Many local events and occurrences have helped shape life in Monmouth this year.

The sunny carnival parade with the traction engine, fire engine and police car leading, followed by mace bearer, mayor and consort, drummers, dancers, fancy dress competitors (wasn’t the pirate ship superb?) being waved at by hundreds of children. The fun continued on Chippenham Mead. This contrasts with the solemnity of Remembrance Sunday, where laying the Monmouth Town Council wreath on behalf of the residents brought a tear to the eye. Yes, we shall remember them...

We had council meetings aplenty, climate change discussions in the chamber and on the street, a colourful lantern parade with some great performances by local schools and others in Agincourt Square, plus a Mayor’s charity carol concert at Bridges with superb singing from Monmouth Male Voice Choir ably supported by Haberdasher’s Prep Schools Choirs.

There have been downsides - the awful weather which resulted in some residents leaving homes, the recent funeral of well respected Cllr John Fletcher, and the general election to name but a few. Hopefully the latter will lead to closure of the wounding arguments that have carried on for far too long at so many levels of our society.

Moving on to think about next year, 2020 refers to perfect vision. Whilst not in possession of this I would like to think that we will all (yes you can do it too) be giving more to our community, whether in terms of time to help people and projects, baking, making or giving things, recycling, and helping improve our environment.

Our high level of volunteering is set to continue, Bridges being a pivotal part of the social fabric of our town, our charity shops performing a valuable fund-raising service, volunteer coaches encouraging health and fun and competition in many sports. Finally, our churches do good works, supporting and helping many socially isolated individuals to feel part of a caring community. So, please include giving what you can in your personal New Year’s resolution. You will feel better for it, and so will the recipients. Let’s all strive to make Monmouth a better, healthier and happier place for all!

Wishing You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Richard Roden (Mayor of Monmouth)