Column: Stay safe and look after the ones you love

Before I start my column I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the part, however small, you have played during the coronavirus pandemic.

We all hope that the forthcoming year brings us all good health and the news of a more positive future.

Harrogate District has had numerous cases and sadly some of these patients are no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this Christmas time, traditionally a time for families.

I ask you all to continue with what you have been doing to keep your loved ones and yourself safe.

My heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Harrogate District Hospital who worked so hard to save April’s life after she was diagnosed with Covid, and the staff have continued with their dedicated hard work looking after and caring for many others.

I am sure you will want to join me in wishing staff at the hospital and all the other key workers a very Merry Christmas.

Usually at this time of year we would have been getting ready for our Christmas Eve Concert in The Royal Hall, but sadly this will not be able to take place. But we invite you all to watch this virtually.

The children from Brackenfield School are singing and the talented students from St Aidan’s will be playing music. We must say a huge thank you to both Helen Leaf from Brackenfield and

Mark Pallant from St Aidan’s who have worked tirelessly to bring this together.

The concert will be available on the council’s You Tube channel - visit https:/bit.ly/HarrogateYouTube to tune in.

We continue to attend events where possible but unfortunately not as many as we would wish to attend.

We have also been able to attend numerous Zoom events both with children from schools, different organisations and communities in and around the Harrogate District.

Finally, April and I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Please stay safe and enjoy Christmas the best you can and continue to look after the ones you love.