Mayor cllr Jon Hubbard’s Christmas message

SO 2021 has been another year that most of us won’t be looking to repeat again inahurry,and as Ipen these words, the Government is announcing a return to mandatory wearing of masks in shops and on public transport, so the journey back to full normality still seems to have a way to go.

However, there is much that is looking brighter this year than ever, and I don’t mean only the fantastic Christmas Lights display that the team has created for us again this year.

Schools are now pretty much back to normal, busi- nesses are back open – albeit operating a bit differently than in the past, the High Street is open and people are back out and about.

Melksham also continues to benefit from the amazing voluntary groups that support our community and it’s been fantastic to see the established groups opening back up and even some new ones start to serve our town.

It was particularly good to see Melksham Community Meals get back up and running again and the new Melksham Community Dining group, set up by my colleague Cllr Louisa Lewis, starting to provide a weekly free meal on Wednesdays in Bowerhill.

Seeing the young people back in the Youth Centre again has been wonderful and I’m so pleased that this amazing venue is back in full force. The Seniors Film Club is meeting once more and the Over 60s club is reporting strong numbers attending their restarted regular meetings.

The opening of “That Meeting Place” in the old Art House Café has been a joy to see happening, not even a fire in the kitchen could stop John and his team getting that done!

There are, of course, so many other voluntary-led groups across the town that have been restarting over the past month and I can only apologise that the limited words I have available mean that I cannot list and thank you all individually. However, be assured that we are all so grateful for all that you do for our town.

But the number of people who are running these amazing groups is shrinking and we desperately need to see some new people join the ranks of Melksham’s phenomenal volunteer team.

So as 2022 beckons, here’s my Christmas Ask for you all. Can you help keep Melksham being the very special town that it is? Could you help with a group for toddlers, or maybe run a regular bridge/whist night for older residents, or help the team delivering youth clubs from the youth centre? Could you support an existing group by supporting with the admin work, or be a committee member or trustee?

Melksham has always been proud of its community spirit. As we rise from the Covid years will you be part of what helps keep Melksham amazing? It could be just an hour or two a month, or it could be much more – that’s for you to decide. For details of volunteering opportunities please contact the Town Hall or just watch the pages of the Melksham News – there’s always someone looking for your help.

Annette and I, together with all the Councillors and Council Team wish you all a fantastic Christmas and a Happy New Year.