Happy New Year Everyone.

COVID-19, Brexit, Trump Administration, Illegal immigrants, Job Losses. Serious issues, that others more qualified than I will cover.

However, I can draw your attention to how we can appreciate what we have in our own lives, and indeed the town of Andover.

So, let us start at the beginning then. As always, I went out exceptionally early on Saturday morning, before dawn had broken, and the birds had started their morning serenade.

Walking along picking up discarded litter, popping them into the bins as I walk past, whilst all the time gazing upwards, at the beauty of the buildings in our high street, I simply adore walking along one side and gazing up at the buildings on the other. I found myself wistfully reminiscing of all the steps that I’ve climbed charging one pound a time, in the name of charities I have supported in the past.

These would include Barker Son and Isherwood, The Odeon Cinema, The Guildhall, Star and Garter, The George Inn, The Station, The White Hart, Personnel Selection, St Mary’s Church, Argos, Stagecoach Double Decker Buses, Marks and Spencer. To name but a few of the places that invited me in, instead of merely offering a donation.Therein lies the secret of Andover’s people. They get involved.

Whether that be in carnivals, or the switching on of the Christmas lights, voting for pride of Andover, attending remembrance Sunday gatherings, filling our churches to capacity at Easter, attending the farmers and biweekly markets in the high street, school fetes, collecting and donating food to the food bank, purchasing poppies, wearing them with pride, supporting friends in their endeavours. Andover People Supports Andover, it really is that simple.

We may be a small town, but it is our town.

I know I speak for all of you when I say we simply love Andover.