DENTON and Reddish MP Andrew Gwynne sums up the highs and lows of 2022…
FOR MANY people, things have wound down at work, travel arrangements are made and many families are having a well-earned breather over Christmas.
I always get reflective at this time of year and try and piece together what we’ve experienced over the last 12 months.
There is no way of sugar coating the fact that 2022 has been very challenging for many.
We’ve experienced Covid-19 restrictions, political turmoil, economic crises, seen war flare up in Europe and have mourned the loss of our longest serving monarch.
But the highs have also been profound, both locally and nationally.
We all cheered on England in the women’s Euros and watched them lift that trophy that has eluded us for so long.
We were glued to our TV sets to watch the Commonwealth Games and saw Sam Ryder come agonisingly close to winning Eurovision, only to come second to our Ukrainian friends.
Locally, I’m perhaps most proud of working with campaigners to save the Tame Valley from an ill-conceived business development which would have obliterated our beautiful valley.
I’ve also been incredibly inspired to see residents stepping up to help others in times of need, demonstrated not least by the brilliant response to this year’s Tameside Toy Appeal.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by some of the challenges we face. But the challenges are surmountable, and a fairer, happier and brighter future is possible.
In 2023, I’ll continue to work closely with local councillors, and fight tooth and nail for those that I’m lucky enough to represent.
I’m most looking forward to seeing the beginning of the rollout of Greater Manchester’s integrated and publicly-owned transport system, rebuilding work commence on Russell Scott Primary School in Denton and continuing to work with Friends of the Tame Valley to improve our beautiful green spaces.
We also some have big events to look forward to, including the Coronation of King Charles III, Eurovision (hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine), the women’s football World Cup and more.
To finish 2022, I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who has dedicated their time to helping others, and the fantastic local representatives who are always a joy to work with.
Together, we’ll make 2023 a success.