Mayor of Newark Laurence Goff writes about thinking of others this Christmas season

Christmas means different things to different people at different times. For some, it is a time of celebration; for others, it is a time to remember those who are no longer with us. For some of us, it is a time of great spiritual meaning; for others, it is all about the presents! It can change: this year will see our new King’s first Christmas broadcast.

Charles Dicken’s great novel, A Christmas Carol, opens on a bleak, cold Christmas Eve. The miser Scrooge sees Christmas as a humbug. It is his subsequent transformation, brought about by the visit of the spirits with their visions of the past, the present, and a possible future, that has him realising that it should be about bringing happiness and thinking of others over oneself.

In the spirit of Christmas, I hope each one of us will have an opportunity to remember others in need. Those of us fortunate enough to come together in sharing, caring and togetherness, should still think of those whose lives have been affected by issues like loneliness, disability and illness, or violence.

Newark Emmaus Trust is one of my two Mayor’s charities. It gives help and support to young homeless and vulnerable people. I am delighted to support its work and that of the Sconce Hills Pre-school Playgroup. Both help Newark’s children and young people prepare to have the best life that they can.

There are so many people in our communities who are deserving of our deep and ongoing gratitude over the Christmas period.

May I extend my thanks on behalf of all the people of the Newark community to those who volunteered time and energy around town by helping others throughout the year and increasing our sense of friendship with family and friends.

I was immensely proud to see our community come together at our Christmas Lights switch-on. I hope that as many as possible have the greatest gift of all, togetherness with your family and friends.