Well, as the summer sunshine continues to challenge our gardens and we all try to keep cool, the Purton & District Age Concern committee has taken a little break during August. That doesn’t mean, however, that we’ve been idle – we’ve been busy planning events for the rest of the year.
Chatter Club
Our Chatter Club continues throughout the summer, and our next session is on Wednesday 2 September. This opportunity to get together with friends and neighbours is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s wonderful to see both familiar faces and new people joining us each month.
We meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 11.30am to 2.00pm. Whether you’d enjoy a chat over a cup of tea, a game of pool, bowls, cards or simply a slice of cake, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, it’s completely free.
If you’d like transport on the minibus, please book with Hazel on 01793 770862.
Steam Train Trip
There are still a few place available on our Brecon Mountain Railway trip.
The trip has been rearranged for 23 September.
The cost is £32 per person for qualifying residents, including coach and train travel, or £34 per person for those living outside the village. Please bring a packed lunch, as seating in the café is limited.
The coach will leave at 10.00am and is expected to return between 6.00pm and 6.30pm.
If you’d like to grab one of the few remaining places, please contact Peter on 01793 778119.
3Bs – Bingo, Bangers & Beans
Tickets are now on sale for our 3Bs evening on Friday 9 October. This is always very popular and sells out fast.
It’s such a great evening, with lots of laughs, lovely food and cash prizes. Tickets are £15 per person including your bingo cards. Any raffle prizes would be gratefully received.
If you want to be in with a chance to win call Andrew on 01973 956095 to book your tickets.
Wiltshire Lottery
You may have seen from our social media pages or direct email that we have registered our charity with the Wiltshire Lottery.
How it works: Local good causes can sign up to be part of the Wiltshire Community Lottery which will give them an additional way to raise money through an online weekly draw.
You, our supporters, can buy up to 20 tickets each week, with prizes of up to £25,000. Each ticket costs just £1, and 50p from every ticket sold comes directly to Purton & District Age Concern, helping us continue supporting older residents in our community.
To buy tickets and nominate us as your good cause please follow the link below.
Participants can cancel the draw at any time; there is no long-term commitment on your behalf.
https://www.wiltshirecommunitylottery.co.uk/support/purton-and-district-age-concern
Who doesn’t want the chance to win £25,000? Good Luck.
Could You Help Us?
We are still trying to grow our committee to continue supporting the older residents of Purton with the events and trips we organise.
We are proud of the activities, support, and friendship we provide for older people in our community, but we need more people to get involved.
If you have ever thought about helping a local charity, this could be a great opportunity. You do not need any special experience – just a willingness to lend a hand and help make a difference.
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
Need a Lift?
If you’re over 60 and need transport to the doctor’s surgery, shops or other local destinations, our minibus may be able to help.
To enquire about booking a seat, please contact Hazel on 01793 770862.
Swindon WOW – What’s On When
Looking for local activities?
Swindon WOW (What’s On When) is a useful guide produced by Home Instead that lists activities and groups for older people, including those living with dementia.
For more information call 01793 234439 or email cat.attewell@homeinsteadswindon.co.uk. A link to the guide is also available on our website.
Are You Registered for Priority Services?
Many people don’t realise they’re entitled to extra support from utility companies.
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is free to join if you’re over 60 and can provide additional help if your electricity, gas or water supply is interrupted.
For example, you’ll receive updates during power cuts and may be eligible for emergency support such as bottled water during longer outages.
To register visit www.thepsr.co.uk or call 0800 294 3259.
If you’d like help signing up, contact Emma Wheeler on 07496 809035.
Tai Chi at the Village Hall
Our Tai Chi sessions continue every Thursday at 1.30pm during term time at the Village Hall.
Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that can help improve balance, mobility and general wellbeing. Many people find it relaxing as well as beneficial for their health.
Your first session is free and after that classes cost £7 per session. No booking is needed – simply come along and give it a try.
For more information contact Graham on 07950 510420.
Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust
The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust continues to offer free home security checks and can install smoke and fire alarms for eligible residents.
If you’d like to arrange a visit, call 01225 256867 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Wiltshire Connect – Free Travel for Bus Pass Holders
If you need help getting to hospital appointments, Wiltshire Connect could be worth looking into. The service can collect passengers locally, or from home if mobility is an issue, and can take you to destinations such as Great Western Hospital. It can also be used for shopping trips and other journeys depending on the route.
Travel is free for bus pass holders and reasonably priced for everyone else.
To book, call 01225 712900. Journeys can be arranged up to a week in advance.
Pheonix Transport
Please note that Pheonix Transport is no longer free for bus pass holders.
For bookings, please call 01249 890794.
Are You Over 65 & Living in Purton?
If you’re aged 65 or over and have never heard from us before, please get in touch.
We want to make sure everyone who could benefit from our services knows what’s available, including information about local Street Wardens and other community support.
Contact Georgina on 07966 222967 or email secretary@purtonageconcern.com.
Could We Help Your Group?
If you’re involved with a local club or group that supports older people and you’re looking for some financial help, we’d be pleased to hear from you.
Please email secretary@purtonageconcern.com with details of your project.
Wheelchairs & Mobility Aids
We have a small selection of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and walking sticks available for loan. If you think we may be able to help, contact Peter on 01793 778119 or email secretary@purtonageconcern.com.
Keep in Touch
Don’t forget to follow us on social media and join our mailing list to keep up to date with local events, activities and fundraising news.
Simply email secretary@purtonageconcern.com and we’ll add you to the list.
As always, thank you for your continued support. Everything we do is only possible because of the generosity, encouragement and kindness of people in our community. Whether you attend our events, volunteer your time, buy a raffle ticket or simply spread the word about what we do, you are helping us support older residents in Purton. Thank you.
Peter Berry
Chairman, Purton & District Age Concern
