Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2011/January 2012 | Page 12

ANDREW TURNER MP Here's hoping for a more positive 2012 As we approach the end of another year, I think it is a good opportunity to reflect on the past months and, perhaps more importantly, look to the future. We all know there have been very tough times recently, with financial difficulties across the world but particularly in the Eurozone. I do hope that things are improving in the UK – recent figures show our economy is beginning to pick up, albeit slowly. However, we cannot recover in isolation; we need clarity on the future of the Euro and indeed the EU and, as I write, these things look very unstable. I hope by the time you read this column that things will be much clearer and more positive. As we look towards Christmas, we can forget for a while about the hardships – to tell the truth, we are better off than 90 per cent of the world! – and anticipate a time to rejoice with friends and family. It is a magical time that transcends the doom and gloom all around and gives us an opportunity to spend time with those we care most about. Christmas is not only important in the Chr istian calendar but is a time when everybody can join in, bringing people of all faiths and of none closer together. It is quite amazing to think that the birth of a baby in the Middle East over 2,000 years ago can still achieve that in Great Britain today. Looking forward to next year, we will have much to celebrate. The 2012 Olympics will provide a chance for us to showcase the very best of our country. I hope our sporting heroes will win a good clutch of medals on their home ground. It is also the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next year, marking her 60 years on the throne. That will also be a time of joy and celebration for the British people as we honour The Queen who is so widely respected at home, throughout the Commonwealth and, indeed, across the world. Carole and I will be spending a quiet Christmas at home – although there will be a hectic run-up to it! We will certainly miss our good friend Martin, who always spent Christmas day with us. Sadly he died suddenly earlier this year and, amongst the happy times, there will be sadness that he is no longer with us. The loss of those close to us serves as a painful reminder that we must all make the most of the time we have. It is far too easy to get caught up in the trivialities of life and forget what is really important. That is a lesson we should all remember, especially at Christmas. Finally I would like to wish each and every Island Life reader a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous year in 2012. Andrew Turner MP The Riverside Centre, The Town Quay, Newport IW TEL: [phone] EMAIL: [email protected] www.islandmp.org 12 www.visitislandlife.com