Mayor's message to the community this festive season
Heather Asker
Saffron Walden mayor Heather Asker - Credit: CELIA BARLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
It's been a turbulent year. Saffron Walden Mayor Heather Asker writes:
"I don't believe anyone had a vision of what 2020 was going to bring this time last year. But what I do believe is how resilient and adaptable human beings are and can become.
"I didn't want to repeat the many things which have already been said, but to highlight my take on our situation.
"I have seen how we have embraced new ways of communicating via technology, meetings can take on the view of some older style TV game shows, with the participants all in their boxes looking around for each other as one tries to speak and the amount of time taken to advise someone they're still on mute whilst quietly chatting away to their audience!
"I was reminded recently about the new list of regular words in our vocabulary, such as Covid, Zoom, Teams, and how we've adopted new ways of going about our daily lives, socially distancing, wearing masks and becoming very clean and sanitised.
"I have become very aware of our amazing sense of humour and how in dark times, someone, somewhere, has the imagination and wit to put a smile on our faces with flash messages and pictures depicting our plight, but it makes us laugh...and we share those images and jokes.
"In many instances I have noticed how much more kind and considerate people are, coming to the aid of those in need of errands, chores, love and support, perhaps this is the time where we can all appreciate basic values a little more and some well earned peace and rest.
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"Like everyone else, I look forward to the new year returning to a more stable and normal way of life, but in reality I believe we will continue to have to be thoughtful, caring and considerate of an invisible blight and patiently wait for a time when all nations can say they are safe.
"I wish everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas and happy New Year."
A look back to 2020 -
Many activities and events were cancelled. Here are some that went ahead.
Saffron Walden mayor Heather Asker joins BID and volunteers to help with the big clean up ahead of shops reopening after lockdown. - Credit: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
Businesses reopen after lockdown. Friends Tony Calver and John Byatt, Saffron Walden mayor Heather Asker, Uttlesford District Council chairman Martin Foley, Uttlesford District Council vice chairman Arthur Coote and Saffron Walden deputy mayor Richard Porch. - Credit: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
A reading during the 80th Commemoration service in Saffron Walden for the Battle of Britain, September 2020. - Credit: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
Saffron Walden Mayor Heather Asker places a wreath at the cemetery on Remembrance Sunday. - Credit: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY
Saffron Walden mayor Heather Asker, along with deputy mayor Richard Porch and his grandchildren at Audley End Miniature Railway. - Credit: AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY
A socially distanced thumbs up as two children count down from 10 for the Saffron Walden Christmas lights switch on for 2020. - Credit: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY