As 2022 draws to a close and I think back on the events of the year, global, national and local, it is the activities that bring people together that remain uppermost.

In February the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia saw people come together in communities throughout Europe and across the UK to respond to the plight of those in the affected areas as well as those fleeing their homes.

Here in East Cambridgeshire we welcomed Ukrainian people and families into our district. Thank you to all those that coordinated donations, gifted items or money and especially to those that opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

The country celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with parties and events to mark the occasion, including in East Cambridgeshire.

The planting of a special beech tree in Brinkley was part of the Council’s ‘plant a tree for the Jubilee’ campaign to encourage tree planting across the district for the Queen’s Green Canopy.

Following record breaking temperatures in the summer, the death of the Queen on 8th September stilled the country in a period of collective sadness and reflection, with books of condolence signed and floral tributes made across the district.

The Proclamation of King Charles III was made at 11.00am on 10th September at St James’ Palace, London and found its way to Ely Cathedral by 4.00pm with the well-attended local reading.

September and October saw the planning and opening of Warm Hubs across the district, spaces in our communities for people to come together, to keep warm, to share stories and advice and to just be.

The response of communities in our district to the rising costs of energy and the cost of living issues is heart-warming.

And across Cambridgeshire the last couple of months have been dominated by the proposals by the Greater Cambridge Partnership to introduce a road charge for vehicles to enter Cambridge in order to pay for improved bus services.

The proposals have brought people together on both sides of the argument with new groups forming, campaigns launched, protest marches walked, and acres of words written to argue the case!

The year has felt tumultuous and unsettling, but throughout, the response by people coming together to celebrate, to reflect, to respond to those in need, for common cause and for the common good shows that humanity is alive and well.

Wishing Ely Standard readers and all residents in East Cambridgeshire the very happiest of Christmases and all the best for 2023.

Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council