What we Wish for in 2026

Hi Everyone

Now that another Christmas has come and gone, it is perhaps time to look forward with a personal wish list for 2026. Apart from hoping that our family and friends enjoy good health and safety, we then have to rely on others in positions of influence and power to act for the good of us all. I realise, of course, that it is unlikely, as many of them have personal ambitions and prejudices that are at odds with many who, unfortunately, voted for them, assuming that you happen to live in a democracy. If not, sadly, you have even less of a say. No doubt it will be hard to put Trump and Putin out of the headlines unless you decide to visit a desert island, send the year in space, or you are forced into solitary confinement by the long arm of the law. We should remember that before Putin illegally invaded Ukraine, they enjoyed a standard of living similar to ours, with many of the refugees who came to the UK making a positive contribution to our society. I really hope that America, Europe and most of the rest of the world make sure that peace comes with the guarantee that Putin, you know that man who is demanding that Europe show him respect while lying, denying everything and dangling Trump on the end of a piece of string, will no longer be able to invade Ukraine or any other country. 

It might be that one of the changes that takes place as you approach middle age is that it becomes harder and harder to find a TV programme that is worth watching, even though the choice of channels gets ever larger. This Christmas, all the main channels have decided that their programmes are filled with celebrity editions. My problem is that I have never heard of most of the so called celebrities, and having seen some of them, I am glad that I have never heard of them, or is it me becoming a grumpy old man? The good news is that it does encourage you to do something more useful or to just sit and read a good book.

My long time friend and the Main contractor's cousin has spent most of the year receiving care at home, five spells in hospital, and for the last six weeks in our local Hospice. It is something that, unfortunately, some of us will need at some point in the future. Having this year seen all of the alternatives at first hand when visiting our friend, our local Hospice stands out from the rest. The care he is receiving there is amazing, as well as care and support for his wife as she sits for many hours at his bedside. The Hospice movement is only 28% supported by government funding, the rest coming from public donations and volunteering. If you do nothing else in 2028, please just do something to support your local Hospice as they struggle with ever rising costs. Don’t forget, it might be you who needs their help at some point in the future.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year from the Main Contractor, the Senior and Junior Partners and any of the other characters in my Rubbish and from me, of course.

Just a Thought:

There is a beaver in our local lake that is quite a celebrity. His name is Clint. 

Clint Eats Wood. (Sorry, what a way to end the year.)

Brian