A Christmas message from Councillor Ken Mayor, chairman of Fenland District Council.

I would like to offer Season’s Greetings to each and every one of you in Fenland.

It has been an honour for me to represent Fenland in my first year as year as chairman. I have had the pleasure of hosting and attending many civic events in and around the district.

I was proud to host a moving parade at Fenland Hall in June supporting Armed Forces Day. It was attended by the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, Royal Air Force Association, Old Comrades Association, veterans and local residents.

In July I held my civic reception at the Manor Leisure Centre, which enabled me to showcase Fenland as a whole and Whittlesey in particular.

Other events I have hosted include an annual Macmillan coffee morning in September, supported by staff at the council, dignitaries and local residents.

That raised £536.72 which the March, Chatteris and District Branch of Macmillan Cancer Support told me will all go to help support its work.

I took part in three very poignant Remembrance Day Parades in March, Whittlesey and at Madingley.

That, too, has filled me with pride: it is fitting that we continue to remember all those who have lost their lives serving their country and to honour everyone in our armed forces, past and present.

Our thoughts at this time are particularly with all those currently serving overseas who are separated from their families and loved ones at Christmas.

We should also remember with gratitude everyone who will be working over this holiday period, particularly those in our emergency services and hospitals.

I would like to pay tribute to two fellow councillors who died during 2013 - Robert Scrimshaw in January and Mac Cotterell MBE in October – and another former councillor, Mick Speechley, who died on December 7.

All three were councillors who showed great commitment in their respective wards and my thoughts are with their respective families at this special time of year.

On December 8 we held our annual carol service at St Mary’s Church in Whittlesey to get us into the Christmas spirit. I would like to thank everyone for making the occasion such a joyful success.

On behalf of Kay and myself, a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and healthy New Year.