Shropshire Review

LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

One of the first things they teach you at Editor School as well as the Royal Nursery is that it’s compulsory to deliver a Christmas Message at this time of year.

You know the sort of thing – what an annus horriblis or annus felix it’s been, how we must look to the future, hands across the sea, our friends in the Commonwealth, our loyal subjects/readers etc. Of course, I don’t know what will be broadcast from Buck House, but here at the Review’s slightly less grand HQ our message is one of slightly guarded optimism. In our provincial neck of the woods some burning issues have been resolved which will impact upon the lives of future generations. The Whitburn St relief road is to happen at last; the Tesco Superstore plan has been abandoned, the new hospital and medical centre have become splendid reality. On the debit side the Bridgnorth district is to be subject to a massive housebulding programme which will put a strain on the local infrastructure; our grossly underfunded local schools are struggling to provide resources to give children the education to which they are entitled – and there’s that pesky Unitary thing on the horizon!

But as the Irish say, what can’t be cured must be endured, and at least the uncertainty of the past few months is at an end. We’ve made no secret of our feelings about the scheme on this intentionally opinionated page, while still providing unbiased and objective reporting in the News section of the magazine. Time alone will tell if Unitary was the right decision for Shropshire: wiser heads than mine are adamant that greater efficiency and lower council tax will be the eventual outcome. We have to suspend judgment, see what’s delivered and give the new administration the benefit of the doubt.

Moving on, we at the Review were saddened to hear of the death of one of the town’s most memorable characters and one of our biggest fans, the late Ethel McCarthy. Ethel was always appreciative of the magazine, and featured in it several time over the years through her work for the Royal British Legion. Never short of an opinion, she would beard your editor in his very den to make a point or deliver some constructive criticism. She will be greatly missed.

Finally, the traditional but no less sincere thanks to all our readers, contributors and advertisers for your support over the past year. Our continued success as the district’s leading free publication is entirely due to the loyalty of you all, and there may be some surprises ahead in 2008…Meantime, from everyone at the Review, best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.