does anyone have any tips for keeping a chinese elm alive for the winter because ive heard that winter is quite a hard time of year to keep a chinese elm in tip top shape.

What country are you in? Chinese Elms are totallu hardy and will withstand substantial amount of frost

im in england

Ok, Bob, where in England? My Chinese Elms as I said previously, are outside. They have no protection at all, and stand pemperatures to -10C and lower.
They come from a part of China that has harsh winters. You can if you wish put them under a bench to keep the rain off a bit, Mine does not drop leaves until spring usually, but that does not mean others won't.
Have a look at bonsai4me.com this an English web site and has species guides etc and is one of the best there is.
Geoff.