Hello everybody,
It’s that time of year again, when we all cast our minds back and assess the last twelve months. It has certainly been a memorable time, but for all the wrong reasons.
The difficulties and hardships that many of us have faced this year have at times seemed insurmountable, but in every dark cloud, there is always a silver lining. If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything here in Melksham, it has reminded us all of the value of Community. So many of us have reached out and offered to help others. If you were one of the many who simply picked up your phone and called someone to ask if they were okay, I thank you.
The incredible efforts of our community volunteers, the local shops and businesses, care homes and the many small organisations of the town have all looked after us so well in this unprecedented year. As Mayor, one of the most rewarding – and humbling – tasks that I was asked to perform was to add my signature to the thank you cards sent to every one of over four hundred community volunteers, some of whom continue to give their time to people who have now become friends.
Local businesses too, stepped up to the mark, changing and adapting to cope with the restrictions, and now, as we slowly come out of lockdown, we can in our turn, help them. Please, if you can, shop local!
During lockdown, we’ve developed a website for the town centre, supporting and showcasing our amazing businesses, many of whom have signed up for this free promotional offer. If you haven’t done so yet, just get in touch. Every fortnight, since March, we’ve also sent business bulletins out to our mailing list to keep businesses up to date with latest news. As Town Mayor, I’ve also been active, with the Deputy Mayor, visiting shops and businesses and creating photo opportunities. We’ve met some delightful business people and, crucially, celebrated the opening of new shops in the town. The resilience of our businesses is incredible as they have reacted to rapidly changing circumstances and government guidance; we salute you all. As Town Mayor, I’m keen to take every opportunity to showcase our businesses, so if you have an occasion to celebrate, let me know if you think I can help!
As technology and the recent news of vaccines catches up with the threat which has restricted our activities so much this year, we can look forward to a more normal life in 2021 with renewed optimism. Melksham is an amazing place to live, full of generous and talented people, and I am so proud to be its Mayor.
On behalf of Deputy Mayor Geoff Mitcham, the Councillors and staff at the Town Hall, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Please remember to adhere to published government guidance, have a lovely, safe Christmas, and see you all in 2021!
