Francis Maude: Good cheer in warm and friendly place

A short article this week, as I suspect that readers may have calls on their attention other than the seasonal thoughts of their local MP.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Dec 2014, 15:42 BST
Horsham MP Francis MaudeHorsham MP Francis Maude
Horsham MP Francis Maude

So actually all I’m going to do is to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope that each of you has someone with whom to spend it.

I was very struck by the story of the widow who had been lonely at Christmas in past years deciding to invite other people in the same position to join her for lunch at the local pub.

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Home and family can mean many things these days, and just as relations can now communicate from across the world via Skype or Facetime, and feel that sense of togetherness without being in the same room, so can unrelated friends getting together feel like family.

I have been out and about in Horsham quite a lot over the last days and weeks, and feel proud that it is such a warm and friendly place to be.

I feel sure it is no accident that so many charities are based in and around our lovely town, and I know from the letters page here, and from my own postbag, that our people really do consider that kindness and generosity make our world go round.

Watching a wonderful dramatisation of A Christmas Carol last weekend did certainly remind me that cheerfulness is one of the best gifts we can give, and it doesn’t cost anything at all.

I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.