Christmas Week

 This week most of us will still be finishing the turkey and enjoying meeting up with friends and family and celebrating New Year.  I hope that everyone has enjoyed Christmas and we should also spare a thought for the increasing number of people who work over the festive season.  Doctors, nurses, fire fighters and police officers are amongst those who have to sacrifice Christmas family time.  I am extremely grateful for those in these jobs who put aside their own interests to look after and protect the public at this time of year.

We should also not forget those who volunteer their time over the Christmas period to help those in need or who would otherwise spend time alone.  The Salvation Army for example rely on volunteers to visit many elderly people in their homes over Christmas.  This year the Dartford Messenger has teamed up with Age UK with its ‘Show You Care’ campaign, providing Christmas gifts to the elderly.  I am sure that any gifts donated by people have been much appreciated by those receiving them.

Now is also a good time to look to reflect on the past year and also to look to the future and make plans for the coming year.  The past year has been a busy one for me in my role as Member of Parliament for Dartford.  I am looking forward to working with residents and organisations in Dartford over the coming months and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.