In Tenby Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme Blackhall’s festive message to readers, she said: “New Year is always an opportunity to look back at a year that is past but also and most importantly look forward to the future.

We can celebrate what is past and hopefully have real optimism about the future.

2021 will always be tagged as a full year of Covid but I will always think of the positive things that have shown Tenby and its people in a great light.

A year that started with restrictions also started with people looking out for one and other.

It was impressive what our young people achieved, and we are rightly proud of them.

Across the town people ploughed on, preparing for better and busier times. And when they came – well they were certainly busy.

The season that never ended brought with it old friends, new visitors and a Walrus who all were welcomed by the best that Tenby can offer.

In our community we saw people taking a lead and ensuring that everyone was looked after. Old activities restarted and new activities were developed.

We saw members of the community take on responsibility for some of our gardens and just as an example a new Community Fridge again says nobody in Tenby who is in need will be forgotten.

Other caring, charitable and community minded activity continued despite the barriers in front of people.

Which brings me to this new year of 2022. We start with new restrictions, but we hope that they will be for a shorter time. But this year we can be confident about our ability to deal with the challenges ahead. And once those restrictions are lifted, just think about what the people of this town can and will achieve.

I am excited that the Town Council has some ambitious plans for the year ahead that focuses on the people of Tenby, connecting and engaging better with people and improving some of our important places and spaces.

We have a wonderful community, and we should and will do all we can to protect it and enhance it for the future. I am confident that a Tenby working together will do that.

2021 saw both joy and sadness and we remember some great servants of Tenby and great characters who we have lost. Let others take on their mantle in the future.

We can be proud of our past and excited about our future.

On behalf of Tenby Town Council may I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.”

Mayor of Tenby,

Clr. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall