As another year approaches we must all be hoping that 2025 will be a better year for us all, but most especially for those affected by the barbaric and pointless wars raging in Palestine, the Ukraine and elsewhere. We were both born in a world at war and it is still at war!

We are profoundly grateful for the vaccinations and boosters which have thus far helped us to completely avoid the ubiquitous Covid virus

Life has changed in so many ways but we are so glad that we are able to enjoy daily walks in this area. It’s always a joy  to go to the beach, which we can see from our house,  with flocks of gulls, waders and eider ducks and a huge haul-out of seals. There is always something different to look at with each incoming tide.

We haven’t ventured far from Newburgh this year but we did manage a lovely weekend with friends at Ballater and Braemar on Royal Deeside. The highlight of the weekend was our annual visit to the Lonach Highland Games, surely the best Highland Games in the world!  We also spent a week based in Alnwick in Northumberland and much enjoyed visiting the wonderful castles in the area. The Scots must have been very troublesome neighbours indeed to warrant such formidable defences!

We were also booked for a summer holiday in Puglia, Italy but Martyn developed a troublesome stomach problem and we had to cancel. His big news, however, is that he has just celebrated his 80th bithday.  According to Prof. Google he is now a member of the "very old" age group!

Margaret is well and keeps very busy with activities in the village.

Bernadette is still troubled by her knee-replacement surgery but she is very stoic and manages  to walk a good distance each day.

Our granddaughter Jasmine, now 27, is very happy teaching in a primary school in London.  Calum and Eilidh are busy with school and college and all their activities. Calum is studying sports science at Aberdeen College and also works part time at the Aberdeen Sports Village where he is a qualified life guard. Eilidh is still at school which she much enjoys. This year they have both enjoyed holidays with Fergus in Greece, Turkey and Morroco.

We do hope that you and your family keep safe and well and that you enjoy a lovely Christmas.

With our very best wishes

Martyn and Margaret.

(martynandmargaret@gmail.com).