All different times of the year can be hard for individuals, especially for those who live on their own. Many put on a brave face but are confused, sore, sad or distraught, never seeing one person from one day to the next. Often choosing to become a hermit perhaps due to the pressure, or sadness or an inability to cope with their paths filled with black ice or snow.

 Winter time brings its’ own issues, but Christmas time can be horribly lonely for many, but peaceful for others and a whole dose of fun for many more. Some are not able to cook that awesome Christmas meal, so why not add an extra few potatoes and vegetables in to your pan, make a slightly bigger cake or an extra Dessert or a bigger bowl of soup and hand a tray full in as a very welcome treat to someone who may not be able to cook or share the Festivities, or who would feel themselves to be a hindrance to others.

 It’s an expensive time of year with more heating and food needed, warmer clothes and shoes to keep every one warm. Some find it difficult to make ends meet, some just find this time of year depressing and lonely.

 Please, if the weather takes a massive turn for the worse, think about a neighbour – if you have a spare bowl of soup at the bottom of your pan, or one last piece of cake, why not knock on their door, and say ‘ Hi, we had this left and thought you would like it! Or if you are going to the shops, knock on the door and say ‘ Is there anything you need’, Or if you see a bargain, why not buy an extra one and hand it in as a treat. Or if you pass by someone’s pathway discovering it has not been de-iced or the snow is high, why not take 10 minutes out, and clear it for them – can you imagine what a lovely surprise it would be the next time they looked out.

One area which could do with an extra helping hand or two, especially in heavy snows, is South Gardens. Perhaps once you have finished clearing your own pathway you could offer them half an hour of your time.

 Please never forget everyone needs someone and often many have no-one.

Even if you have had a fall out with your neighbour over the years, let bygones be bygones and if you don’t see them for a few days, check they are okay.

Tel No’ s  Lauder – 01578 718670  Stow –     01896 661440

 Within this link there is a useful page, perhaps one worth while saving to file –  Useful Web Links

Thank you.