Earlier in the year, as I am sure you remember, I shaved my beard off for the people suffering in Ukraine. I am not trying to trivialise their struggle in any way but this was a small and positive gesture that I could make to try to make a difference (Thank you again to all of you who kindly donated money at that time).

This got me thinking about all those amazing people out there who work so hard to make a positive difference in our communities. There are many of you and you fill so many valuable roles trying to make a difference in our community. People such as Barbara working as part of the village hall committee in Stratton on the Fosse. All of you who volunteer in various schemes, watches. Our friends from Youth Connect who gave Christmas lunch to over thirty young people (and the neighbourhood Police Team) in Paulton and so many more.

All of the volunteers for our young people, boys/girls brigades, sports Clubs, playground assistants; the list could go on and on but please allow me to say to all of you, thank you.

I know that times are tough for many of us, but also remember that there are amazing people out there trying to make a difference for the benefit of all of us. Could you give a Christmas card, a simple thank you or maybe consider your own volunteering? I know I have written about this before but we should not ever stop saying thank you and let all of us keep sharing the good in our community rather than just the negatives.

Rob Hendra