We seem to have gone from summer straight to winter.

The summer clothes are packed away, the winter woolies out and wellies by the door. With that comes challenges for many in our community and so there is no apology from me for my usual reminder to think of others.

If you have an elderly neighbour, keep an eye on them. Make sure they are warm and getting out. If they are unable to get out do they need any messages?

Having been housebound myself recently I know how easy it is to become isolated when you don't get out and I was grateful for my ability to do online shopping.

We are all guilty of not taking time for others with our busy lives and the number of people who now walk along glued to their mobile phones without looking up and interacting with each other is a sad site to see, we really don't communicate with each other any more. I am sure this is contributing to the break down of community.

I appreciate that the men who collect our bins are probably working to extremely tight deadlines and, in fact may well even be short staffed as I saw one lorry where the driver was collecting and emptying bins as well as driving, however the down side is that in their hurry to complete their round the operatives are abandoning the bins in such a way that the pavements end up being blocked.

This is hopeless for those with a visual impairment, wheelchair users and parents with pushchairs. However watching pedestrians negotiate around the bins without thought for others who might not be able to is just as infuriating.

Isn't it about time that we all woke up and took community responsibility? If the pavement is blocked why not clear it and move offending bins until the home owner can take the bins in.

We could all do with taking a leaf out of a local hero's book. I was delighted to see that Kelly Andrews, who many will know as the face of Humbles cafe, received a Volunteer of the Year award.

Kelly, her son, Josh and her friend Nicola have tirelessly raised money for lung cancer research. Kelly tragically lost her beloved husband Gary a few years ago and has made it her mission in life to raise money to help others.

I know those who know her are so pleased that she has been honoured, it is so very well deserved. The selflessness with which Kelly does all that she does is something all if us could do with adopting.

So next time you see a blocked pavement or an advert for a local fundraiser why not get involved. Clear the pavement or volunteer. Your community needs you.