Tuesday's (21st December) Winter Solstice was supposed to mark the first day of Winter. I expect we’ll all beg to differ on that one, with many of us experiencing arctic conditions for a while now.
Despite the snow chaos, our offices are open as usual and while the bad weather continues, colleagues will be out and about checking on anyone especially at risk due to the freezing temperatures. Keep an eye on the Irwell Valley website home page for tips on keeping you and your home warm, emergency numbers, the latest weather information – and if you can, keep an eye on elderly and vulnerable neighbours.
Sadly, there’s a modern suspicion about being kind towards other people. The motives are questioned. Kindness is too often seen as self-serving when in fact it creates a real and fantastic sense of solidarity.
Christmas, like our other cultural and religious festivals, can bring out the best in us and a natural need to come together to celebrate what we have in common.
Over the last fortnight, we’ve held some fabulous events – Christmas tree ‘switch-ons’, carol concerts and some good old-fashioned rock ’n roll. I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun. There has been a real community spirit and a sense of place where everyone, regardless of their background, has something to contribute to where they live.
It’s that sense of place Irwell Valley wants to create not just periodically - but every day in our neighbourhoods.
