FESTIVE lights are twinkling in all our towns and villages and there’s a palpable buzz around festivities as we head into Christmas week.
A glittering array of yuletide events has helped to get people in the spirit with Christmas lights switch-ons drawing crowds in our communities.
I think I might speak for many when I say the scene in Dalton – with subtle lighting around the walls of the 14th century castle – looked particularly impressive this year. The first visit of Santa and his elves to Millom and Haverigg last week, arranged by the amazing Haverigg Inshore Rescue Team, brought Christmas cheer and gifts for local children.
I loved visiting the reindeer at Bram Longstaff last week, seeing the beautiful decorations in Barrow town centre, and the switch on at Ulverston Dickensian Festival is always a highlight.
Barrow town hall coffee shop has been hosting festive afternoon teas, and it won’t come as a surprise that the pigs in blankets were a big hit.
Today the town library was hosting free, festive craft workshops and Santa was making an appearance in his grotto.
Carol services have helped to spread the Christmas messages of hope, joy, peace, goodwill and kindness to all, with many organisations aiding those who are struggling to make ends meet or grappling with other difficulties at this time of year.
We are incredibly grateful to the wonderful staff and volunteers who are involved in this work – what you do for our communities is felt deeply and much valued so take a bow and thank you to each and every one of you.
We should also spare a thought for our hospital workers, police officers and all those attached to the emergency services who will be serving our communities at this often high pressured time of year.
It’s that time of year when we pass the shortest day and many of us look forward not only to spending the Christmas period with our family and friends – but also to the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
Since first becoming your MP in July 2024 I’ve promised that I would work unstintingly for you both here in Barrow and Furness and in Westminster, and while the choices made will never please all of the people all of the time, my focus is always on trying to get the best for our area and always will be.
It’s been great to meet so many people, to find out about personal situations, to hear of your hopes, to hear about your difficulties and to obtain solutions in as many cases as I possibly can. Please be in no doubt that my work for you all will remain in sharp focus as we head towards 2026.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers and every one of my constituents all the very best for Christmas and a happy and safe 2026.