By the time this copy of The Mover is with you it will be very close to the time when the chap in the big red coat is polishing his sleigh runners and the reindeer are going through their last-minute limbering up exercises. So, I hope all those who celebrate Christmas have a very merry one, and those who don’t, have a nice time too.    

Looking back on the year, it seems that most people in the industry have done OK.  Few are jumping around deciding which colour Ferrari to buy but many have stayed stable.  Some, who specialise in particular routes, have suffered and our friends in South America have had a tough time because of their falling currencies but, by and large 2015 has been one of consolidation.  

The close of the year is also a time to reflect on some of the people we have lost from the industry.  There’s no need for me to list them here, I would miss some if I did, but we all know those who brushed our lives and, if we think about them for a while, we will realise what an impact they had on us.  We should mourn their passing, of course, but perhaps we should think more deeply. They were the people who shaped the industry into what it is today.  Who is doing the shaping now?  Is it you, or are you so wrapped up trying to make a profit every day that you have no time to see the bigger picture? Voluntary service to the industry is an unsung pastime, but without those heroes we would not be where we are today.  Maybe your time has come.  

As we look at world events in 2015 it would be hard to say it has been a good year.  It’s very easy to become disheartened by the injustice and cruelty we see all around us.  But as you read this, you are safe, fed and hopefully happy.  You probably will be tomorrow too.  So let us not be too distracted by things that we cannot change or ruin the present with weary concern for the future.  We must trust that we have been wise enough in the past to elect leaders who have the wisdom to do what is both right and effective to create a better world for us all.  On 8 November 2016, the American people will choose a new president.  Let us all hope they choose well.  

Merry Christmas and a happy 2016 to everyone.