As the fireworks sparked around Manchester, I assumed we entered 2025. But had I not known midnight was close, I could have been forgiven for thinking the same at 9pm (and many other times).
In a time when many are using foodbanks and struggling for money it is reported that Londons fireworks cost over two million. This is before thinking about the damage to the environment through to water supplies, soil, ecosystems of animals and noise pollution impacting animals and people.
I'm not massively against fireworks. I enjoy watching them, but could we have spent less on them?
Or would a light show be better for the environment?
You have to question are we spending money wisely, especially when you look at Lisa Nandy buying two folders at £594 each using tax payers money that do the same job as folders from a supermarket.
As far as All 4 Inclusion is concerned, 2024 saw us welcome some new regulars to our community. With new people comes more reason to smile and laugh.
It also brings more reason to support each other. Another New Year gripe is that people wish each other
"the best of health"
I understand why people do this. I wouldn't wish my health conditions on other people. But as a community of people who do not have the best of health, I think it's more important to laugh and smile.
With this, I think as a group we succeed to pick each other up even through times of bad health.
A lot of hard work goes in to growing our community and we want to welcome more people and put on different events.
In doing this it is far from a one person job.
Sarah Morris works extremely hard doing a lot more than people see. Whilst she runs the art group and does some great social media for this, she also assists the running of additional groups.
Thank you Sarah for everything you do.
Claire Statham is someone new within our community and runs our writing group. Those who attend the group will know the hardwork Claire puts in to the group finding music and short clips to help inspire people.
Claire, we are so pleased you decided to become a part of All 4 Inclusion and thank you for the work you do.
Myra Whitney, the group Mum supports a lot of members by signposting to services to help them. She takes time to listen to people and is always there for others. Recently she took on a Friday drop in group too.
Thank you Mum for everything you do.
Behind the Red Curtains we have Andy Guy. Aside from keeping Russell amused, Andy is a great sounding board providing excellent advice. Andy is the co host of the original Tuesday night drop in and continues to do this when time allows.
As well as thanking Andy from an All 4 Inclusion perspective, I thank Andy personally too. Andy often comes to get me out of my flat which is much appreciated.
We have Liam as our technical advisor who provides excellent tips with things like our website and mobile app keeping us connected in many more ways. Liam, thank you for your wise words.
We also have Andrea who is coming in to the background, Matt who provides excellent support and Paul who helps create some pretty and original graphics for us.
Kevin and Katy have also contributed to our blog pages this year which allow more people know who we are.
Finally we have Jo who assists with our Awards ensuring they run smoothly and of course Sean who has been our awards MC the last two years. (Hopefully he will be around for a third year too).
Without the support of all of these people, the members, people who speak at our events All 4 Inclusion would not be the group it is.
I certainly didn't expect to write as much as I have, but it goes to show that there are lots of people volunteering their time to ensure that our groups are open.
There are lots of ideas that we have which I would love to talk about, but will save those for another time. Another thank you; and that's to you for reading this far.
If you have anything you would like to see from us, please comment below or email me at scott@all4inclusion.org
Appreciate every smile that you give to someone in 2025 and hopefully see you soon. Scott
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