The theme for my Mayoral year is working with the community for the community and at this time of year, for those who are on their own, struggling to make ends meet, suffering from loneliness or dealing with sickness or bereavement, the services and support provided by our voluntary sector are perhaps needed more than at any other time of the year.

Over the last few weeks, I have seen some wonderful examples of how the Farnham community help each other. Earlier this month, the Farnham Lions did a fantastic job of collecting donations of food items from local people for redistribution to those most in need.

Christmas is the season of Goodwill and thanksgiving and for some, it is a time when we thank God for the gift of his son to the world. We had chance to do this at the recent Civic Christmas Carol Service and also to remember those less fortunate than ourselves.

I would like to thank all those who gave so generously and helped to raise £1,500 for Step by Step, which is a charity that helps young people facing adversity, including homelessness, to realise their aspirations and reach their full potential. Just £30 will provide safe accommodation and specialist support to enable a young person to break the cycle of homelessness.

A further £500 was raised for space2grow and Hale Community Centre which are the charities I am supporting during my Mayoral year.

On Christmas Day I will be visiting Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice followed by Brightwells Gostrey Centre where Churches Together are organising Christmas lunch for older people who would otherwise be alone this Christmas.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the emergency services and medical staff who will be on duty over the Christmas period. You do a wonderful job and we are grateful.

Finally, as we move forward towards Christmas, I wish each and every one of you and each member of your family, a truly joyous time.

Councillor Pat Evans, Mayor of Farnham, David Evans and daughter Sian