Christmas is when we remember the birth of Jesus and join family and friends to exchange gifts, renew ties and celebrate friendships. It is also the time to remember those less fortunate than we are. Royston has many organisations who support members of

Christmas is when we remember the birth of Jesus and join family and friends to exchange gifts, renew ties and celebrate friendships. It is also the time to remember those less fortunate than we are.

Royston has many organisations who support members of our community who need assistance with their daily lives. Many of their members will be working hard over Christmas to bring cheer to those less fortunate. Our thanks go to all of them.

Royston faces many challenges, particularly with the economic difficulties facing the country, but working together we can improve our town. We have made a start, the Market has seen significant improvements. Royston First has brought additional funding to Royston and should bring much needed improvements to the Town Centre, the new Christmas decorations are a fine start. Let's all look at the positives and work together to make 2010 the year that Royston Town Centre returns as a bustling, lively and prosperous shopping centre.

One of Royston First's projects is to provide the town with a Community Cinema, much needed since the close of the Priory Cinema. This will take time, but I'm confident we can look forward to a cinema in Royston within a year or so. Hopefully the beginning of other family entertainment facilities in Royston, as it is not easy for many people to travel out of town for entertainment.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us pause and remember the families of our armed forces who have lost loved ones this past year and the many injured, who will continue to bear the burden of war. Let us all promise we will continue to fully support the members of our armed forces in the difficult work they do for us. We are proud of the service they give.

Kath and I wish all of you a Very Happy Christmas and Peaceful and Prosperous New Year.

Rod Kennedy

Town Mayor