I would like to offer my sincere best wishes to all Newham Recorder readers for a happy and peaceful Christmas

I would like to offer my sincere best wishes to all Newham Recorder readers for a happy and peaceful Christmas.

I am delighted that once again the Recorder has successfully met its target in the annual Christmas Toy Appeal with Community Links.

Newham Council has been pleased to be able to support the campaign so that on Christmas morning, each child referred to the appeal gets a present.

We are a borough that enjoys doing things together and this appeal represents the true spirit of community. Celebrating Christmas and other major faith events also helps us understand each other’s customs and traditions and develops a culture of mutual respect.

Despite there being an air of doom and gloom about with some tough decisions to be made about public spending, we must continue to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

People want Christmas lights, Christmas trees and Christmas songs. Pupils from Calverton and Tollgate schools recently performed carols for council staff. Some councils have chosen to save money in this area, but I think they are wrong. Life without celebration and fun is poorer for it.

The festive period is a good time to reflect on what is really important to us. It is a fact that sometimes the tougher times are, the more we all pull together.

Most of you will be spending time over the holiday at home with family and friends. As you settle down to enjoy the festivities, please spare a thought for the dedicated members of our armed forces who serve and protect our country throughout the year.

And don’t forget those people who are working hard to keep the borough moving during this recent adverse weather. The council has a good supply of salt and staff have been working round the clock to ensure minimum disruption. While we can’t predict the weather, we are confident that we are sufficiently prepared.

Once again I wish you a very happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year. – SIR ROBIN WALES