A Christmas Message from the Leader of Boston Borough Council

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this special time of year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible spirit of our community and the achievements we've shared over the past year.

2024 has been a truly vibrant year for Boston Borough, filled with events that have brought us closer together and showcased the energy and creativity of our community. The Boston Christmas Festival has set the tone for this festive season, and I was particularly impressed with the children and adults who participated in the Illuminate Parade, which filled our town with joy and a sense of togetherness. Earlier in the year, we marvelled at the incredible displays of strength and determination at Boston's Strongest competition, we celebrated unity and rhythm at the Reggae and Ska Festival, and many of us, young and old alike, enjoyed the sunshine and seaside fun of the Beach Event in Central Park. These moments remind us of the diversity and richness of life in Boston Borough.

None of these events would have been possible without the unwavering support of our whole community—volunteers, local businesses, and residents who give their time and effort to make Boston such a wonderful place to live. Your contributions, large and small, are the foundation of our borough's success, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you.

Volunteering opportunities have flourished this year, and I continue to be inspired by the generosity and compassion of local people. Whether it's helping at a food bank, litter picking with the wonderful Wombles, educating our children through the Guiding and Scouting movement, supporting our community events, or lending a hand to those in need in your local neighbourhood, these acts of kindness don't just reflect the true spirit of the festive season, they enhance the lives of others all year round. If you haven't yet found your way to volunteering and it's something that you might be interested in, I encourage you to make 2025 the year you get involved! Together, we can achieve even more!

Above all, what stands out for me is the positivity and resilience of Boston's people. In challenging times, we see the best in each other through small gestures of kindness, understanding, and support; and this reminds me of what it means to be part of a caring and united community. We Bostonians have much to be proud of so let's keep talking the town up so that others see what we see. We have a rich heritage and history which attracts tourists from all over the world but how often do we, as residents, take the time to appreciate what's right here on our doorstep? So, I would encourage you to visit some of our local sites if you've not been for a while. For example, if you've not been to The Guildhall since leaving school why not pop in and remind yourself of what it has to offer? It's free to get in!

As we look ahead to a new year, let us continue to foster a spirit of kindness and understanding. Let's build on the successes of the past year, embrace new opportunities, and support one another as we move forward. By working together, we can make Boston Borough an even stronger, more inclusive, and thriving community.

On behalf of everyone at Boston Borough Council, I wish you all a joyous Christmas filled with peace, love, and happiness, and a New Year full of hope and opportunity. Here's to another year of community spirit and shared success in 2025!

Anne Dorrian

Leader of Boston Borough Council