Friday 30 November 2018

Countdown to Christmas – remembering what matters

December is almost here and signs of the festive season remind us that it’s only a few weeks until the big day. All around us we’re seduced by the twinkling Christmas lights and music that is reserved for this time of the year.

This week saw Salisbury transform into a winter wonderland with the opening of the artisan Christmas market and for the first time an ice rink encouraging Christmas shoppers and visitors to enjoy the seasonal experience. High streets across the county are decorated and ready to welcome us to purchase those gifts and stocking fillers that are part of a long-established tradition.

The story of the first Christmas 2,000 years ago says so much about age-old human values which never date.

It is a parable about the pull of home; our craving for companionship; and the life-changing capacity of the kindness of strangers.

It is about a man and a woman in search of warmth and shelter; the instinct of travellers to gather at the birthplace of a child; and about a caring innkeeper who offers the family a safe haven.

It is rich in what it means to care for our neighbours – and that instinct to look after those in need and vulnerable is never more apparent than now – this time of the year.

That is why it gives me so much pleasure to extend the annual invitation for people to join us at County Hall where a community lunch is hosted on Christmas Day.

For those who would otherwise be lonely on this special day we can promise a delicious dinner, a warm welcome, plenty of entertainment and a friendly afternoon spent in the company of people who care.

County Hall is a place for the people, it is a public building, and it is totally appropriate that we use this space to offer support to those who need it most on Christmas Day of all days.

If you – or anyone you know – would like to join us please email christmaslunch@dwfire.org.uk or phone 07734 483881.

No-one should be alone on Christmas Day.

  • The eighth annual Christmas lunch will be organised by volunteers from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wiltshire Council
  • Last year 250 guests and volunteers enjoyed a special day together in the Atrium
  • Thanks to Apetito who donate all the meals, and Elior, who provide the dining facilities


Wednesday 14 November 2018

We will remember them…


Armistice Day honoured the memory of the millions of men and women who gave their lives in the Great War of 1914-18.
Almost a million across the country.

More than 10,000 in Wiltshire.

Last week was dedicated to acts of remembrance across the county and the country. I was honoured to be invited to attend the moving and emotional projection of falling poppies at Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday evening and attend Remembrance services at both Imber village and Salisbury on Sunday (11 November).

On Sunday evening I  joined the local community at Westbury. Like many other communities across the country they gathered to light a beacon as part of the thousand points of light illuminating the awesome sacrifice of those years.

The flame was bright but not as bright as the courage, self-sacrifice and fortitude of those who gave up their lives in France, Flanders and further afield. In Wiltshire the 10,000 men and women are named on the Wall of Remembrance, which has been throughout the county for the past four years, and is currently proudly displayed at County Hall.

Each cross on the wall is in memory of those who gave their lives for us. In their names, across the county, communities are planting 10,000 trees as a living tribute to them – a legacy to the fallen.
We, their grateful descendants, owe our freedom and our own lives to their service and sacrifice.

We are among the few counties without a Thankful Village, the name given to those rare communities which did not endure a single fatality.

Every hamlet, village and town in Wiltshire lost sons and daughters in the conflict.

Grief came to every corner, no matter how remote.

Yet today, every village and town in the county is thankful.

Thankful for the selfless devotion of our brave ancestors.

Next year we will host National Armed Forces Day in Salisbury and it will be a fitting tribute and thank you to the military personnel and emergency services who protect and keep us safe - particularly this year in Salisbury and Amesbury.

More than ever we will show our gratitude.

We owe them so much.

We will recognise and remember them.