I think of our town as any mother does about her family.

So for this month’s column, I’m going to concentrate on ‘The little village in Andover’.

With four entrances to this little bustling town, whichever way you approach it, you can be assured of a warm welcome.

All kinds of businesses quite literally thrive here, but it does so, simply because of its commitment to the overall community of Andover. In this ‘village’ we have the voluntary sector working seamlessly alongside retail in unified harmony.

Just like real villages, everyone knows everyone and all co-exist to help and be of assistance to each other, and of course us, the public.

So if you need a solicitor, or are looking for a new job, need your computer fixing, or take away food, clothes and shoes repaired or dry cleaned, beauty treatments, charity shop bargains, flowers, neighbour care, continental groceries, gym facilities, plus a bakery opening hopefully, before the end of the month, what’s there not to like about Union Street?

But of course as a campaigner for having ‘an attitude of gratitude’ it’s not just about business. It’s always got to be about having goodwill, going the extra mile under all circumstances.

Examples would be turning up without your ticket to collect shoes clothes or dry cleaning, purchasing a takeaway then going up to another one, to sit and enjoy it while being given a cup of tea to go with it.

Being offered a seat and water to recover when the going was tough whilst recovering from surgery. Let’s not forget the smiles and waves from management and staff when they happen to be looking as I’m walking past. Frankly, life is not just about living, but it is about enjoying and appreciating each breath that we breathe, and the gifts we can offer to others and receive. In this street, people genuinely care about others, this is evidenced by the smiles they give.

Many is the times I’ve seen the elderly the less able and indeed the infirm, walk a little straighter with their spirits lifted, simply by the warmth they receive from those they encounter in this part of town.

Like others whom I know personally, it’s those with the heaviest of burdens that can be relied on to know what’s truly crucial and vital in life.