This is going to be a Christmas like no other I have ever seen.

That probably goes for most people. The Covid-19 pandemic and the dreadful handling of it by the Tory government in this country means that no one can plan for almost any activity. Our hospitality industry has been badly hit but manufacturing is also suffering. They say that unemployment is going to hit 2.6m and that is without the failed Brexit negotiations.

I, and am sure many other people, have discovered Zoom, Teams and other online meeting formats.

Last night (25th November) after about 5 hours of almost continual Zoom meetings I nipped out to meet the team from Stoke Events Group who over the last few years have grown the events during the Winter months to thousands in attendance.

This year we have a tree, with lights and a star on top. No one in attendance. No ceremony, no Nello, no Macari, no Lonnie etc. etc. etc….. (But we did have 2 little flares to show willing).

We hope that just by having a tree it may raise people’s spirits just a little…………