We know that many people are concerned about keeping warm in winter without incurring unaffordable energy bills. Age UK has issued the following suggestions on how to reduce energy bills, some of which are are simple changes, such as turning lights off when you leave a room, whereas some of them are more extensive changes. Their website contains more details about how to achieve each item listed. If you don’t have access to the internet you could ask for help from someone who does, including at a public library. Just search for Age UK heating advice.
Turn lights off
Think about replacing lightbulbs
Choose appliances with good energy ratings
Switch off appliances when they're not in use
Defrost your freezer every six months
Take showers instead of baths
Fix dripping taps
Only use the water you need
Turn off radiators in rooms you don’t use
Understand how your heating controls work
Run machines at lower temperatures
Keep radiators and heaters clear
Bleed radiators
Make sure doors and windows are draught-proofed
Install double glazing throughout your home
Insulate roof and loft spaces
Insulate cavity walls
Insulate hot water tanks
You can also keep warm and find some company in Burford Library. It’s activities include Knit and Natter (apparently knitting is not compulsory) on the first Tuesday of every month from 2.00pm to 3.00pm and coffee mornings on every Friday from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Burford Parish Church hosts Coffee & Company every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12.00 noon. It’s a great way to meet new friends and enjoy fellowship together.
Time Out for older residents is held in the Warwick Hall from11am to 3pm with a range of activities and speakers. If you would like to join, call at the Warwick Hall reception desk or call 01993 822451 or 01451 844371.
Citizens Advice can also help with advice on energy saving via their website citizens advice.org.uk. They have an office at Marlborough Lane in Witney (behind the Blue Boar pub in the Market Square) which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 1.00pm. They can be contacted by telephone on Freephone 0808 2787908.
If you are not receiving pension credit but think you may be eligible for it, they can help you with this. If you do receive pension credit, you should still be able to claim a winter fuel allowance from the government.
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