December 2007

Let's face it.  The last few months’ headlines have not been good for our region. From Northern Rock to Child Benefit and party funding to "Canoe man", it seems to have been Open Season on the North East.  There's not much in the headlines to be proud of, but there's a lot in our area to be proud of.

Every year I get invited to a range of festive events.  They bring people across our community together - and invariably at the heart of those events are volunteers who make a difference.  Take for example members of St. John's Church in Monkseaton who open their doors for a carol service for residents of local homes. Or the businesses, churches and schools involved in the St. Nicholas Festival in Whitley Bay and the Victorian Market in North Shields.  Or Rotary members who steward the St. Nicholas event and who with the Salvation Army raise money for charities at their Christmas Music Spectacular.  Or the sports coaches who work with local teams, not just at Christmas, but all year round.  Or the organisers of the Boxing Day Fun Run which raises money for Woodlawn School.  And many, many more.

Add to that the doctors, nurses, police officers, fire-fighters and council workers who keep us safe and well over the holidays.  They may not be volunteers as such but they show the best of public service.  And remember especially the young servicemen and women from our community who are serving our country in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

We should be proud of them one and all.  Let's make sure we give them a 2008 to be proud of.

Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.