We are finally coming to the end of what will have been for most people In Hadleigh the most tumultuous year of their lives. And just as the year finishes things seem set to become very serious once more.

There is a big difference now, though - the vaccine is beginning to be rolled out, and that should give us all cause for hope. That is little consolation to the hundreds of people here who had a proper Christmas planned with their families, but which have now been cut short or even cancelled.

It is hard to take, but it should be just this one Christmas that is blighted, and as more and more people are inoculated, we can look forward to all the things we treasure in the summer.

We have come as far as we have through a marvellous community spirit, and we just need to keep this going while we gradually recover from this pandemic.

May I wish everyone in Hadleigh as happy and peaceful a Christmas as this strange times allow.

Cllr Frank Minns, Mayor of Haldeigh