Christmas is nearly upon us, and it has been wonderful to see so many people out and about in the town centre enjoying the Christmas lights, with families enjoying the festive atmosphere. Christmas is of course a time for family and I hope that you are all able to spend some time with your loved ones over the next week or so. Whether you’re staying at home, travelling to see relatives and friends, or doing something entirely different this Christmas, just enjoy yourself, enjoy the season, and, most of all, enjoy that wonderful time with the people who mean the most to you. For children, an extra hug.
Christmas is also a time for reflection, and I would like to take this opportunity to mention examples of some of the many people who have made our borough proud this year.
Our residents for everything they do for others in the community; the many who opened their homes to Ukrainian families fleeing unimaginable terror at the hands of a brutal invasion; they showed a spirit of charity and humanity to which we should all aspire.
Our emergency services, who continue to do such admirable work in very difficult conditions and who showed their selfless dedication during and following the terrible tragedy at Babbs Mill less than two weeks ago.
Our business community, which has shown great resilience in the wake of the Covid pandemic and in the face of difficult economic circumstances.
The tremendous effort put in by everyone who made the Commonwealth Games, in which Solihull played such a big part, so successful.
The teams at the Council for their work throughout the year, as well as all those volunteers and champions that have put themselves forward and supported work in our communities.
As you enjoy your Christmas, please do take a moment to reflect on all those less fortunate at this time of year. I commend the work of the Solihull Community Housing staff who have organised gifts and treats for all the families who will be spending Christmas in temporary accommodation this year, and I am sure their charitable spirit will be replicated across Solihull at this time of giving.
My weekly messages will take a break now, so all that is left is for me to wish you all the best of Christmases and the happiest of New Years!
Adopting the words used from my Mayoral year, my wish is for Health, Happiness, Harmony for you in the New Year.
See you all in 2023
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council