Reflecting on the year Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor of Holsworthy said: “This year has been a tremendous one for our town and its proud, tight knit community that I never fail to be proud of.

“2025 has been a brilliant year for so many reasons and I thought I’d use my Christmas message, as we all come together to spend time with our loved ones to reflect on several of the successes and moments we’ve shared together as a town have enjoyed together.

“It was a tremendous honour to be chosen by my fellow Holsworthy town councillors to lead our town through the next year. It was a pleasure to once again play my part in representing the council and our town.

“Victory in Japan day, better known as VJ Day was a day where the town’s present did its bit to honour the sacrifices of its past while giving thanks for the freedoms we enjoy today.

“While Christmas for many of us is a time where we can spend it with those we love, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge our emergency services who will continue to be available around the clock across the period. This year saw the threat of losing our fantastic fire service co-responders, who play a vital role in saving lives and the fact that they will continue to be retained is a real cause for celebration.

“I was particularly proud of the fact we raised £8,000 together at the mayor’s charity event for the benefit of Holsworthy Museum and the football club. While the rain did its bit to try and affect play during parts of the day, the amount we managed to raise while having as much fun as we did is a testament to the generosity and willingness of our community to not only give, but come together and have a laugh.

“This year has also seen the arrival of new Christmas lights in Holsworthy, and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing them sparkle bright in the dark night skies. The switch on event was a really enjoyable event, and I’d like to thank those who made it happen.

“Alongside the Christmas lights in our town, I was also delighted to see so many excellently decorated Christmas trees in the St Peter and St Paul church as part of the Christmas tree festival and I would thank those who helped organise it, all those who decorated the trees and the volunteer stewards who provided a warm welcome with an abundance of Christmas spirit.

“I would like to end my Christmas message by thanking everyone in Holsworthy who has supported our events this year, and to extend that to the councillors, staff and volunteers who help to keep Holsworthy Town Council running and doing its bit in our community.

“Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to the volunteers and organisations in the town who help keep Holsworthy on the map. I would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and I hope 2026 is prosperous to you all. “