Four town mayors in Oxfordshire have shared their Christmas and New Year's messages this holiday season as we approach the end of the year.
The mayors of Wallingford, Abingdon, Didcot and Wantage have shared their best wishes and reflections on the year behind, as well as the one ahead, in these seasonal addresses.
Mayor of Wallingford Ros Lester said: "I sincerely hope that you have had a very happy Christmas and are now looking forward to a peaceful 2026.
"I will have already been to St John's School nativity and spent Christmas morning visiting our hospital and nursing homes. I am hoping that I will have had the opportunity for a cuddle with a Christmas baby.
"2025 has been a year of changes in the town council both in our meetings and in the office, and this is a good opportunity for me to thank both the staff and councillors for all that they do and have achieved this year.
"Both work hard to make Wallingford a good place to live or work.
"When I became mayor I spoke of Wallingford being like a jigsaw, made up of so many different pieces but making up one whole complete puzzle, in the past six months I have witnessed this so many times.
"We have an enormous number of volunteers for so many different organisations and events, sometimes it's the same people only a different time and place.
"I have seen passion, I have witnessed the enthusiasm for our new play area, the strength in numbers against developers and one of the most moving occasions was Remembrance Sunday when the Market Place was so well attended and numerous organisations took part in the parade, the silence was breath taking.
"I have attend Founders Day at Wallingford School and Bugsy Malone at St Johns and on both occasions watched very proud parents clap and cheer their children's achievements. Also watching fellow colleagues receive awards at RAF Benson.
"On a completely different note I was invited to attend a session at The Sports Trust encouraging men to have a blood test for Prostate Cancer, something close to my heart.
"My diary is already filling up for 2026, and early on we have our traditional Pancake Day race on February 17 - one for your diary!
"I hope I have given you a taste of what being the mayor of this wonderful, ancient town of Wallingford has been like, it is only a taste as there are not enough words.
Mayor of Abingdon Rawda Jehanli said: "As we come to the close of 2025 and look ahead to a new year, I want to extend my warmest Christmas and New Year wishes to all residents of Abingdon.
"It has been an honour to serve as mayor since May, and these past months have deepened my appreciation for the strength, kindness, and spirit that define our town.
"This year has been a time of renewed connection. Through my work, including the establishment of the Abingdon Business Collaboration Forum, I have seen first-hand how powerful it is when people come together to support one another.
"Our businesses, community groups, volunteers, and residents have all contributed to a more vibrant and resilient town.
"I am also in the process of establishing multi-faith and no-faith forum, ensuring that people of all beliefs -- and those of none -- have a space to engage, be heard, and feel truly included in the life of our community.
"One of my priorities as mayor is to make sure that every person in Abingdon feels valued and represented.
"We are a wonderfully diverse town, and what unites us is our shared pride and our shared hope for the future.
"I will continue to champion initiatives that bring people together and open new opportunities for everyone to participate in shaping the place we call home.
"As we head towards 2026, I look forward to strengthening partnerships, supporting local causes, and continuing to build on this foundation of inclusion and collaboration.
"I wish each of you peace, joy, and rest with loved ones during this festive season.
"May the New Year bring good health, renewed energy, and many reasons to celebrate our remarkable town."
Mayor of Didcot Jim Loder said: "I am now in the seventh month of my mayoral and at this time want to reflect on that time.
"The town council staff have worked hard to ensure that the council runs smoothly, and that events are organised for local residents, many to raise funds for my chosen charities, Reducing the Risk and the Cornermen.
"One highlight was the Remembrance Service at the war memorial which has grown over the years and was superbly ran by the town council.
"I would also like to thank the councillors on the town council as, while we may come from different parties, we work together for the people of Didcot.
"As mayor I have come into contact with many groups and individuals working for the people of Didcot, such as Andrew Baker MBE BCAV.
"The Scouts, Army and Air Cadets, Didcot Choral Society who organised the the Carol Service at the Civic Hall, the Meadows and Oxford Manor Care Home who look after residents in Didcot, are just a few of many individuals, groups and institutions who deserve our gratitude for their efforts over the past year.
"Didcot is a growing town, and while this growth presents it's own challenges, it does help the town remain vibrant as it welcomes new people who have fresh ideas for improvements, community groups and businesses that we can all benefit from.
"Together, through kindness and working together, I am confident that we can make 2026 a year of progress, pride, and opportunity for everyone.
"I wish you and your loved ones a safe, hopeful, and happy New Year."
Mayor of Wantage Iain Cameron said: "The Christmas season in Wantage is always something special but it is also a time to reflect on the year's events and look forward to the New Year.
"Just before I became became mayor in May the townspeople enjoyed a celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day including traditional children's games followed in a more reflective mood by the anniversary of VJ Day and the end of WW2.
"Then on Remembrance Sunday, after the traditional act of remembrance, the Royal British Legion held a festival of remembrance in the parish church.
"I hope that many of you enjoyed the events that the town council promoted in our historic Market Place including an International Food and Drink Festival in July and Alfredfest in October.
"That event celebrated the birth of Alfred the Great in the town and showcased Anglo-Saxon skills and crafts, with the help of a number of re-enactment groups. I even dressed up as a Saxon king to award prizes for fancy dress.
"The Christmas season started with the Christmas Artisan Market in November followed by the Dickensian evening in December, and traditional carols in the market place and elsewhere on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
"I particularly want to thank the Wantage Youth Brass and all of the groups who participated in the mayor's carols this year.
"This and other events regularly showcase the range of musical talent in the town.
"This event raises funds for the mayor's chosen organisations - Parkinson's.me and Sweatbox Youth Centre. I was pleased that representatives of both organisation spoke about their work during the event.
"Finally, I want to thank all of the wonderful people who volunteer their time to help organise and run the events I have mentioned.
"Thanks to the many people who volunteer in so many other ways in our town.
"I also thank the independent and other businesses of the town who contribute so much to maintaining a vibrant town centre.
"Now that Christmas has been enjoyed I hope that you have all had an enjoyable and successful year and that with me you look forward to a bright and prosperous New Year."