Mayors wish our readers a very Merry Christmas!

Mayors representing the three towns in our area - Louth, Mablethorpe and Alford - have offered their festive good wishes to our readers, and everyone who lives and works in the area.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Louth, Councillor Darren Hobson and Sarah-Jayne Hobson.The Mayor and Mayoress of Louth, Councillor Darren Hobson and Sarah-Jayne Hobson.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Louth, Councillor Darren Hobson and Sarah-Jayne Hobson.

The Mayor of Louth, Councillor Darren Hobson, said: “Twelve months ago, none of us could have foreseen the incredible events that we have lived through in 2020.

“As the year draws to a close, I am sure that we can all reflect on things that we can be very thankful for; acts of kindness received from those in the community, the joy of a simple walk in our neighbourhood or local countryside, hearing the birds sing so beautifully and the love given to us by friends and family.

“This season is about kindness and goodwill, and many of us will want to visit loved ones, but I ask you to celebrate responsibly in a safe and considerate way which does not compromise anyone’s health or wellbeing after all we have endured this year.

“As we look forward to what we hope will be better times in 2021, let us continue to build on the great local community spirit in Louth which has been so inspiring 
and that we have cherished so much during 2020.

“On behalf of Louth Town Council, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe, healthy and Happy Christmas and the very best for the year ahead.”

The Mayor of Mablethorpe and Sutton, Coun Carl Tebbutt, provided a short but sweet message to residents, offering his very best wishes to everyone connected to the local area.

Coun Tebbutt said: “I would like to extend my good wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all residents and businesses of the parish.

“Please enjoy the festive season in a sensible and safe manner, and look forward to a New Year that hopefully will bring a return to some sort of normality for traders and inhabitants alike.”

The Mayor of Alford, Coun Richard Quantrell, added: “My name is Richard and I am a list making addict.

“I make them for things to do today, things for tomorrow and things to do… well, sometime.

“We have all long ago torn up in frustration the lists we made at this time last year of things we wanted to do in 2020.

“But out of all the tragedy and despair many surprising and encouraging things have happened and so there is one list even I cannot make this year.

“That list is of all the people in Alford and its surrounding villages who have helped get us through this extraordinary period of our lives because there are too many to include.

“So thank you to each and everyone of you for all you have done. This great community effort only goes to prove the truth of those two well-known advertising slogans
that we are ‘Better Together’ and ‘Every Little Helps’.

“This Christmas there will be great sadness for those families who have lost loved ones, for those who have lost jobs and for those who have lost confidence in themselves.

“Others will just feel they are in a long dark tunnel where the pinprick of light at the end just seems too far away. So to all of you who are determined to make the best of Christmas despite everything please pick up the phone, send an e mail or a text to whoever you think needs help and let them know you are there for them.

“So my Christmas message this year is be patient, be kind and support those in need. And for 2021 – well, it’s obvious – make lists.”

• The Louth & Mablethorpe Leader team would also like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!