Messages of hope and peace
The town’s MP, council leader, and vicar of Halifax Minister share their new year messages.
Holly Lynch: “2023 was another year of both celebrations and struggles. The coronation of King Charles feels like a very long time ago, however a wonderful programme of festivities across Calderdale brought people together to share in the moment.
“But it’s also been a year of struggles for so many. From families dealing with the pressures of the costs of living crisis to striking workers having to take industrial action just to get a hearing about how hard it is to make ends meet.
“And around the world, the invasion of Ukraine rages on whilst the devastation of Gaza which followed the October 7 attack has seen the year end with great tragedy.
“We have to redouble our efforts to end the violence destroying the lives of too many innocent civilians.
“Here’s to peace and hope in 2024.”
CouncilleaderJaneScullion: “The year has brought many highlights and also many challenges. It’s been a year where we’ve seen some of our transformation projects take a real step forward, with work progressing on schemes which will improve how we travel in and around the borough and wider regeneration work supporting our priority for thriving towns.
“It will be 50 years since our distinctive borough was formed and will see the culmination of our Vision 2024 work.
“To mark this momentous occasion, we will be hosting a Year of Culture to inspire, entertain, and showcase Calderdale by bringing people together through arts, heritage, sports, and culture in all its forms.”
Canon Hilary Barber: “Whilst we may live in uncertain times, I can guarantee that despite the challenges we face, we will continue to do everything we can to do our best for the people of Calderdale.
“Having watched the news on television one is often left feeling depressed and powerless.
“But rather than worry about the things we can’t change, why not make a commitment this new year to influencing the things we can change?
“Each day try to find something nice to say about someone else rather than scorn.
“We all have a responsibility to strengthen community, to take our responsibility for making where we live a better place for ourselves and for others.”