Dear Editor,

As time passes, it’s increasingly clear that Brexit has not delivered the benefits that were promised by politicians such as Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage. It has, in fact, proved to be a major setback for much of the UK.

Businesses are dealing with costly trade barriers and complicated paperwork, making it harder to export goods and stay competitive. Many small firms have struggled or shut down altogether. Our economy is growing more slowly than that of comparable countries, and families are feeling the impact through rising prices in all sectors and reduced opportunities.

Public services, especially the NHS, are also suffering from severe staff shortages made worse by the loss of workers from the EU. Young people have been deprived of valuable educational and cultural programmes that once linked us closely with Europe. Desperate for trade deals, we are at the mercy of China and the whims of Trump half way across the world.

Brexit was meant to strengthen our future. The sound bites that were repeated over and over again in the lead up to the vote: ‘Brexit will make us stronger’ and ‘Take back control’ were misguided and misinformed nonsense. As so many intelligent and well informed people predicted, it has left us weaker and more isolated. Let's hope the lesson's been learned.

Yours sincerely,

Donna Pollak

via email

Dear Editor,

Nynehead Court is delighted to announce the return of its much-loved Christmas Concert, taking place on Friday, December 12, from 6.30pm to 8pm at Nynehead Church.

This special event has become a firm favourite with residents, families, and members of the local community, offering an evening filled with seasonal music, uplifting performances and shared celebration in the lead-up to Christmas.

This year’s concert will feature performances by two popular returning ensembles: the Intermediate Wellington Silver Band and the High Park Music Group Under 16s Orchestra, conducted by Hilary Wickham. Known for their warmth, energy and festive spirit, both groups bring a unique charm to this seasonal gathering.

A festive programme of live music — The evening will open with the vibrant sounds of the Wellington Silver Band, whose mix of traditional carols and lively arrangements always raises spirits and sets the tone for a joyful evening.

The second half will feature the talented young musicians of High Park Music Group, whose under-16s orchestra brings fresh enthusiasm and a sense of occasion to the concert. Under Hilary Wickham’s guidance, their carefully prepared programme will offer something for all ages to enjoy.

A beautiful setting — The concert will be held in the historic Nynehead Church, a short walk from Nynehead Court. With its warm acoustics, candlelit atmosphere and timeless charm, the church offers the perfect setting for a festive evening of live music.

Event details: Friday, December 12. 6.30pm to 8pm. Nynehead Church, Nynehead, Wellington, TA21 0BW.

Tickets available on the door.

We encourage guests to arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and secure their seats. All are welcome.

At Nynehead Court, music plays an important role in daily life, and the Christmas Concert is a highlight of our year. It brings together generations, celebrates young talent, and creates space for reflection and joy in the festive season.

We are deeply grateful to Hilary Wickham, whose leadership and dedication continue to bring high-quality performances to our residents and the wider community.

Whether you’re a long-time attendee or visiting for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us for this year’s concert. Come and experience the joy of live music, the beauty of our local church, and the spirit of togetherness that makes Christmas at Nynehead so special.

Shirley Chapman

Associate director of Nynehead Court

As a great grandmother at 87 years old, I may be slowing down a little, but I’m certainly not ready to stop moving for a good cause. Recently, I took on my third fundraising challenge for Mary’s Meals - cycling 30 miles on my tricycle around a racetrack, over three days, to celebrate the charity reaching the incredible milestone of feeding three million hungry children every school day.

Mary’s Meals is a charity very close to my heart. They provide daily school meals for children in some of the world’s poorest communities offering them food, hope, and the chance of an education. After seeing the life-changing difference a simple school meal could make when I visited Malawi, I knew I had to help in whatever way I could.

This Christmas, there’s a wonderful way everyone can support Mary’s Meals. Through their Double The Love appeal, every donation made will be matched by a group of generous supporters, up to £1.1 million. That means your gift can go twice as far to feed hungry children and help the charity keep their promise to the three million children who already eat nutritious meals every school day and reach those still waiting.

It costs only £19.15 to feed a child for a whole school year - and during Double The Love, that same donation will feed two children. Even the smallest gift makes a big difference, with each meal costing just 10p.

Gift matching will end once Mary’s Meals reaches the £1.1-million total so don’t miss out on the opportunity to see your kindness go even further.

If I can cycle 30 miles at my age, I hope it shows you’re never too old – or too young – to do something to help. Together this Christmas, we can turn hunger into hope for the children who need it most.

To learn more or donate, please visit www.marysmeals.org.uk.

With warm wishes,

Ellison Hudson

Mary’s Meals

Climate change is the defining issue of the 21st century. There has been progress in tackling the crisis – the renewable energy industry has expanded rapidly and we have witnessed a growth in public awareness – but many environmental challenges persist and the need for action is more urgent than ever.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report of 2007 confirmed that human activity drives global warming and warned that some effects could be irreversible. Since then, we have made some notable progress.

Between 2008 and 2018, global solar capacity increased by 5,000 per cent, while its cost fell tenfold. Here in the UK, the Climate Change Act established more robust emissions targets and an independent Climate Change Committee to monitor progress.

At the same time, Greta Thunberg’s ‘School Strike for Climate’ movement inspired a wave of public activism and forced governments to further address environmental issues.

However, despite this, the crisis is deepening. The past nine years have been the warmest on record, and scientists warn that the critical 1.5C threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement may have been breached. Extreme weather events, such as the wildfires in Canada in 2023 which burnt an area the size of Florida, highlight the cost of inaction. Meanwhile, social media has accelerated misinformation, fuelling climate denial and conspiracy theories.

Trump’s presidency has weakened environmental protections and delayed progress. The path forward demands decisive global cooperation. Investing in low-carbon technologies and improving public transport, whilst continuing to expand the renewable energy sector, is essential. Transitioning to a circular economy that reuses materials and minimises waste will create jobs, stability, and growth. The coming decade is vital in establishing whether we are following the path of action or inaction.

May Puckey

by email