Mayor's Christmas Message

Whether or not you are like myself a descendant of a long established Monmouth family or someone who has recently moved into the town, I strongly believe that everyone has a role to play within our community.

I have witnessed just how much effort the people of Monmouth put into their community.

There are many clubs, groups and organisations that cater for a variety of interests within our town.

And I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who give so much of their time to our community.

I have met many interesting and hard working people on my visits to many functions within our town, and I am always in awe at the commitment and energy that people put into their particular interest.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues on the Town Council, who work with other organisations tirelessly on behalf of the interests of the community in which we live.

In my opinion, we are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of Britain.

During my address at the Town Council's Civic Service I compared our town to the Garden of Eden. This is an ancient town that has to adapt to life in the 21st century and learning to face up to and resolve the problems that the modern day presents. But I am sure that we can as a community overcome these barriers in a sensitive and progressive way. We will achieve this target by working together in partnership with the appropriate organisations that exist within the town.

We as a community and as individuals face a challenging period, especially in the present economic climate and my thoughts are with those who maybe facing an uncertain future in regard to employment and maintaining a family.

In times such as these there is a need for the community to come together to support each other. I am sure that the old Monmouth spirit will come to the fore and a spirit of friendship will be shown to our neighbours.

Christmas is a time of not only the giving and receiving of presents, it is also a time of celebrating the birth of Jesus, and what this birth means to us today. The Christian message is of love and peace to one and all.

It also an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, but please do not let us forget that there are individuals who maybe alone this Christmas.

I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Councillor Terry Christopher

Monmouth Town Mayor.