Christmas is a time for hope, MPs, AMs and other leading public figures in Gwent reflect on the past year’s events and their impact on readers this Christmas pass on their best wishes.

South Wales Argus: Gwent councillors Xmas 2012

Councillor John Guy, Mayor of Newport said: "Christmas is a special time of year and while most of us can enjoy celebrations with families and friends, we should also spare a thought for those who find this a difficult time of the year and whether we can do something to brighten up their day.

"I would also like to thank those who will be working over Christmas, providing vital services that are always in such demand.

"Finally, on behalf of the Mayoress and I, we would like to wish you and your families the compliments of the season and a peaceful new year."

JOCELYN Davies, Plaid South East Wales AM, said: “I’d like to wish Argus readers the very best for the festive season and hope all will enjoy the opportunity to share the special occasion with loved ones. For many, this Christmas will again be one of worry and uncertainty for many households struggling to make ends meet. I hope 2013 will bring hope and prosperity to all members of our communities.”

Alun Davies, AM for Blaenau Gwent, said: “These are tough times for many whose employment is uncertain or who are struggling to pay household bills. I would urge that we extend goodwill and help to those that are in need through the difficulties that lie ahead and thank the volunteers and charities that support some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

On the sporting front, a postbox in Tredegar was painted gold following the Paralympic success of Mark Colbourne; winning gold and silver medals in the velodrome.

Mark’s extraordinary achievements have focused the sporting world’s attention on our community and will undoubtedly inspire a future generation of ablebodied and non-able-bodied sporting champions. I sincerely hope that his incredible skill and sportsmanship receives the recognition it truly deserves in the New Year Honours list. I wish you all a Nadolig Llawen and a Happy New Year!”

Mark Soady, vicar of St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny: At the age of 21 Her Majesty the Queen made a promise to serve the whole Commonwealth.

Sixty years ago that promise became a reality when she ascended to the throne.

We have spent this last year giving thanks for her 60 years of fulfilling that promise of service. Sadly we are not all so good at keeping our promises.

How many of us have said ‘Do come for coffee/lunch’, when we don’t really mean it, let alone not keeping more fundamental promises. Christmas is a time when we remember that God did keep His promise to send a Messiah – a Saviour.

Throughout the Old Testament God was promising to send His Son to save the world. Christmas is the fulfilment of that promise, but the promise does not end there. God promises to come again in glory to save the world.

Lindsay Whittle, Plaid AM for South Wales East, said: “Christmas is a great time for families when they can enjoy being together. But our thoughts should go out to the families of the innocent children massacred at the primary school in the United States.

For those families Christmas will never be the same again.

“While people gather together there are also those that will be on their own and lonely at this most family-orientated of times.

Perhaps, if you’re able to, there may be an opportunity to invite your neighbour to your home – I’m sure they would appreciate the thought. I wish all Argus readers a very merry and peaceful festive season.”

Bob Wellington, leader of Torfaen council, said: “Highlights from 2012 include the opening of Llanyrafon Manor; the investment in Pontypool town centre; the opening of Crownbridge special school and the stunning new school and community leisure facilities in Blaenavon; and that glorious day in May when crowds witnessed the Olympic torch passing through the borough. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.”

South Wales Argus: Gwent AMs Xmas 2012

William Graham, Tory AM for South Wales East, said: “The meaning of Christmas is dependent upon your beliefs or upbringing; however, there is an overwhelming desire to wish goodwill to our neighbours as we give and receive presents, reflect upon the religious aspects of this celebration and join in festive meals and parties.

However, Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are alone, separated from their loved ones, or those who are homeless or hungry. We need to remember all these people too. I hope that your Christmas will be enjoyable, and may the essence of Christmas remain with you and your families throughout 2013.”

Rosemary Butler, AM, Newport West AM, said: “May I take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and a healthy and peaceful new year.

“It has been a pleasure to represent my constituents of Newport West for yet another year, and I would like to thank you for your continued support.”

Monmouthshire Council leader Cllr Peter Fox and council chairman Cllr Maureen Powell said: “We want to recognise the fantastic work carried out by so many, including the hundreds of volunteers who give so much to their communities; to the many voluntary organisations and charities whose work is unceasing and to everyone else who contributes to making our county the wonderful place it is – thanks to you all.

At this festive time we also want to think of those brave men and women serving in our armed forces – a special thanks and best wishes must go to them. On behalf of the elected members and officers of Monmouthshire Council we wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year.”

John Griffiths, Newport East AM, said: “This week many of us will be enjoying time with our families, receiving and giving presents, eating and drinking, but also thinking of those less fortunate than ourselves who may find it a difficult time.

