Ten years ago the new Millenium began amidst fears and speculations that aircraft would lose their bearings; the banks’ computers would crash; and everyone’s PCs would become ineffective. Midnight on Millenium-eve saw spectacular firework displays all around the world – 'though for some of us it was marked by common-or-garden flu!

Ten years on, and the Noughties are coming to an end. We begin the Twenty-tens. However, we still wonder, on a personal front, what is to come. Using the words of the marriage vows, our lives will be “richer or poorer, in sickness or in health, until death parts us” – the cycle of life continues whatever the number of the years.

For many, 2010 will be the year of some significant events locally and nationally: Scouts and Guides celebrate their centenary; The Friends of St Mary’s notch up 25 years of service; There will be a General Election; Pope Benedict will visit the UK.

Despite these major events, important as they are, the most significant things are likely to be the on-going wonderfully supportive work of our schools and youth work; our self-help groups and the provision of medical, social and domestic help for people in need; the unspectacular, but much needed, daily work in the state and private sectors of industry, commerce and retailing; the generous gift of time given by volunteers of all sorts so that the fabric of our lives can be sustained.

For what you have done in the Noughties, thank you. For what you are planning to do in the coming year, God bless you and sustain you.

 

David Ainge