Zoe Franklin

Last year I found it really easy to get into the spirit of Christmas. Perhaps it was that my son, Reuben, was only two months old and the wonder of his birth hadn’t left me so it was easier to feel the wonder of the Christmas season? Perhaps it was because I wasn’t working and enjoyed leisurely walks up Guildford High Street looking in shop windows and seeing the Christmas displays being put up? Perhaps it was because I had time enjoy the shopping rather than trying to speed shop on the internet?

Actually, I think I know what it is this year - I am very aware that for many Christmas this year will be a time of wondering how they are going to make ends meet; how they are going to afford what their son or daughter (or partner!) has been asking for the last two months; or wondering what 2009 will bring. Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive but I admit it’s hard to hold back when you have children pestering you, friends that you ‘ought’ to by for and most of all the expectation sold to us in magazines and on TV that it’s is all about presents and spending. In fact my favourite thing about Christmas is not the presents but the fact I can spend time with my family chatting, laughing and generally having fun (there’s always the argument in there - it wouldn’t be Christmas without it!).

Anyway pondering this made me realise that I know that things are OK for my family financially and so amongst my Christmas shopping I’ll be buying a few extra gifts to take to Superdrug to pop into the Salvation Army’s Christmas Present Appeal box. Perhaps, if you can, you could consider doing the same. You can find out more information at www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmaspresent.

Whatever your situation I hope that you are able to enjoy the festive season and, as always, if you feel that I can help with something do get in touch.

Merry Christmas.

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me in the by-election on September 11th. I am delighted that I am able to represent my fellow residents in the role of Borough Councillor for Stoke ward.

The by-election campaign was hard work but there is no doubt that going out and meeting people on the door-steps was a real highlight  for me. As well as giving me the opportunity to speak to old friends and meet new ones it also enabled me to hear direct from fellow residents the issues that are really of concern. Going into the campaign I knew that people were upset and frustrated by the ongoing issue of roads, anti-social behaviour, smells in the Slyfield/Weyfield area and refuse/recycling. Coming out of it I now have a clearer idea of people’s wider concerns which include parking across the ward, speeding, buses and the state of disrepair that some local pathways have fallen into.

Melanie Wilberforce (my fellow ward councillor) and I met at the weekend to discuss the issues raised during the campaign and how we could effectively work to improve them and the other key issues. We may not have all the answers right now but going forward we know that by asking the right questions we will be able to work towards finding resolutions to as many of them as possible.