My thoughts and best wishes go to all those who will spend Christmas away from a loved one or in hardship, and the many neighbours, carers and charities who’ll help make their holi- days easier. The spirit of peace and goodwill to all – whether close family or a stranger in need – is what makes Christmas truly special. Happy Christmas, everyone!”

Wales’ first minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “Families across Wales will be making their final preparations for Christmas, getting ready to spend some quality time together.

“2012 has been remarkable and memorable, a true mix of emotions that will remain with us for many years to come. On the sporting field we began with the fabulous Wales Grand Slam victory. It was a moment of great pride when I was able to formally present the squad with the Six Nations trophy in front of the Senedd.

“I would like to wish you and your families a very merry and peaceful Christmas.”

Wayne Tomlinson, mayor of Torfaen, said: “Over the past six months my wife and I have met some wonderful people throughout Torfaen; people who are involved in functions, groups etc, and with so much musical talent among our young people, choirs and brass bands we are fortunate to have met them all. This Christmas I will be thinking of the family of Corporal Thacker, whose funeral we both attended at Coventry Cathedral, and our armed forces in Afghanistan and Iraq and other parts of the world.

Christmas is a time to be with one’s family, a time to reflect and think of those who are less fortunate and are suffering through illness and poverty. I would like to wish you all a merry and wonderful Christmas and I would like to thank all those who have raised funds for my three mayor charities.”

Mayor of Blaenau Gwent Graham Bartlett said: “I wish everyone in Gwent in our local communities a wonderful Christmas. I hope Argus readers enjoy the festivities with their loved ones.

This is a great time of year to spend time with friends and family and care for one another. I hope we all enjoy a fantastic 2013.”

South Wales Argus: Gwent MPs Xmas 2012

 

JESSICA Morden, MP for Newport East, said: “Though Christmas is a time for sharing joy with friends and family, I know that many people are anxious about what the future may hold – worried about their job, their home, their business. That’s why I hope people will find time to celebrate with their loved ones. We should also remember the work done by the emergency services and the NHS, who will give up their Christmas to ensure that we can enjoy ours safely.

Similarly, those working in food banks are doing all they can to bring some Christmas joy to those struggling most this Christmas. We should be grateful to them all.

“I hope that you and yours have a merry Christmas.”

Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, said: “Recently witnessing the wonderful work of Gwent children and teachers in musical concerts in London, Cardiff and the Extravaganza at the Newport Centre has been a great start to celebrating Christmas.

Local children are second to none. A bright future for the city is assured.

“Our city is under-appreciated. It’s semi-rural with areas of greenery and habitats for wildlife both in and surrounding the urban area.

Without leaving the city boundaries we can choose our Christmas walks on hills, sea walls and riversides.

This holiday is a fine chance to re-discover the delights of our Newport. A happy Christmas to everybody.”

Paul Murphy, MP for Torfaen, said: “I’d like to wish Argus readers a happy, peaceful Christmas.

Whatever happens in our world that we cannot understand, Christmas is a time for hope. It’s a pleasure to represent an area with so much good community work going on. For example, I recently heard about Cwmbran Centre for Young People’s Christmas dinner for young homeless people, with which I wish them all the best. I hope that Argus readers get the chance to spend precious time with those you love over the Christmas break – that is worth more than any gift money can buy.”

Chris Evans, Islwyn MP, said: “At this time of year my thoughts are with those whose loved ones cannot be with them – in particular those who find themselves in hospital or away from their families for whatever reason.

“Let us also not forget all those who work tirelessly throughout Christmas, the nurse, the doctor, the policeman and everyone else who gives up their Christmas Day to ensure we are all safe and well over the holidays.

“I would like to wish all readers of the South Wales Argus, their friends and family a very merry Christmas.”

Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent, said: “I’d like to wish everyone in Blaenau Gwent and South Wales a merry Christmas. It’s a wonderful time of year, and an opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the run-up to Christmas in Blaenau Gwent. Highlights include visiting Ebbw Vale sorting office to see how Christmas cards and presents are delivered to our door – that was an eye-opening experience.

It was also fantastic to hear Greater Gwent Youth Choir and String Orchestra’s performance of our favourite carols at Abertillery. Remember to stay warm and look out for elderly neighbours. Merry Christmas, everyone”

David Davies, MP for Monmouth, said: “One of my earliest Christmas memories was of my father ceremonially phoning close relatives.

Friends and relatives are increasingly likely to live on the other side of the country or even the world, but the revolution in IT services has meant that with a laptop connected to Skype it is possible to talk to and see family for virtually nothing. To do so a fast broadband connection is vital.

The Welsh Assembly, the UK government and BT must cooperate with each other, and with the growing number of independent internet providers coming into the market. Merry Christmas to everyone.”