Christmas Message 2013

Christmas Message 2013- My Christmas message for Wednesfield North residents is one of hope. During the course of this last year I know that there will have been many times when things haven’t gone quite right for you, and your family.

But as we approach Christmas it is a traditional time for families and individuals to be given a little up- lift by hope, and the thoughts of a better year ahead.
Here in the Bateman family we are preparing for a typical family Christmas.
At the heart of which will be celebrations that will re new our friendship and family ties through visits, and the sending of Christmas cards, telephone conversations, email messages and Face Book and Skype messages to far away family and friends.

The World is changing, and it is reflected very much in the way that we all keep in touch now. Who would have thought that you could use an I-Pad and speak with a friend on the other side of the world. Not only that, but see that person as you speak to in real time….!

During the course of this last year it’s been very difficult for a majority of families here in Wednesfield and Wolverhampton. The economic situation has been poor in the City, and that has been reflected in difficult times for many families here in our part of the City of Wolverhampton.
Wednesfield North has an estimated population of 11139. We have a high number of elderly people. The average life expectancy for men in this ward is 79.4 years, and for women is 82.8 years. Which is higher than the City average of 76.8 years for men, and 80.6 years for women. I believe its our strong sense of community spirit that helps us, and in this particular message, I want to thank the voluntary organisations and the individuals that run the clubs and societies, that have done so much for our senior citizens.
It is these self - less individuals that help to make life that more enjoyable for our citizens in their senior years.
I have touched earlier in this message about the difficult economic times we have faced as a City. But it is Christmas and being an optimist I do want to say that for the last quarter, this ward has 5.5 % of the working-age population claiming Jobseekers' Allowance. This statistic has reduced to its current level from a much higher figure. So I am hopeful that we together as a City can see more of our citizens in work and prospering as the New Year approaches.
I started off this message by talking about ‘hope’, and I end this message in the same vein. I want to hope that each and every one of you reading this message has a great Christmas, and it’s my hope that you and your family have an even better year going forward than this last year you have endured.
Councillor Phil Bateman MBE