Remember the elderly when winter strikes

So was last week “snow joke”, or “snow much fun” for you?

Youngsters across the two towns may have rejoiced at the snowfall, but others were left to endure travel misery and even being isolated in their homes.

A blanket of snow brought havoc, and drivers were told to only make essential journeys, although it remains up to the individual what an essential journey might be.

As ever, the response of the council created lots of debate. Some were happy to see their roads treated, others insisted they had not seen a single gritter and claimed the local authority had failed to keep the transport network moving.

While travel issues leave many frustrated, it is easy to forget those who really suffer when the snow comes.

Vulnerable members of society often feel isolated from the community, and being unable to leave the house for fear of falling simply exacerbates the problem.

If we do experience further snowfall this winter, make sure you keep an eye on elderly neighbours and make sure they get the support they deserve.

You can read more about last week’s white out on page four and check out pages 24 and 25 for your fun snow pictures. Do not worry if your picture is not in this week, we’ll have the rest in a special feature next week.

Elsewhere in this week’s paper, we have a special feature on page 13 ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day on Saturday.

Cathkin High pupils Lyndsay McKechnie and Amie Harvey visited Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland last year, and they have shared their thoughts with the Reformer.

We thank them for that and ask our readers to spare a moment for those so brutally murdered by an evil regime.