How can it possibly be the turn of another year? Maybe it is the passing of time or the 24/7 news cycle, a feature of modern life, but there is no denying it. As many Brecon and Radnor readers will know, January takes its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, doors and gateways. The same theme was immortalised in King George VI’s Christmas message of encouragement and hope in 1939, itself inspired by the poem ‘The Gate of the Year' by Minnie Louise Haskins. And just as then, so we in our time look through that door into a New Year, with a mix of apprehension and hope.

2025 has been a challenging year for many, with man-made uncertainties at home: the ‘cost of living’ crisis, pressure on our hospitals and blue light services, the care sector under strain, concerns around illegal migration and fears triggered by inheritance tax changes for our farmers. These are matched abroad by the ongoing brutality in Ukraine and the relentless undermining of 75 years of our North Atlantic/European defence by Donald Trump's fascination with the Kremlin hardman, Vladimir Putin, not to mention Russian interference in our national life.

However, as Powys County Council Chair, I believe that, rather than obsessing about things that are beyond our influence, we should rather celebrate what is best about our county, the warmth and strength of our communities and the values that we hold dear. I believe that, as 2026 unfolds, we should focus more on the bridge builders, rather than those who stoke division and hate in our society.

In the words of the late MP, Jo Cox, whom I had the privilege of knowing: ''We are far more united and have far more in common, than that which divides us.''

Happy New Year - Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!