Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2008/January 2009 | Page 11

ANDREW TURNER MP Andrew Turner MP 24 The Mall, Carisbrooke, Isle of Wight PO30 1BW Tel: [phone] email: [email protected] BY - ANDREW TURNER MP Let's not forget our traditional Christmas of years gone by Is it really that time of year already? It seems only a few weeks ago we were enjoying the (all too brief) summer weather and now it’s time to put up the decorations and prepare our ears for endless repeats of Slade belting out ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’. The nights have drawn in, the temperature has plummeted, and this year, the darkest days of the year are coinciding with very dark days for our economy. I know this time of year can be difficult for many people. It can be hard making ends meet at the best of times, let alone at Christmas. I never relish the prospect of the Christmas shopping madness and the frantic preparations for the season of goodwill. It can be even harder to make it through to Boxing Day without losing the plot! But the current economic climate – as inhospitable as the winter weather – brings another message. Talking to Islanders and reflecting on the past few years I am reminded that the most important things in life really are free; the love and support of our friends and family, good health (for those of us who are lucky enough to enjoy it) and the beautiful Island surroundings among them. We all recognise that in recent years, Christmas has become far too commercial. Parents especially feel under pressure to produce the latest ‘must have’ toy or gadget or face disappointment or tears when the big day comes. But those of us who are a bit older can reflect life that it was not expensive gifts that made the Christmasses of our youth so magical. So in these troubled economic times it is worth remembering that this festival is about so much more than presents, food and drink. We are celebrating the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago, and even many who don’t share the Christian faith believe that this is a time of peace and goodwill. It is about spending time with loved ones and celebrating the year that has passed. Just as Christmas is a chance to look back on the year gone by, the New Year, now fast approaching, lets us look forward in hope at what may come. I know that it will be a tough year ahead, in terms of the economy and jobs for many on the Island, but I know if we all pull together, we shall make it through. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Photo: Santa at The Lavender Farm. StyliSh & ElEgant MarquEE SolutionS Weddings | Private Parties | sPorting events | CorPorate HosPitality Promotions | ligHting | Furniture | stages increasingly popular, marquees provide a sophisticated and practical option to the traditional venue, with imaginative designs and a variety of exciting layouts helping to achieve the ‘wow’ factor. island Marquees can supply you with the perfect solution for your wedding. we have some of the best locations available to us, from the quietest beaches, to the formal gardens of some of the most beautiful manor houses on the isle of wight and you can rest assured, that with over 100 years of experience between them, our skilled and dedicated team will help ensure your event runs smoothly. e: [email protected] | www.islandmarquees.co.uk For more information, contact 01983 529292 The Island's new funky radio station www.wightfm.com 11