AT this time of year we tend to look back on the past before getting into gear for the New Year. When we first arrived in Okehampton, John Burnett MP represented us in parliament.
I pricked up my ears when he started to warn us about the possible loss of our nation's sovereignty.
Last year, by means of a parish poll, the good people of Hatherleigh voted in favour of holding a referendum on the EU Constitutional Treaty.
Since then Gordon Brown, followed by the Queen, has signed us up to the EU Constitution (now known as the Lisbon Treaty.)
In November we all remembered those who had given their lives so that we could keep our freedom and govern ourselves. Those who are still suffering from the effects of the two world wars may be forgiven for wondering if it was all worth it.
Now what about next year?
Here in Okehampton we have been shifted into the new constituency of Central Devon. Sometimes Euro-sceptic Conservatives accuse UKIP of splitting the vote. For them this is very unwelcome at the time of a general or local election. Hold on for a minute! We will be treated to a system of proportional representation at the next EU election due to take place in June. That means every vote counts !
UKIP has a slogan: Think, work and act in terms of June 4 2009.
V A Cushing 21 Tors Road Okehampton