As the festive season wraps our community in its warmth, I’m filled with gratitude reflecting on the remarkable journey we’ve shared this year.

Together, we’ve accomplished some incredible feats, including preserving essential services like Stratton Stores, funding summer programs for our youth, saving the iconic Storm Tower, signing the Armed Forces Covenant for additional support, allocating £20,000 in grants to community groups, and revamping Katy’s Corner in the Bencoolen play park – just to highlight a few of our many achievements this year.

Your passion and invaluable input have been instrumental in our efforts to make Bude and Stratton better for all. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your continued support and contributions.

While challenges lie ahead, so do exciting opportunities, and we’re committed to working with you to create a community we can all be proud of. Our goal is to nurture a place where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

As you reflect on the past year, I hope it reinforces what a wonderful place we call home and highlights the incredible strength of our community.

Wishing you, your families, friends, and loved ones a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, excitement, and kindness. Together, let’s make the coming year even more extraordinary.

Cllr Mike Dawe

Mayor of Bude-Stratton