Christmas comes but once a year and I know some of you may feel that it's one time too many but hopefully most will enjoy the festive period for what it is and if nothing else it gives us all an opportunity to sit back, relax and hit one of those life reset buttons.

We had all hoped back in late 2021 that the following year of 2022 would be the turning point, a recovery, rebuilding after the past few COVID hit years which had left the country feeling uneasy about its future. Unfortunately, little did we know back then that war would return to Europe, that there would be an energy crisis, our reigning monarch passing away and a succession of Prime Ministers and the ugly head of COVID raising occasionally.

Despite the seemingly sluggish start to the year, with all the issues and concerns; there was hope and a spark of positivity which did briefly came to fruition during those very hot and exceptionally dry summer months, where it felt like all the troubles were behind us at last. (Those sweltering days feel so far behind us as I write this with temperatures of 0c and with reports of snow across the country.)

However, with the summer fading quickly into a rainy autumn and edging towards the cold of winter those talks of high energy bills, the rise of our weekly food shop and prices at the petrol pumps with added talks of turkey and egg shortages over the Christmas period. The "cost of living crisis" becoming the latest issue; things have started to slow down.

But as a "big bear" of an industry that construction is, perhaps its heading into hibernation for the Christmas break earlier than usual, hoping to wake from its slumber with a greater positivity.

We at Stowell Concrete would like to take this opportunity to extend its Christmas wishes and huge thanks to one and all. Despite the hardships and uncertainties, present and future, despite the strikes, the disappointment of England and Wales in the World Cup; that the festivities will bring much needed respite and preparation for the new year and here's hoping that 2023 will be a better, healthier and a more prosperous one!!

Once again thank you for your business and hard work throughout the past year.

Our final working day for deliveries is Friday 23rd December 2022 and we will be operational again from Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

Picture of the resident Robin at our Holcombe works.

(Taken with a 20mm "pancake" lens connected, ideal for close up work. Unfortunately a little editing of this picture was required which lost some of its definition)