Day: 9 April 2026

Introduction

Purton & District Age Concern is pleased to present its report to the Annual Parish Council Meeting, outlining our activities during 2025 and the continued role we play in promoting community wellbeing across Purton and the surrounding district.

As a self-funded charity, our primary aim remains supporting older residents by reducing isolation, encouraging social interaction, and fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

Overview of 2025

Despite wider global challenges during the year, 2025 has been an extremely positive and successful year for Purton & District Age Concern.

We have seen exceptional attendance and engagement across all our organised events, exceeding expectations and demonstrating the strength of local support for our group.

Our programme of activities throughout 2025 included:

• Burns Night
• Two highly successful 3B’s Evenings
• Wine Tasting Evening
• Community Coffee Morning
• Coach Outings
• Ongoing minibus services supporting residents

These events not only provide entertainment and social opportunities but also play a vital role in promoting the organisation, attracting new members, and raising funds to sustain our services.

Launch of the Chatter Club

One of the highlights of 2025 was the launch of our Chatter Club, held on the first Wednesday of each month at The Red House.

This initiative has grown steadily throughout the year and has become a welcoming, informal space offering:

• Free tea, coffee, and cake
• A warm and friendly environment
• Opportunities for conversation and companionship

The Chatter Club directly supports our mission of reducing loneliness and strengthening community connections.

Community Support and Christmas Provision

Thanks to the continued support of our members, volunteers, street wardens, committee, and event attendees, we were once again able to provide Christmas vouchers to eligible residents in 2025.

We also organised subsidised festive activities to ensure that the Christmas period remained inclusive and community-focused, including:

Christmas Parties

Carols Under the Tree, supported by Lock Down Brass & Friends, with free mince pies and mulled wine.

These events help bring the whole community together and reinforce the group’s visible presence within the parish.

Promotion and Community Engagement

Throughout 2025, the club has actively promoted its activities through:

• Regular newsletters
• Word-of-mouth via our Street Wardens
• Community events
• Parish connections
• Our website and mailing list

Our Street Warden network continues to play a vital role as the first point of contact for residents, ensuring support and information are readily accessible.

Volunteers and Partnerships

We extend sincere thanks to:

• Our dedicated Committee
• Street Wardens
• The Minibus Committee and volunteer drivers
• Event organisers and helpers

Their commitment ensures the continued success and sustainability of this self-funded organisation, which remains a valued and respected asset within Purton and neighbouring areas.

We also signpost residents to relevant external services such as Age UK, Citizens Advice, Wiltshire Council, and other local support organisations where appropriate.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Planning is already underway for a full programme of events in 2026, including:

• Burns Night (January)
• 3B’s Evenings (March and October)
• Coffee Morning (July)
• Coach Trips from June to November
• Continuation of Chatter Club

We anticipate another busy and productive year and look forward to continuing to work alongside the Parish Council to support the wellbeing of our older residents.

Conclusion

2025 has been a year of growth, strong attendance, and community spirit for Purton & District Age Concern. The continued enthusiasm of our supporters demonstrates the importance of maintaining social opportunities and practical support within our parish.

We remain committed to promoting inclusion, companionship, and community engagement in the year ahead.

 

2026 Coach Trips

So far, we have booked two trips for 2026. The first will take place on Wednesday 20 May, and the second on Wednesday 24 June.

The May trip will be a scenic drive through the countryside (full details to follow), including a two-course lunch. The cost will be £30 per person, or £32 for those under 65 or living outside the village.

Our June trip will be a steam train journey in South Wales, costing £32 per person (£34). Please note that you will need to bring a packed lunch, as there is only a limited café area available.

Places for either trip can be booked by calling Peter on 01793 778119.
Further coach trips will be announced in future editions of the magazine once arrangements have been confirmed.

Age Wiltshire Events

Age Wiltshire organise various events throughout the year, held either in Purton Village Hall or the Memorial Hall in Royal Wootton Bassett. These events are always enjoyable and well attended, particularly by Purton residents, which is great to see.

Attendance is free, although a donation bucket is available for anyone who wishes to contribute.

The most recent event took place on 24 February at the Village Hall, when the Bob Heath Trio entertained us with music from the 1950s and 1960s, along with audience requests (when they knew the words!). They were a lively and humorous band and provided a wonderful afternoon of music. Tea, coffee and cakes are always provided.

