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
