After a busy year the Christmas holiday gives us a brief space to reflect on 2014 and look on to the challenges ahead. It is also a time to appreciate the most important things in life – the family and friends who support us through the hard times and the good.
2014 has been a momentous year. We marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War; I had the honour of lighting the 'Flame of Remembrance' that will burn at the gates of Tatton Park until 11th November 2018. As the year draws to a close I will be thinking of those in uniform in our armed services and emergency services who are there to protect us.
It has also been an eventful year for the Alderley Edge area. The Connecting Cheshire Project continued to bring high-speed broadband to our rural homes and businesses. Healthcare continues to be a top priority for local people and I was pleased to launch the new Advanced Dementia team at East Cheshire Hospice whilst waiving VAT for hospice charities that provide such comfort and support to people across Cheshire and nationwide.
New businesses have continued to flock to the area, bringing jobs and security for local people; Alderley Park has continued to welcome new companies to boost Cheshire's vibrant and growing life sciences industry. Our community continues to be a force for good, with organisations like Incredible Edible bringing volunteers together to plant fruit and vegetables and encourage local people to get involved.
I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
