As your mayor, I have seen so many ways you share the spirit of Christmas – not just in December, but throughout the year. It has been my privilege to join charities, community groups and good causes as they have sought to make Wokingham Borough a better place for every resident.
Among the many, many visits I have enjoyed, some have stood out. The Dialogue Society where people from many faiths and cultures shared a meal together (and very good it was) took part in a quiz, but importantly shared friendship with each other to promote understanding of each other’s cultures. I was privileged to share Christmas Carols with children from some of our primary schools.
We shared a celebration of Christmas in music with an orchestra from Berkshire Music Trust at Loddon Valey Leisure Centre. Our children were magnificent and I am very grateful for all the hard work both they and their teachers spent practising. The musicians were fabulous; their skills made the evening such a success.
If you want to celebrate the spirit of the season by making a donation to charity, could I encourage you to support my charity of the year, Woodley Foodbank.
So many of you kindly took part in a reverse advent calendar appeal last month, but the need continues. I want to ensure that no resident goes hungry, not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
I myself will be sharing Christmas Day with some of our residents who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day – hosted by The Link Visiting Scheme – and would like to thank my family for allowing me to do this.
As you and your loved ones mark Christmas and the season of goodwill, I would like to send festive greetings to all of you over this Christmas period. I hope that you all have a healthy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.
