It’s been quite a year! Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect, spend time with family and friends before setting out once more into the New Year.
First and foremost can I thank everyone who will be working over Christmas, be it in our Armed Forces, emergency services, NHS and care workers, all other public services as well as those in hospitality and retail at this busy time of year. As many relax and have fun, many are doing important work to keep us safe and look after the sick and those in need.
We’ve already had a great start to the festive season here in Mid Buckinghamshire. It was wonderful to see so many people in Princes Risborough town centre for the lights switch on - supporting our local traders and hospitality venues. Our local shops can only survive if we all use them - and I have tried to do the bulk of my Christmas shopping locally, including in Great Missenden, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
I’ve also been delighted to volunteer serving Christmas lunches to our pensioners in Steeple Claydon and Princes Risborough. Can I particularly thank everyone who has raised funds and organised these special events, particularly insuring our senior citizens who may otherwise be on their own have a Christmas party to enjoy. Social isolation can be devastating and bringing everyone some cheer is so important.
There have also been a wonderful array of Christmas fairs, markets, Christmas Tree festivals and more, which I have enjoyed such as in Lee Common and Long Crendon.
So thank you to everyone who has helped, organised and put their time in to make Christmas even more special here in Bucks - and of course all the teachers, school staff and pre-school staff who have worked so hard on putting nativity plays and more on for all our children.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Greg Smith MP
Member of Parliament for Mid Buckinghamshire
