I made my now familiar way to Christ Church Academy in Stone to award the prize for the county council Christmas Card Competition; it’s the second year in a row that a student from this excellent school has won the competition. This year, the winner is Harriet Cameron, who is 9 years old and designed the card at home, rather than as part of a class project. In case you haven’t seen it, it’s a festive take on the Stafford knot with snowmen, trees and a winter scene around the knot. Philip Atkins and I have sent a larger number this year, as we’ve gone for an e-card, as well as a smaller number of printed cards.
Having spent a number of Christmases away from home on operational tours in the past, I’m very conscious of those who will be working, or on duty, while most of us will be relaxing with our families and friends. We are a 24 hour a day, 7 day per week organisation, with our colleagues, particularly in the people area covering children’s and adult services. The reality is that the better that they do their job, the less likely it is that any of the rest of us will notice their efforts. That does not mean that we appreciate them any less. It’s a great privilege to be associated with them.
Finally for this blog entry, we are running a Christmas fostering campaign, in the hope and expectation that potential foster carers will be stimulated to volunteer to look after the county’s most needy children at a time when we are all thinking about our own families. It is self-evident, but nonetheless worth repeating, that the more stable and high quality the placement for looked-after children, the better the outcomes in later life.
Have a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas, and I wish you health and happiness in the New Year.