So much has been taken from us this year, but I sincerely hope that everyone can look beyond that loss at what remains. We had taken simple things for granted and didn’t allow ourselves the time to reflect on what we had and what was important. We have had to deal with many changes over the past 10 months and trying to navigate a somewhat perilous road has not been easy for some. Indeed, the situation currently doesn’t look promising. But we will shortly be leaving 2020 behind us and we need to look forward with optimism and opportunity; and yes, for some it is going to be another hard journey, but one we must make.

I have written so much this year and have found it comforting and cathartic to put my thoughts on paper. There have been times, thankfully not very many when the situation has been overwhelming and I know that this has been a far greater struggle for others than it has been for me.

I have been busy, in fact very busy and this has helped me to focus on what has needed to be done. All of my work is about being with people and the daily interactions that I had become so used to stopped abruptly in March. But, like so many others I adapted and found a new and different way of working, and actually enjoyed the challenge. It has been humbling to witness the many great deeds of kindness and support that the organisations and groups I work with have given each other. Mirroring the many kind acts that as a country we have witnessed.

We all have our hopes for the New Year and perhaps a few fears as well, but we need to be strong and we need to believe that the situation will improve. Of course, it is taking longer than anyone envisaged, and our patience is growing thin, but we can and will beat it. We will succeed in the face of adversity and we will come through the other end, a little scarred maybe, but stronger and more determined and with the knowledge that we did it together.

I could, and frequently do comment on politics, but for now I am going to concentrate on what I need to do to support those around me. There are enough people to criticise and posture without me putting my opinion forward.

I have said this before, but I want to underline it here again, and in particular to my choirs in Altrincham, Honley and Chesterfield, as well as the members of The British and International Federation of Festivals. There have been many opportunities given to us this year and we have taken them and achieved so much together. We have grown as communities; taken time to listen to each other; supported each other and perhaps most importantly been there for each other.

If we are to learn anything from 2020 it is those things that we must remember and take with us into the New Year.