Christmas is going to be very different

Who would have thought at the start of 2020, the year would be ending like this?

Wetherby Councillor Alan Lamb writes - The Covid19 pandemic has tragically taken so many lives and livelihoods, as well as robbing us of many of the freedoms that we took for granted less than 12 months ago.

Christmas this year is going to be very different to others that we have known, both for us all individually as well as our community.

I have to say that I marvelled at how well the community came together to ensure we had Christmas lights in our town and villages again this year.

It was a wonderful effort, and while I played only a very small part in physically getting lights on trees, I do have a new-found appreciation of the hard work put in by the small army of volunteers who do this year in, year out.

It’s not just the act of putting the trees up, all the lights must be properly tested beforehand to make sure they work, but more importantly, that they are safe, only then can they be installed.

Normally throughout the town, the lights would be paid for by our local businesses.

This year, however, as a local businessman as well as Councillor, I have seen first-hand the impact of Covid on local businesses and our High Street.

So with that in mind, the Ward members have funded this year’s lights as a way of trying to help bring some sparkle to the town in December.

We have not asked for any donations, but if anyone would like to make a contribution, we would ask they make a donation to Leeds Women’s Aid, the chosen charity this year of the Wetherby Mayor.

Given the impact on our local shops, I would also ask that when doing your Christmas shopping, please pay a thought for our local businesses and I would urge you to support them where you can.

While it is true big business is suffering, your custom can make all the difference to a small trader and may help to sustain a valued local business so that they are here to trade and recover in 2021.

Finally, I know it’s only early December, but may I take a moment to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

With the likelihood of a Covid vaccine being available shortly, lets all hope that 2021 will be an improvement on this year.