualifying households.
• Have a supply of salt and sand ready to put on icy surfaces.
• Are you concerned that you may not be able to cover your fuel bills? There are grants available to support older people on state benefits who spend more than 10% of their income on fuel.
• If you are over 65 you are entitled to a free flu jab. Flu can develop into pneumonia which can be very serious. GP surgeries hold flu clinics at this time of year, so make sure you have booked in.
• Ideally your living areas should be 18 – 21 degrees C during the day. Try to heat your bedroom before you go to bed and keep it about 18 degrees C overnight. I have a supply of free room thermometers, so please contact me if you would like one.
• Try to keep moving if you can as this generates heat. Wearing several thin layers of clothing helps to keep you warmer than wearing one thick one, and eating at least one hot meal a day and having plenty of warm drinks will help keep your body temperature up.
• You can request your pharmacy to deliver your regular medication if you can’t get out, or call the Link on 07969 347042 who may be able to find a volunteer to collect it for you.
• Even if it’s cold, don’t give up on staying connected to friends, family and social groups. Getting out of the house and socialising helps us to feel happier and healthier. Many groups and activities run during the day and if you do not have a means of getting there, the Link may be able to help you. If you can’t get out, try to stay in touch by phone. I can give you information about social groups and activities running in your area.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can provide any more information on getting ready for winter. Lise Griffiths Good Neighbour Co-ordinator Trowbridge Rural Community Area 07584 101092 & Westbury Rural Community Area 07541 353401

Wiltshire Good Neighbours

Lise Griffiths, the Good Neighbour co-ordinator, is able to provide information and sources of support for any issue affecting older people in the community, either over the telephone or by visiting them at home.  If you think that you or someone you know might benefit from this service, please contact her on 07584 101092 or e-mail trowbridgegnc@communityfirst.org.uk

CPRE:  Laurence Kitching Award 2013 – Best Kept Village Competition

Whilst the villages which won in the county round of the Best Kept Village Competition in 2011 and 2012 are automatically excluded from the main competition for the next two years – Hilperton included – those winning villages are invited to enter the Laurence Kitching Award, which is a competition to find the ‘winner of winners’.  This year the six eligible villages are:  Lea, West Dean, Hilperton, Dinton and Great Hinton.  Hilperton has been entered and judging will take place in mid-August.

Hilperton Cemetery

There have been a lot of calls recently from people about the state of the cemetery, in particular the fact that the grass has not been cut for some time and very little weeding has been done.  Wiltshire Council has changed contractors this year and it appears that county-wide this kind of work is weeks behind.  Both the Parish Council and our Wiltshire Councillor have been in touch with Wiltshire Council about this situation, which is not acceptable.

Hilperton War Memorial

Four stone masonry companies have been asked to quote for the cleaning of the War Memorial, which it is hoped will be done next spring, in readiness for the commemoration of the commencement of the First World War later in 2014.

Hilperton PC increases its precept.
The parish council discussed the 2013/14 precept at its meeting earlier this week. It was decided to increase the ‘band D’ precept by 26p a year to £12.75 (an increase of 2.2%).