This is my last column before 25th December, so while it may be almost a week early, can I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
With a whole weekend to go, there is still plenty of time to get those last minute Christmas presents. Small Business Saturday kicked off December, and it was an important reminder of all the fantastic local independents we have.
Do go and support them and shop local, whether it is down the Saints, or the revitalised Walk, family-run Coes, or at all the many shops we have dotted in and around the town centre. Ipswich Borough Council has been running a ‘Small Business Gift Guide’ on their social media channels - visit them for some inspiration!
As I mentioned last week, Alfie from Springfield Junior School was the winner of my Christmas card competition this year, and I got to go and present his prize - a voucher generously donated by Dial Lane Books (another brilliant independent business)!
And I love visits at this time of year. St Augustine’s Carols on the Green and the reopening of the incredible new and improved Regent Theatre have been particular highlights!
Speaking of which, our theatres are home to an incredible array of productions over this period, with lots to choose from for the family: The New Wolsey Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast Rock ‘n’ Roll panto, the Regent’s Cinderella, Eastern Angles’ Treasure Island, and Rose Rose Chain’s Alice in Wonderland - DanceEast was just home to the Magic Flute too. This is exactly the sort of exceptional offering that will underpin or City of Culture bid next year.
In Ipswich, the start of advent is marked by the Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary-le-Tower, now Ipswich Minister. Thousands of people came to visit across the 10 days, a very happy and magical way to begin Christmas in our town.
On which note, St Mary-le-Tower, a word for the soon to be departing Reverend Tom Mumford. To be clear, this is not an obituary - Tom is only moving to York - but he and Laura (Wolsey and Dave) will be sorely missed.
Tom has shown such leadership and vision over the past few years, ensuring that St Mary-le-Tower is a welcoming and vital part of our community, and bringing people of all faiths and none together. I am sure many of you will know him for his kindness, unassuming diligence and infinite energy.
Personally, I will forever be indebted to him for his advice, strength and friendship, generally over a quiet pint or two at the Greyhound.
Ipswich Minister, very much Tom’s legacy, has a wonderful Christmas programme over the coming week. Do join us there.
To everyone working in our emergency services, and all the other people who will work throughout this Christmas period. Thank you. You keep us safe, look after our loved ones, and make sure your friends and neighbours can enjoy a break after a busy year.
Can I also pay tribute to our brave armed forces stationed in the UK and abroad - as ever, they are making huge sacrifices. However, I am pleased our Government is helping 35,000 more service personnel with the cost of their travel so they can reunite and celebrate with their families this Christmas.
For my part, after an incredibly busy year, I am really looking forward to having some down time at home with friends and family in Ipswich. It will feel particularly special this year. My little niece, Danni, arrived this summer, which means there are four generations of my family living in our town now, and one more around our Christmas table.
So from me and my, larger, family to you and yours, Merry Christmas.
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