Keep an eye out for future dates. Our minibus can also be arranged for anyone who needs transport.

First Aid Evening

We were very grateful to Mark Hussey from St John Ambulance for coming along to our meeting on 4 March at the Methodist Church. He delivered a very useful first aid session for members of the main committee and drivers and “shotguns” from the minibus group who were interested in attending.

The evening covered basic first aid practices, including resuscitation techniques and controlling bleeding, and also included a demonstration on how to use a defibrillator.

Mark kindly brought along training dummies so that everyone could try resuscitation techniques, as well as demonstration defibrillators. It proved to be a very informative and practical session.

With more defibrillators being installed in public places, it is reassuring to know that modern machines now talk the user through the process step by step, making them much easier for anyone to use in an emergency.

Chatter Club Continues

Our Chatter Club continues to grow, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back on Wednesday 1st April at The Red House.

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 11.30am to 2pm. It is a warm and welcoming space where people can chat, play pool or cards, enjoy tea or coffee, and of course sample some cake — all completely free.

If you require minibus transport, please book with Hazel on 01793 770862.

Coffee Morning – 4 July

It may seem a little early, but please save the date for our annual coffee morning on 4 July in Bentham.

Once again, Dick and Jackie have kindly offered the use of their beautiful garden for the event. There will be our usual stalls, so all budding gardeners and bakers should start preparing now! We will be asking for plant and cake donations to help make it a wonderful day while raising funds for Purton & District Age Concern.

Wiltshire Connect – Free Transport to Hospital with bus pass

If you need help getting to hospital appointments, Wiltshire Connect is a new transport service set up by Wiltshire Council. Travel is free for bus pass holders, and fares for those without a pass are very reasonable.

The service can collect you locally — or from your home if you have mobility difficulties — and take you to destinations such as Great Western Hospital. It can also be used for shopping or social trips depending on the route.

Bookings can be made up to a week in advance by calling 01225 712900.

Swindon WOW (What’s On When)

Swindon WOW is a useful guide produced by Home Instead, listing activities in the local area for older people, including those living with dementia.

For enquiries call 01793 234439 or email cat.attewell@homeinsteadswindon.co.uk. The guide can also be accessed via a link on our website.

National Priority Services Register

We would also like to remind residents about the National Priority Services Register, which provides support and advice if there is an interruption to your electricity, gas, or water supply.

It is free to join for anyone over 60. If there is a power cut, for example, you will automatically receive updates about the problem and when it is likely to be fixed. The service can also provide priority access to emergency supplies, such as bottled water if there is a prolonged interruption.

You can join online by visiting www.thepsr.co.uk, or by calling 0800 294 3259.

If you need help registering, please contact Emma Wheeler on 07496 809035.

Tai Chi for Health and Wellness

Our Tai Chi classes continue Thursdays at 1.30pm (term time only) at the Millennium Hall.

This gentle exercise can help improve balance, wellbeing, and mobility, and may be beneficial for people with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

Your first session is free, and thereafter classes cost £7. No booking is required — just come along.

For more information contact Graham on 07950 510420.

Wiltshire Bobby Van

The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust continues to provide free home security checks and install smoke and fire detectors for eligible residents.

To arrange a visit, call 01225 256867 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) or visit www.wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk

Could We Support Your Group?

If you are involved in a local group or club that supports older residents and requires some funding, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please email secretary@purtonageconcern.com with details of your project.

Are You 65+ and Living in Purton?

If you are 65 or over and have never heard from us before, please get in touch. We want to make sure all eligible residents are aware of the support we offer, including information about your local street warden.

Contact Georgina on 07966 222967 or email secretary@purtonageconcern.com.

Need Transport?

If you are over 60 and need help getting to the doctor’s surgery or shops, you can arrange a seat on the Purton & District Age Concern minibus.

Please call Hazel on 01793 770862.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids

We have a small stock of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and walking sticks available for loan.

Contact Peter on 01793 778119 or email secretary@purtonageconcern.com.

Call for Volunteers

If you are interested in becoming a committee member or helping regularly at our events, please contact our secretary at secretary@purtonageconcern.com to find out more.

Stay Connected

Do not forget to follow us on social media and join our mailing list to keep up to date with events, news, and fundraising activities. Email secretary@purtonageconcern.com to be added.

 

Together, we keep Purton thriving — thank you for all your support!

 

Peter Berry

Chairman, Purton & District Age Concern