Seeing the bare and forlorn looking Christmas trees lining the streets of town, it is easy to feel a bit bleak about the end of the festive period and the prospect of real life resuming again. But despite the grey weather and bleary eyed mornings, this January I am feeling bright about the year ahead.
Although 2016 was a pretty turbulent year globally, here in the Moorlands, we saw a steady rise in employment figures, got some national recognition for our wonderful arts events, and celebrated a range of fantastic sporting achievements. But as 2017 rolls in, I can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come for our thriving community.
For me, the Leek Town v Newcastle Town match on Boxing Day was the first sign that we in the Moorlands are onto a winning streak this year. Walking to the match, my family and I were both nervous and excited – a local Derby is always going to be a big deal. But the nerves, as it turned out, were misplaced. Leek Town were top of their game and won 2-0! Huge congratulations to all involved, what a brilliant end to Christmas.
On the subject of sporting success, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to our very own Lee Pearson who received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours after his superb performance in Rio in the summer. Sir Lee’s determination and humility epitomise what the people of Staffordshire Moorlands are about, and he is a true inspiration to us all.
As I travel back to Parliament for the start of the new term, I am excited to think about all that is in store for Staffordshire Moorlands in 2017. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who works so hard to make sure that our community works, especially those who spent their Christmas break looking after those who were struggling. I hope you all have a great start to the year, and I look forward to meeting many more of you in the months to come.