Festive News 2017 by Hereford Lions Club | Page 12

Festive Greetings from the Mayor PAGE 12 • FESTIVE NEWS • DECEMBER 2015 As we approach Christmas, I am reminded of the privilege that was bestowed upon me to serve as Mayor of Hereford and the great honour I feel in this service. Then I am rather humbled when I reflect upon the real significance of the occasion, which is to celebrate the birth of the greatest servant of all, Jesus Christ, who especially at this time should be our guide and inspiration. It is a season of goodwill, a time when we gather together with our families and special friends to share and be happy together, to remember all those things during the year that have been special to us, and perhaps also a time to reflect upon those who are much less fortunate. It was especially with that in mind that I chose my two charities, Alzheimer’s Society, and Riding for the Disabled. Dementia is such a destroyer in the family. Presently there are over 4,000 people in Herefordshire known to be suffering from Dementia. We are advised that one in three of all people being born now are expected to develop Alzheimer’s, how frightening is that!, how desperate the need to beat it. My other charity, Riding for the Disabled has helped so many of our disturbed young people in such a remarkable way. It is quite astonishing to see the dramatic change that occurs with these so disadvantaged young people when they are introduced to the therapy which almost miraculously comes from their guided association with one of our noblest of animals, the horse, giving them new life, hope and ability. Words don’t adequately describe it. I was heartened quite recently upon discovering that the people of Herefordshire are right at the very top of the list when it comes to generosity, second only to the Isle of Man, measured per capita. It speaks so loudly of the spirit of our people, especially when statistics tell us we are the lowest paid County in the nation. It makes me so proud of Herefordshire and our City. On a personal note it has been such a fantastic year, so much to celebrate. The 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, and I was especially privileged to be there representing you all in the presence of the Queen and members of the Royal Family. The 300th anniversary of the Three choirs Festival, both are highlights, but there have been a myriad of other events, all very special in their own right at which I have been so privileged and proud to attend, wearing my badge of office and representing the people of our City of Hereford. My present record is five events in one day. I will have attended well over 400 events when my Mayoral year ends in May. On the eve of the year, when celebrations are done and our minds begin to focus on the new year ahead, let us all resolve to be generous in spirit to each other, to our neighbours, and especially to those in need. The greatest resource we have is you, the people of Hereford, so my message to you all is to put aside all those negative thoughts that creep up and seek to spoil, but rather dwell upon all that which enriches and encourages, indeed enables us all to look for a positive and fruitful outcome in all that we do. I wish you all a very happy Christmas, peace in your hearts, and all that is good for each and everyone in the New Year. Charles Nicholls CASCADE HAIR All aspects of Hair & Beauty Late Night Opening Wednesday and Thursday Free Parking ~ Friendly atmosphere  01432 276148 135 Quarry Road, Hereford HR1 1SX MONKMOOR MOTORS Proprietor: Mike Compton FULL JAGUAR AUTOLOGIC DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE MONKMOOR STREET • HEREFORD HR1 2DX Telephone: Hereford 355022 01885 483084 (Home) Saracen Automotive - Industrial Welding and Bodyshop Supplies UNIT 9, GRANDSTAND BUSINESS CENTRE FARADAY ROAD, HEREFORD HR4 9NS Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Mobile: [phone] Email: [email protected] www.saracendistribution.co.uk G BU EST ILD E 1984 C I N NG RE & W A RE G ROOF REPAIRS .L PA G . D G REPOINTING G GUTTERING IRS CARPENTRY G PAINTING & DECORATION LANDSCAPING G DRAINAGE ETC NEW BATHROOMS OR KITCHENS (Whatever your property requires) 01432 272822 Firethorn, Church Way, Sutton St Nicholas, HR1 3BD (MOBILE [phone]) General Builder G Groundworks G Landscaping G 56 Aconbury Avenue, Putson, Hereford HR2 6HR Tel: [phone] Mob: [phone] Suppliers of Quality Fresh Cut Flowers & Sundries for all Occasions ~ Wedding Flowers a S peciality ~ Delivery/Collection Service Te l / F a x : 0 1 4 3 2 3 5 4 8 0 5 Unit 6, Hereford Trade Park, Holmer Road, Hereford HR4 9SG