As Christmas approaches, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on this extraordinary year we have all just experienced.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the elephant in the room: the story of 2020 has been less how any of us might have necessarily hoped, and more like the plot of a Hollywood film. The repercussions of this year will likely be felt for many more to come, but at a time like Christmas we should attempt to give thanks for some of the positive developments this year- and yes, there have been some! Whether we look at Africa being declared free of Polio, or SpaceX sending astronauts into orbit once again, or Coventry’s own Margaret Keenan receiving the first vaccine recently.
It has been, for many of us, a long year. However, with luck and restraint, there may now be light at the end of the tunnel. I have had the great privilege of remaining Mayor this year past my expected handover date. In my role as Mayor of Solihull I certainly have an enduring hope that perhaps 2021 will be brighter.
This hope is founded on the people I meet and hear about as the Mayor, who really are the best of our borough. Particularly this year, the level of charity and goodwill between the residents of the borough has been remarkable. People, who are often struggling themselves in their own private way, reaching out a helping hand to our most vulnerable, is truly an inspiring sight.
I am sure that the community spirit and support for one another I see all the time as Mayor, and more than ever this year, will also be displayed over the Christmas period. Whoever you are celebrating with this year, the Mayoress and I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year. Here’s to 2021!
The Mayor of Solihull
Councillor Stuart Davis