I had several enquiries regarding the wheelchair that was abandoned outside my back gate some months ago. If anyone else has a wheelchair that they no longer need, I would be happy to put you in touch with someone who wants one.
I have been notified about a phone call which is recorded (not a live person). You are asked to press button 2 to find out more about cavity wall insulation. Don't press 2 as there is a possibility that you could end up with a very expensive phone bill. Just put the phone down. If you want to find out about cavity or stone wall insulation, phone the Severn Wye Energy Agency in Highnam.
Age UK have launched a county-wide telephone befriending service for older people. Whilst recognising that telephone befriending is not suitable for everyone, it does add to the range of support available for tackling loneliness and isolation in later life in Gloucestershire. You can find out more by phoning Age UK or online by visiting www.ageuk.org.uk/gloucestershire/what-we-do/call-in-time/.
Make sure you have your flu jab. Your GP’s surgery will be able to tell you dates, times and locations.
Buy a couple of extra tinned or packet groceries each week, including powdered milk, to keep you going during a snowy or icy spell. (Check the Use By date before you buy.) Keep them in a separate cupboard or box – you can use them up when the weather improves.
There is a charity for civil servants, both current and retired, who have found themselves in difficulties across a wide range of circumstances. The charity can help with access to money, advice and guidance and. in some cases, may be able to provide some financial support. Contact The Charity for Civil Servants, 5 Anne Boleyn's Walk, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 8DY. Tel: 0800 056 2424 Email: help@foryoubyyou.org.uk or visit www.ForYouByYou.org.uk.
For information about taking part, sponsoring or donating online, visit www.GlosArthritisTrust.org.
The Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum in Gloucester Docks won the award for the Best Small Museum in Britain in 1991. It is now embarking on a major project to refresh its displays and needs help from volunteers with a variety of tasks from cataloguing and conditioning silver and plate, to research using the archives, to IT skills or even to gaining retail experience in the shop. If anyone could give a few hours a week, or even a month, contact the curator either by telephone on 01452 522682 or by email at curator@sogm.co.uk. The Museum cannot afford to pay but it will meet travel costs and for some this could be a useful contribution to a CV.