MERRY Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Bon Noel! Feliz Navidad! ?Hyvää Joulua! (Finnish. No reason – I’ve just been thinking about taking a trip to see the Northern Lights next year, so Finland is on my mind.) Her Majesty will be taking to the airwaves later for a little annual roundup, and while it’s an important tradition for many, it isn't relevant to many others – which has got me to thinking I wish there were assorted ‘Christmas messages’ from more people.

I’m glad Charlie Brooker will be doing his summary of the year 2014 Wipe for BBC2 on the 30th, but I would also like to see others, from Oprah Winfrey to Richard Osman take to the airwaves for some inspiration and their personal take on the current state of affairs.

It doesn’t look like Fred Dinage will be doing the honours locally, even though it would be interesting to take a look at the events of the year around our area.

It’s been a mixed 12 months in Salisbury, with news of further car parking price increases and the sad closure of many more small businesses as particular low points, while on the positive side we were listed as one of the top ten best cities to visit in the world by Lonely Planet, while The International Arts Festival and Christmas Market helped encourage community spirit and boost the local economy.

I’ve found it interesting returning to my home-town, and I have learned a lot more about it, so will be sad to leave.

However I have a new job which takes me out of Salisbury, and so this is my second-to-last column.

I’m going to miss it, and those casual views of our cathedral, and I’m sad that I won't be able to get involved with the Salisbury Transition Movement.

The independent and non-political organisation encourages cities to be more self-reliant, supporting local producers and building local businesses, and it seems to make so much sense that I urge anyone to find out a little more – email mike.lennard876@gmail.com – because after all, a city isn’t just for Christmas…