The Christmas period has been lovely in Romsey, perhaps especially in the Abbey and the United Reform Church, where I have celebrated 9 Lessons and Carols, various concerts and generally got in the festive spirit. The tree in the Market Place looks magnificent, as do all the lights, and the traditional Rotary Carols are always something to look forward to.
It is also a time to support the local hospitality venues, and I will confess to having been at the Cocky Anchor, the Chilworth Arms and the Rockingham Arms over the last week! There can be no doubt that this is a crucial time of year for the sector, and we are fortunate to have some great pubs and cafes locally. But the increase in business rates has come as a blow to them, alongside NI increases.
An invitation popped into my inbox just before Christmas to attend a round table being hosted by UK Hospitality locally. I know we have some really hard working, but vociferous publicans, who are brilliant at getting their case across. I am just not convinced Ministers are listening to them at present.
New Year’s Eve is a big night of the year for the sector, and I will be celebrating locally rather than going to London for the celebrations there. But I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and may 2026 bring you everything you wish for.
