Season's greetings (From Warrington Guardian)

Season's greetings

This Christmas I will be thinking about those who give their time over the festive season in the community and in particular voluntary and public service.

I strongly believe that service to the community is the most rewarding task that we can undertake during our lives. We are not meant to run life's race on our own but to run it in partnership and friendship with others. As we join together to celebrate this season of goodwill let our thoughts reach out to those who may be facing difficult times and whose lives are touched by sadness. My wife Gemma joins me in wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Eddisbury MP Stephen O'Brien

I would like to wish every reader of the Guardian a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

These days some people try to write the Christian message out of the Christmas season.

They are wrong. In among all the shopping, tinsel and parties, let us never forget that this should be the time of the year when we remember the vulnerable and the lonely -- and let us each do what we can to make sure that they enjoy the Christmas spirit too.

Tatton MP George Osborne

May I wish all the people of Northwich and the surrounding areas a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Take time to reflect on the events in your life over the past year and reminisce on the joys and sorrows that have taken place all over the world. May all those people who live alone or in need find support and comfort in the community and may I hope the love they need is just round the corner.

Finally, may I wish my fellow councillors and all the staff of the town council a very merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Northwich Mayor Clr Mel Slater

I would like to wish all the residents of Middlewich a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year on behalf of myself and Middlewich Town Council.

Highlights have been collecting the best large town award at North West in Bloom and meeting Simon Weston, a man who by his courage and determination is an example to all of us. It has been a privilege to represent Middlewich.

I am very proud of the continuing hard work put in by Middlewich councillors and all the voluntary groups.

My thanks to the members of Middlewich Town Council for their support this year, my best wishes to them and their families.

Middlewich Mayor Clr Jim Basford

It is always a real treat to see the lights and decorations that transform the street scenes of the towns and villages as I travel to various engagements throughout my Weaver Vale constituency. As we settle down to open our presents and enjoy our Christmas dinner we should give more than a thought for those less well off and resolve to do more to tackle poverty wherever it exists.

On behalf of myself and all my constituency office staff, I wish all Guardian readers all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall

I SEND all good wishes to my constituents for a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Congleton MP Ann Winterton

This is a wonderful time of year to be Mayor of Vale Royal. There are so many different events taking place in all our towns and villages. Roy and I would like to say thank you to those people who have invited us to share their Christmas celebrations.

We are constantly amazed and impressed by the dedication and hard work of staff and volunteers throughout the borough.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone in Vale Royal to say thank you to all those people, whether employees or volunteers, who will be working during the Christmas holiday period: in hospitals, elderly people's homes, the emergency, postal or transport services, the police service, or in service industries.

Roy and I wish all of the residents of Vale Royal a very happy Christmas and health, wealth and happiness for 2005.

Vale Royal Mayor Clr Mrs Anne Hooker

ON behalf of Vale Royal Borough Council may I wish everyone a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

This has been a harsh year in the world and it would be my wish that 2005 brings peace and happiness both overseas and in this country. At home in Vale Royal the council will remain committed to improving the quality of life for all its residents, so that everyone can live life to their full potential.

And there are many exciting initiatives for the borough that we can all look forward to, with projects such as Northwich Vision, Winsford Gateway and Frodsham Forward all continuing to have an impact on the wellbeing of residents.

Vale Royal Borough Council Leader Clr Keith Musgrave

I have been proud to represent Winsford at a large number of events as mayor of the town.

The mayoress, my daughter Claire Maria Grant and I are both thoroughly enjoying our time in office.

Our thanks are extended to all members of the public who have supported our fundraising efforts on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Relief and Grange Community School Early Years.

I am very pleased to have represented the town. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Winsford Mayor Clr Don Beckett