CANON MARK SOADY

Many of you will have an Advent Candle at home which you light each day of December until you get to the big day.

In Church we light an Advent Candle each Sunday: Four Candles= four Sundays, each representing a different theme of waiting for the Christ, the Messiah.

Each one of these candles also helps us to remember people in the Bible who God used as messengers to prophecy the coming of Jesus.

We, Christians, are called to be messengers of God in our day.

We do that, not just by using words but by our actions - our good works That is why in the Anglican Churches in Abergavenny each Advent we send out shoe boxes of gifts to those who are in need in countries abroad, and at home we put together presents for young people just coming out of care.

Other Christians in the area will do their ’good works’ in different ways.

The amazing thing about Christmas is that non Christians also give at this time of year.

All British Charities dealing with issues of depravation record a spike in giving at Christmas.

The little babe at Bethlehem some how awakens in us our innate generous love. I pray it will not stop at the end of the 12 days of Christmas.

The record shows we have a long history of welcome here in this town and county.

It is said that when the prisoners of war marched from the railway station at Abergavenny to their Camp in the Mardy non of them were abused, and in the present day the County has a programme of welcome for refugees. Long may it continue!

Blessed Christmas to you all!

COUNCILLOR DAVID SIMCOCK

Seasons Greetings from myself and the Mayoress and all of us at Abergavenny Town Council.

The past year has been a really good one for Abergavenny.

There have been many great events, from the Welsh Regiment’s Freedom Parade, to the Food Festival with its popular fringe, the cycling events and the Silver Gilt Award for Abergavenny in Bloom.

We are getting very positive responses to the campaign for a new bridge with lifts at the railway station and at last there is certainty that Morrison’s will be opening early in 2018.

We are also looking forward to a new Arts Festival in the summer, the start of work on the town hall building and improved traffic management and re-surfacing in Frogmore Street.

Thank you to Abergavenny Food Bank and all the people who support those who are having difficulty managing, or are not well or lonely. We appeal to you to remember them amid the celebrations and do what you can to spread goodwill to everyone here and elsewhere.

Best Wishes to you all from me and Penny.

COUNCILLOR MAUREEN POWELL

It was a very pleasant surprise back in May, when I was asked to be Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council for a second time, but indeed an honour.

My duties take me all over Monmouthshire and indeed over Wales, but I have done my best not to neglect my home town.

Here in Abergavenny we have enjoyed several special events, including the renewing of the Freedom of Monmouthshire for the Welsh Regiment, the Annual Food Festival in the autumn, several cycling events, The Shire Horse Show and the Steam rally.  All supported and enjoyed by many people.

These last two weeks, I have attended numerous Carol Services and Concerts.  All slightly different, but all telling the Christmas message.

At this time of year, our thoughts do turn to those less fortunate than ourselves. Some who have lost loved ones, and some who live alone.  If we can spare a little time for them, even if it is only a phone call, perhaps we can bring some comfort and joy into their lives.

I wish you all a Very Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

DAVID DAVIES MP

A closely fought general election and a lively ongoing negotiation over the manner of Britain’s exit from the European Union has made this one of the most interesting years politically that I can remember.

I personally voted for Brexit but fully support the government in seeking to maintain a close working relationship with the EU and maintaining access to the single market – even if this means making some further payments.

Hopefully, the spirit of compromise will be reciprocated in Brussels. 

It was also a sad year with major terrorist attacks taking place in London and Manchester.

My thoughts and prayers are with the injured, the bereaved and those members of the emergency services who worked heroically to save lives.

I was caught up in one of these attacks and possibly owe my life to the armed police officer who shot dead an Islamic terrorist feet away from where I stood. 

Most of the atrocities have been initiated by Islamic extremists wanting to impose Sharia law on the UK.

We must do more to make sure those living in Britain maintain British values, whilst strongly rejecting those with Nazi-style views who have tried to exploit these outrages for their own ends.

One week after the Westminster attack, British Muslims welcomed me and others onto Westminster Bridge to commemorate the innocent people who had died and to express their repugnance of these attacks.

As 2017 draws to a close, there is much that needs to be carefully considered if we are to ensure a more peaceful and politically stable year in 2018.

I would like to end by thanking residents of the Monmouth constituency for giving me the chance to represent them in Parliament once again, to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and assure you of my commitment to a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

NICK RAMSAY AM

Across the world, 2017 has been a year of uncertainty – we’ve seen the inauguration of the most unpredictable and controversial US President taking an impulsive approach to international relations, while at home there remains uncertainty about our future relationship with the EU and rest of the world as Brexit negotiations continue. 

Locally, I have enjoyed working right across the Monmouth constituency, meeting local residents either at surgeries or community events and working with local people on important campaigns. 

I’ve worked with small business owners to campaign for a fairer system of business rates to help keep our independent shops and high streets open, while in other parts of the county fighting for better broadband provision. 

For me personally, the highlight of 2017 was my marriage to Jennifer. 

We are very much looking forward to our first Christmas together as a married couple, just as many families across Monmouthshire are looking forward to spending quality time together, with perhaps a short break from any day to day stresses.

 As we approach the start of 2018, I look forward to a year that is happier, more peaceful than this year has been. 

Locally, I’m looking forward to seeing the Severn Bridge tolls abolished next year, as well as progress on a number of key building projects, including a new Morrisons supermarket, the completion of the comprehensive school in Monmouth and hopefully progress on an M4 relief road.

 May I take this opportunity to wish every reader and their family a very merry Christmas and a healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2018.