New Year Message

My last of 2018 and I take my inspiration from HM The Queen's Christmas Day message; this grand old lady who has dedicated her entire life to service spoke eloquently, as ever, about respect.

in the same year we lost the great artist who recorded a song entitled Respect, the Queen spoke about the dangers of division caused by this worrying trend to disrespect anyone who has an opinion which differs from our own.

As a child I was brought up to respect my elders - it is something I brought my own children up to believe and practice. It is something which is sadly lacking in these days of deep division. As The Queen said, it is perfectly OK to disagree with someone but we should never disrespect them or their right to their own opinion.

Watching the House of Commons on TV is a tragic indictment of a place where, seemingly, respect has no place. Our elected representatives squabbling over the issues of the day and openly insulting their opposite numbers. Insulting the PM to her face; you may not like the PM or have voted for her party but surely we should respect the office of the Prime Minister.

I am often asked about New Years Resolutions and as often duck the issue! But I am making one, very serious resolution on this day for 2019 and in fact for the rest of my life.

I will never again call someone just because their opinion differs to mine, not to their face and certainly not through social media. I will respect everyone, regardless of their views, be they political, religious or business linked.

I would like to invite you to join in this resolution as we embark on another challenging year. If we can bring back respect into our daily lives I am sure our world will be all the better for it.

Happy New Year.