I will be able to hold my last surgery for 2023 on Saturday at Trinity Methodist Church, Westfield. For those of your readers still stocking up on cards, Christmas puds and surprise gifts, there is still a good selection available from local charities.

I want to thank everyone who has made Saturday mornings such a delight, even though some problems are dire. Helping each other is surely at the root of the Christmas message, especially at times when peace on earth seems very far away.

We have lost some community heroes this year, Jean Meredith, given a B&NES lifetime achievement award, Francis Hillyer of the Miners’ Association and a fount of wisdom, Gordon Parfitt, who held the British record for lamppost repairs for the number he did around Westfield, and so on.  Their families will be in our thoughts, but we owe it to them and all the unsung and unknown heroes to make our neighbourhoods better communities.

My New Year resolution is to get the 82 bus back, or something similar, and to make sure residents’ voices are heard.

Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas, and peace in the New year.