The COVID pandemic throughout 2020 has had a profound effect on all our lives, presenting unprecedented challenges for many. The restrictions to daily life have forced us to quickly adopt different ways of working, learning and connecting with each other. Being Chair of the CLP during this period has been a privilege and I’ve been humbled by the wave of inspiring new initiatives developed by our community in response. I hope you enjoy reading about the activities of the CLP in the attached Christmas newsletter.

Lockdown has brought home to us all the importance of community and the time we spend with our families and friends, and I would like to invite you to join us for an online get-together on Friday 18th December. This event will be purely celebratory – with opportunities to win prizes via a fabulous quiz, bingo and raffle. We are hoping to be joined by Toby and a number of special guests – details to be announced later. We will have varied entertainment, light discussion and plenty of opportunities to chat, reflect and relax. Please reply to our Ann at lambertgnvq@aol.com to obtain logins.

The pandemic has showcased the fantastic work of our precious NHS and caused us all to reassess who we consider to be key in our society. I know many of you work in the caring professions and our thanks and admiration goes out to you all. We thank front-line workers who are keeping our lives running, the refuse workers, delivery drivers, postal workers, shop workers and many others. For those of us who are receiving such brilliant service please remember to say thank you. Higher wages would be a better thank you, and we’re working hard to push for that too.

May the Holiday Season bring only happiness and joy to you and your loved ones and a healthy and peaceful new year.

Best wishes

Anne-Frances, Chair