A Christmas message from the Community News
Once again it has been an interesting and challenging year with economic and political uncertainty.
Naturally our thoughts are with those who have been and still are being affected by conflict in Ukraine, Gaza and across the world. We have seen communities pull together to do what they can to help – be it a fund-raising, campaigning for peace or donating aid parcels. We all hope for a swift and peaceful end to these terrible wars.
At home we have seen the continued cost of living crisis. Again, communities have come together to support those most in need with food banks and warm rooms amongst other local resources and initiatives. Please do continue to donate and support local causes where possible.
No doubt, these are tough times, but we are fortunate to live and work where we do. It is a place where friends, colleagues and neighbours are always there to look out for each other with a friendly face, an ear to bend or a shoulder to lean on when needed.
However, there have also been lighter moments this year. One of these highlights has to have been the Coronation of King Charles III in May. For most of us it was our first experience of a Coronation and whether you are a royalist or not, it was a chance for our communities to come together and celebrate….which we did in style!
Sports fans will have been glued to a thrilling Ashes series and the blue half of East Anglia enjoyed seeing Ipswich gaining promotion from League One to the Championship where they are currently flying high and sitting in 2nd, who knows, perhaps this time next year we’ll be cheering on a Premier League team!
Hopefully you are looking forward to spending some time with family and friends this Christmas to enjoy good food and company. As you finish your Christmas shopping and with the January sales around the corner, please do continue to support the fantastic independent businesses within our community. They are the lifeblood of our towns and villages so let’s make sure we support them where we can.
Finally, we’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a fantastic Christmas and healthy and happy new year. See you in 2024!
David, Karen, Polly, Kasey & Gemma (the Community News team)