AS the festive season reaches its climax, and the holly and ivy are set off perfectly by daffodils and other supposedly 'out of season' flowers and fruits, this unseasonally warm weather lends itself more to Easter than to a white Christmas.

No snow, but unwelcome flooding may alert us all to the prospect of the seasons changing beyond all recognition, yet climate change is still questioned and denied by many. Prior to the recent Paris agreement our government had cut many of the 'green' tax breaks and incentives related to the development of renewable energy. Perhaps it is time for a rethink?

At this time of the year thoughts often turn to the people in our lives that we love, to those who are nearest and dearest, even if they are not physically present or nearby, those people who inspire and support us as we make our way through another year. A year such as this one, that, on reflection has been filled with all sorts of challenges and events that have had a profound effect on how we lead our lives and our perception of the value and quality therein.

The conflict in Syria has leeched out to such an extent we now have to contend with perpetual threat from the delusions of gun-wielding extremists but also to the danger inherent in the ludicrous outpourings of the politically deluded ideologues such as Donald Trump. The threat of having such an individual as the spokesperson for the world's biggest superpower does not inspire thoughts of optimism or confidence in the possibility of world peace and harmony. Let us hope that his dangerous and provocative rhetoric isn't introduced to our shores and espoused by any politician wishing to generate headlines and garner the support of the disparate extremist fringes of our society that have beliefs and aspirations that will only bring disharmony and fear to our collective lives.

Perhaps with such a dangerous and uncertain world, we might be tempted to withdraw from our normal way of life and put up the shutters to society. However, I feel that in times like these, we as individuals collectively need to step up and show a resolute, steadfast determination to give of our best and celebrate the things that make our communities such desirable places to live. We need to embrace the challenges ahead, with the same gritty determination that has served us so well as a nation in previous times of uncertainty and danger.

It is also a good time of the year to give thanks and praise to all manner of individuals who dedicate their lives for the good of all. To our health care, police and fire professionals whose workload goes through the roof at the same time as Santa comes down the chimney. All the care home and social workers, whose jobs, no matter the stretched resources call on them 24/7, 365 days of the year, whatever the festival.

On a local note, let us highlight those who educate and support the development of our young, particularly those who deal with the more challenging aspects of the education system such as Jon Hamp and his colleagues at Springfields Academy in Calne. We at Kandu have the pleasure of working alongside the team there and see first hand the excellent and inspirational work that is being carried out. They have achieved this despite exceptionally trying circumstances and the recent unfortunate setbacks that were brought about through no fault of the current or previous head which have made a hard job nigh on impossible, were it not for the dedication of all the staff, pupils and supportive parents concerned.

And finally to all individuals who volunteer, to those that try to improve the quality of life for all, thank you and happy days.