It is hard to know how to begin looking back on 2020. No-one could have imagined the massive changes to our daily lives or the grief, worry and hardship caused by the global effect of Covid-19. Many families will be approaching the festive season, mourning the loss of a loved one and they are in my thoughts. The impact of Covid-19 will be felt for some time to come by so many but hopefully better days are ahead in 2021.
However, amongst all of that, what I also saw this year and continue to witness all around me are countless acts of kindness, generosity and selflessness. Within communities, often lead by the exceptional voluntary sector and charities, people have pulled together to help the most vulnerable in many practical ways and in public service, workers have shown immense dedication.
The NHS has been at the forefront in the battle against Covid-19 and I would like to pay tribute to them. The Council has supported business and our most vulnerable throughout this time as well as trying to sustain most of the services that the public would expect. My thanks go to everyone involved.
Through the East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership, those who required care in their homes continued to receive it in a safe way. Our helpline helped hundreds of vulnerable people and those who were shielding with food parcels, medicine deliveries and combating social isolation.
Many businesses throughout East Dunbartonshire have struggled and will continue to struggle with some who have been closed since March perhaps never to re-open. This time of year would be particularly busy for our hospitality sector and due to restrictions they will be suffering.
Across the area, many people have had to adapt to working from home and while this has been challenging, it has kept many services both in the public and private sectors running as smoothly as possible.
As I look forward to 2021, like you all, I hope for a return to some form of normality. I have said before that the best part of my role as Provost is the people I meet and I have missed it this year.
In particular I missed celebrating landmark events with the people of East Dunbartonshire like 100th birthdays and Diamond and Golden Weddings. I missed attending community events where I get the chance to meet and listen to residents.
In particular I missed gathering on Remembrance Sunday as a community to pay tribute and respect to our veterans and to those who paid the ultimate price in service of their country.
I want to close as I traditionally do by saying 'thank you' to workers and volunteers on duty over the festive period delivering vital services and helping others, especially with this year's unique challenges: the emergency services, the military, our own Council staff, charities and everyone who is working through the festivities in service of others.
And finally I hope you all stay safe, have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.