The Mayor’s Christmas message

Happy Christmas!  

On behalf of Frome Town Council I want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Wherever and however you are celebrating Christmas, I do hope that you have a peaceful and rewarding few days.

Christmas for most of us is probably a time for being with family and friends.  It is one of the few times in the year when we reflect on what we have achieved and start to make plans for the future.  Traditionally children hope that they get that special present and parents work hard to create a memorable and relaxing atmosphere.  Usually everyone eats far too much – I know I do!

Some people have to work over the festive season.  Happy Christmas to all the people who will be doing their job over Christmas – the emergency services, police, fire, ambulance, utility services and others will all be making it possible for the rest of us to have a nice time.

Christmas is a time for giving – but I don’t mean just expensive gifts.  When I was younger I would spend a huge amount of money, but as I have got older I spend much less and give far more thought to my purchases.  The last thing anyone should do is to spend more money than they can afford – a small thoughtful gift is worth far more than a big pricey unwanted token gesture.

There are lots of other ways to give that will make you feel warm inside.  Giving time to elderly or frail relatives, giving thought to people less fortunate, giving a helping hand to a neighbour or giving donations to charity – it’s the thought that counts, as well as the actual act of giving.

So, whatever you are doing this Christmas I really hope you have a good one – Merry Christmas!

Richard Ackroyd