It is a great honour and privilege to represent you all, the Townspeople of Shildon. We have attended many events, both in Shildon and around our region, and whilst lasting friendships have been forged consideration has also been given to the variety of challenges that face us all in these changing and difficult times.
Fundraising is extremely important for all organisations, and thankfully, we all can help, either by donating time, money items or just promoting events. My charities this year are the Mara Unit, Bishop Auckland General Hospital and Help for Heroes, who again need our help and support through difficult times. Thank you to everyone who has supported my fundraising.
My prayers are with al of the armed forces serving our country, wherever they may are this Christmas and I hope that they all return safely to their families. We owe them so much for providing us with the comfort of being safe in our own country.
Only too often young people are blamed for all of the trouble in the area, but I have had the great honour of attending and presenting awards to young people of this town who have achieved greatness and will continue to be proud young people of the town. Again, this was demonstrated during the Angels and Kings Procession and Carol Service. Thank you all.
I am very grateful for all the help and support that I have had from the staff of Shildon Town Council, without whom I could not have carried out my duties as Town Mayor. I also wish to give thanks to the Town Crier, Shildon Council workforce and the staff at the Civic Hall. It goes without saying that I should thank my wife Pat and daughters Louise and Rachael for their unconditional support over the last 33 years.
On this note I wish all the Townspeople and ex Shildonians around the globe a happy and peaceful Christmas. Can I ask that during this holy time you all bear in mind the sick, elderly, lonely and anyone struggling financially who would benefit from a neighbourly kind word. I would like to finish by wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year as I am sure we will all meet new challenges in 2015. God bless you all. x
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
