Christmas message from the Royal Borough's mayor

Cllr Dorothy Kemp, Mayor of the Royal Borough, says:

"Christmas is with us again and everybody has been busy shopping and preparing for the day itself as well as buying presents and cards for family and friends.

It is always a happy time of the year and we are all more cheerful and enjoying the festivities. In spite of the gloomy financial situation, there is a great joyous spirit prevailing and a determination that we shall make the best of it. All the shops seem to have music playing, with carols being sung, and in the town shoppers are out making merry – and I have met Father Christmas three times over the past few weeks.

As usual, I shall be spending Christmas Day and Boxing Day with my two elder sons and their families, and my youngest son has been to visit for a couple of days, so I am fortunate that I shall see them all over the festive period.

On Christmas Eve, I will be attending the midnight service at All Saints’ Church, a tradition which my husband and I have always followed and which I continue to do, sad though it is – but this is what I feel Christmas is all about. 

Remembering what happened on that day all those years ago when that little boy was born and keeping faith as time carries on.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that the New Year will be bright and fortunate for you all."