Grantham Independent Councillor Steven Cunnington gives a personal reflection on 2023
On a cold and frosty February morning, I received a text ‘Can you meet me at the Angel & Royal for a chat?’, writes Councillor Steven Cunnington, of the Grantham Independents.
Little then did I know, that text would change my life and the level of compassion I have for those in this town less fortunate than myself forever. The text was from my good friend Tim Harrison. His ideas and vision for a better Grantham seemed at the time nothing but an unobtainable dream far too removed from reality to believe possible.
Especially for me, living as I must confess in my isolated cynical bubble far detached from community and from those less fortunate. Here we are 10 months later, and the dream has started to become a reality.
We have witnessed what was without doubt the best Christmas lights switch-on in recent memory. We saw a week of theatre and festive activities around the town, all free and selflessly put on and organised by the people of Grantham wanting the best for our town. This was topped off by the fantastic Steampunks last Saturday.
In recent weeks I’ve found myself driving around town collecting presents and Christmas decorations from generous local businesses and residents to give to those with nothing. The call came last week. A mother struggling, no money for presents, not even a tree. Within two days we had worked to provide a fully decorated tree and her little girl will have presents to open Christmas morning.
Last year I wouldn’t have known or recognised this family or the more compassionate person I have now become. Opening our eyes and hearts to the community around us reveals much more suffering and struggle than most of us would like to believe, or thought possible. It would be nice if the world worked the way it ought to. It doesn’t. The world works the way it always has vicious and thoughtless, with occasional patches of decency.
As a community we need to help each other, and those of us more able need to reach out to those who are less. Being one of the Grantham Independents and spending time with them has taught me much about myself and the need to reach out to others and I am a better person for it. Suffice to say I’m not the person I was 10 months ago. A simple text has resulted in me fighting for a park, houses for residents, a new community centre amongst countless things.
In 2024 things will improve in my ward and the town I’m sure. Make the best of what you have this Christmas in the belief things will get better. We have to believe things will get better. For me, as I get older the presents get smaller until in the end the things I really want for Christmas money can't buy. Remember it’s not the value of the presents under the tree, but the value you put in those standing around it.
From all the Grantham Independents, have a very Merry Christmas and cherish every moment with family and friends over the festive period because money can't buy back time. Merry Christmas Grantham and everyone.
