"Christmas is a time when we gather together as a family and enjoy the sheer magic of Father Christmas and the celebration of our Christian festival.
"Some of us are lucky enough to be able to spend time with our loved ones but we should remember and pray for those who are not so fortunate; the lonely, hungry, homeless, and those whose lives are blighted by war and whose plight we cannot comprehend.
"Our celebrations make their unhappiness more poignant so let us all resolve to do whatever we can to alleviate their suffering and pray that 1996 may be happier for them.
"Now I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year." Councillor Dorothy Stewart, Mayor of South Ribble
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article