Over the past few weeks I’ve been getting into the festive spirit in Halesowen & Rowley Regis, attending lights switch-ons and Christmas fayres across the constituency as we countdown to the big day. It’s a busy time of year but also a special one too, and I’m sure like me and my family, you’ll be busy with your own preparations.
The end of the year offers a time for reflection, an opportunity to look back at what we’ve done over the last twelve months, and the memorable moments that we will always remember. For many of us, the coronation of King Charles III in May, the first time most of us had witnessed such an occasion, will be an event that lives long in the memory.
I’ve enjoyed getting out and about across the constituency in 2023, and it was a delight to be at the Grove in April to watch Halesowen Town clinch promotion to the Southern League Premier Division. Amongst other highlights this year, I hosted a jobs fair in the Cornbow Centre and a Macmillan Coffee Morning, attended the opening of the new offices for Sandvik Coromant, inspected progress at the Midlands University Metropolitan Hospital, visited Cradley Heath mosque and attended the 100th anniversary celebrations for the Royal British Legion’s Blackheath branch.
With the new constituency boundaries that will be in place at the next General Election, I’ve also enjoyed being out and about and meeting new people across Cradley, Wollescote, Quarry Bank and Dudley Wood.
I recognise that for some people the cost of living is still an ongoing challenge, and that events across the world will cause nervousness for some as we head towards a new year. Christmas offers us the chance to be grateful for what we have, and a reminder of those who are most important to us. Whilst this season may mean different things to different people, there is always something to be thankful for and celebrate.
However you are spending it this year, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
