Mayor’s Christmas Message 2023

Christmas is a time for reflecting on the year gone by and spending time with loved ones and keeping them in your memories.

I’m now more that half way through my term as Mayor, I would like to thank my fellow councillors and our officers for their support as well as our residents.

For me the highlights of the year so far include:

• the Picnic on the prom – there was a real sense of community,
• the Neighbourhood Plan receiving a yes vote at referendum after many years of hard work,
• meeting many of our towns community groups and organisations, and
• a visit to Remscheid where we were warmly welcomed.

It was wonderful to see the Town Council Christmas lights switched on at the Newbiggin Traders Christmas events which was very well attended.

I had the pleasure of attending the Dukes School Christmas concert where I saw our own Jayess Newbiggin Brass Band and Grace Darling Primary children playing a vast array of instruments to get us in the Christmas mood – we have some very talented musicians.

2023 has brought with in many challenges, our whole community has been affected by rising costs and household bills. As a council, we are working with many organisations to provide support our residents this winter through a number of initiatives. We have provided financial support to the Newbiggin Warm spaces, the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal, the Wansbeck Christmas Appeal and Wansbeck Valley Foodbank.

Over the past year I have visited many different groups and organisations. I have been so amazed by the generosity and acts of kindness I have seen in our community. My personal thanks go to all of these wonderful people, many of them volunteers, who give of their time freely to help others and ensure that the most in need are looked after.

While Christmas is the season of goodwill, goodwill is not restricted to the festive season. I believe there is such a strong sense of community spirit in Newbiggin by the Sea all year round and especially during difficult times. Our community offer time, friendship, and kindness, as demonstrated by the Christmas lunch at the Elizabethan Hall. It is that sense of togetherness that will take us forward into 2024. Please enjoy the time and celebrate with family, loved ones, and friends, old and new.

I look forward to the New Year, knowing that our community will move forward together, embracing any opportunities or challenges ahead of us with the strong sense of kindness and friendship.

I would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a healthy, happy, and peaceful New Year.

Councillor Alison Sutherland, Mayor of Newbiggin by the Sea