Filling the dark winter evenings

And that's before we change the clocks.

I grew up in Scotland, so if you think Sheffield gets it cold in the winter you can think again.

The fun parts were when we had days off school because the bus couldn't make it through the snowdrifts to the village where we lived, seven miles from the local secondary school.

And it challenges your creativity to think of things to do when you can't go outside.

This side of Christmas was fine - we spent endless hours on Christmas crafts and presents, practising for school plays and concerts and making huge lists of the many presents we thought Father Christmas might like to bring.

But when the festivities are over and the winter continues, or for families who weren't into Christmas, new ideas are required.

We had a brilliant game called Offices, which we used to play when our dad had a migraine and needed the house to be quiet.

Basically, we rearranged the sitting room so that we each had a table and chair, and pretended to answer the phone and put calls through to each other.

Then there were games for Saturday mornings, when we didn't have to get up as early as during the week.

We'd have Fall Flat on Your Nose competitions, where you had to stand on the bed and fall forwards without putting your hands out.

And when all else fails, there are writing games. Writing letters to each other, playing Consequences, I can't quite believe that we filled so many hours with games like this.

How old fashioned were we?

While you're thinking of all the fun and games you'll be having this winter, give some thought to how you're going to keep your family safe and warm without spending a fortune.

Get tested

Make sure your heating systems are checked and are at the required standard.

If you live in a rented property, your landlord should arrange for the gas supply to be inspected.

And before you switch on your electric blanket, bring it to our Sheffield City Council Trading Standards officers for a free safety inspection.

They'll be in the Central Library on Monday 15 October and Castle Market on Tuesday 16 October.

Get the benefit

If you're receiving benefits, you might be eligible for a Warm Front grant to pay for up to 2,700 of work to improve insulation and heating in your home.

Ring Sheffield City Council on 0114 2736294 for more details.

Also, the Save 'n' Warm scheme offers free cavity wall insulation and loft insulation if you or anyone in your household is on a qualifying benefit.

If you're not on benefits you can still access cheaper prices for insulation.

All householders living within the administrative boundaries of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Councils are eligible regardless of their circumstances.

To register interest in the scheme call freephone 0800 512012 or 01302 737053 or [email protected]