Embracing the Spirit of Stockport

Published on Wed 10th Dec 2008

2008 can hardly be described as an 'Annus Mirabilis' - it will always stand out in the minds of so many as the year the world was hit by an enveloping economic crisis. This has been made worse in Britain by the Government's failure to listen to repeated advice on issues such as the credit crunch from experts like the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable. Now, as a result of Brown's mismanagement over recent years, many families and vulnerable people will suffer hardship this Christmas. Vince Cable and his Lib Dem Treasury Team are clearly the most knowledgeable on the economy - isn't it time for a real change?

I always find Christmas a time to reflect on the positive - and, whatever our beliefs, my personal focus at this time of year is the ray of hope shining above a stable which brings a special light into our lives and encourages us to think of others. As my 4 year-old shepherd marches towards Bethlehem this week in his school nativity play, I feel inspired by the excitement in the eyes of all our young children at this special time of year. Despite the rollercoaster year that has affected so many of us, it has still been a remarkable one for Liberal Democrat run Stockport, with so many of our town's very own stars to be proud of.

The Town Hall's centenary celebrations were a great success, the first 'Citizen's Awards' ceremony paid tribute to some of our many talented and inspiring citizens. Businesses are still springing up in the borough and regeneration and building developments are still moving forward - despite some setbacks. Our schools are flourishing, our children are achieving excellent results, our wonderful parks and green spaces are improving and our dedicated community groups are increasing in number.

I've been hugely privileged this year to make many new friends working with inspiring organisations - including, the Seashell Trust (formerly Royal School for the Deaf and Communication Disorders), BreatheEasy Stockport of the British Lung Foundation, the Furniture Station, the Rotary and many voluntary sports clubs and valuable support groups dedicated to helping people.

Our Olympians achieved success in Beijing, grass-roots sport is being encouraged and our town's football team, Stockport County, celebrated 125 years with a brilliant win at Wembley, a fabulous procession through the town organised by the Council, and now the team continue to make us proud by doing so well in League 1.

So you see, community pride is alive and well. This is Our Stockport, Our borough, Our neighbours, Our friends. Let's embrace the spirit of Stockport together. The future is bright. Merry Christmas to you all!