I WANT to start my column this week by wishing everyone a very happy Christmas. This is a special period where many of us get to spend quality time with our loved ones.

Sadly, there are some people in our community who will not be so fortunate and who may find themselves alone during the festive season. If you know someone who is spending Christmas on their own, please pop in and say ‘hello’, it is often the smallest acts of kindness that mean the most.

There are a number of people, inside and outside the council, who will be working over the festive period and I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to them, especially those who care for our vulnerable and elderly. They truly embody the spirit of Christmas.

Alongside them, there may be people that you know who display the same degree of selflessness in their everyday lives and I would encourage you all to reflect on any acts of kindness that have made a real difference to people’s lives throughout the year.

There is a great opportunity to celebrate their commitment because nominations for next year’s Pride of Swindon awards are currently open. The Advertiser does a fantastic job promoting the awards, which is run in conjunction with the Mayor of Swindon’s office, and recognises the efforts of the town’s unsung heroes. You can find a nomination form for the awards at: www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/pride_hero The closing date for entries is Friday, January 27, at noon.

I was interested to read this week some research from the Met Office that a quarter of UK adults don’t do anything to prepare for the potential weather changes and freezing temperatures over winter. The research claims this leaves millions of people across the country vulnerable to accidents.

I couldn’t agree more that we need to be ready. We may have little chance of a white Christmas with the continuing mild weather, but that does not mean the weather will not take a turn for the worse in the weeks to come.

This is why we have put together a special page on our website: www.swindon.gov.uk/readyforwinter which gives residents useful advice and information about preparing for cold and extreme weather. There is information about road gritting, advice on winter driving and signposts to a wide range of health information and advice relating to cold weather, including details about flu vaccinations.

We will also be providing regular updates on the Council’s Twitter page (@Swindonnews) about when gritting vehicles are likely to go out to treat the 280 miles of our roads.

It always pays to be prepared. Have a great Christmas.