Message from NKDC Chairman
Christmas Message from Cllr Chris Goldson, Chair of North Kesteven District Council and Ward Member for Skellingthorpe and Eagle.
As the holiday season approaches, I am filled with gratitude. Christmas is a time for reflection, togetherness, and generosity, and it is a joy to share this message with you all.
This year, my chosen theme as Chair – “Animal Allies: Strengthening Community Ties” – feels especially meaningful at Christmas. The festive season reminds us of the warmth, loyalty, and companionship we share not only with one another, but also with our animal friends. Just as Christmas brings families and communities together, our relationships with animals strengthen those bonds, teaching us compassion, kindness, and the joy of giving without expectation.
By visiting animal-related organisations each month, I have seen firsthand how these connections enrich lives and bring people closer together. At Christmas, when goodwill shines brightest, let us also remember the role animals play in our communities – from offering comfort and companionship to inspiring resilience and hope.
My chosen charity for this year is Hollies Animal Re-homing Trust (H.A.R.T), based in Sleaford and surrounding villages. Founded in 2011 with the rescue of a gentle English Mastiff named Gus, H.A.R.T has since rehomed more than 1,000 animals – from dogs and cats, to rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and even a horse. Every animal is treated with care, dignity, and love, and the charity works tirelessly to find forever homes for those who might otherwise be left behind. Their compassionate policy ensures no animal is ever put to sleep unless advised by a vet due to suffering, and their impact continues to grow through local fundraising and outreach.
Each year presents both successes and challenges, and here at NKDC we face them with resilience, commitment, and a spirit of collaboration that reflects the very heart of our organisation and our communities. I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to each and every one of you for the part you play in making our district greater.
I also wish to extend my gratitude to the businesses that sustain our local economy and strengthen the fabric of our community. Your dedication and contributions are vital to the district’s vibrancy, and I encourage everyone to support local tradespeople whenever possible. Much like our animal allies, these businesses are at the heart of our flourishing communities.
Let us also pay tribute to the unsung heroes of this season – the workers and volunteers who give up their own Christmas to ensure the continuity of essential services and operations for the benefit of us all. Their dedication and selflessness embody the true spirit of service.
We also hold in our thoughts the Armed Forces, both at home and overseas, together with our specialist intelligence services, whose vigilance and commitment safeguard our nation and protect us from the threat of terrorism.
Christmas is not only a time for celebration, but also a moment to recognise the blessings we enjoy and to extend a hand of support to those in need – the true heart of the season. Whether through the gentlest act or the grandest gesture, each offering of goodwill becomes a light that brightens the world.
It is also a season of hope, as we look ahead to a new year rich with promise. Let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and the bonds we have nurtured, continuing to build communities rooted in collaboration, compassion, and mutual support. May our lives be continually enriched by the steadfastness of the animals who walk beside us.
May this Christmas bring peace, joy, and togetherness to you and your loved ones. May the festive lights brighten not only our streets but also kindle a lasting warmth within our hearts – a glow that transcends the holidays.
On behalf of North Kesteven District Council’s Officers and Councillors, I extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
Cllr Goldson is pictured with therapy dog Jasper.
