NEW Year is a time to look forward, while reflecting on the past.
There’s no doubt we live in interesting times.
Out there in the big, wide world growing instability and conflict dominate the stage, while here at home we fight against nationalist fervour in Scotland, which threatens to tear our country apart.
Having sat opposite MPs from the SNP for nearly a year now, I see and hear nothing but anger and bitterness, and it genuinely saddens me.
It seems that the more we give them, the more they demand, knowing in their hearts that an independent Scotland would be a disaster for the people they purport to serve.
We are far stronger and better placed to face the storms ahead as a united nation.
And, while talking about our country, the promised EU referendum looms ever closer.
Common sense is at last seeping into the debate on this vexed issue and the mood among our people to ‘get our country back’ grows ever stronger.
Meanwhile, across South Dorset, I meet more and more organisations doing their utmost to help and support others.
They are too numerous to mention by name, but the selflessness of their volunteers is nothing but inspirational.
I would like to thank all those who work for our emergency services, whether on land, sea or in the air.
Most are paid, others are not, and in both I see the very best that this country has to offer.
I trust you’ve all enjoyed the Christmas break with your families and friends and now we turn our energies to another year.
What will this one bring, I wonder?
One thing’s for certain, though, stick to our Christian faith and we won’t go far wrong.