Welcome to the first of my monthly columns. How glorious that they start on the first Friday in May!

Have you noticed how the town is blooming with the pink blossom flowering on the trees? Or, have you stopped momentarily to admire our river, flowing unhindered past the newly laid out pocket park, whilst the backdrop of the Methodist church and the Town Mills pub making it seem almost chocolate box pretty?

Well with the lockdown easing, there is an unmistakable palpable buzz in the air.

It is an undeniable fact of life, that no matter how beautiful anywhere is, it is simply barren without people.

I first encountered this phenomenon back in Milton Keynes decades ago.

Walking round the High Street, admiring its busy café culture, noticing the smiling faces on people as they pass me by in the centre, streets, and lanes is as welcoming as it is uplifting.

Following polling day yesterday, representatives from all political parties will be at the count in Andover Leisure Centre today (Friday) scrutinising the process and learning the outcome of the county council election, as well as the Test Valley and Parish by-elections. They’ll then return on Monday for the Police and Crime Commissioner count.

‘Councillor’ is an elected member of local government, whereas ‘counsellor’ is a person trained to listen to people and give them advice about their problems. I expect, like me, you will have found that the best councillors are those that have natural leanings towards counselling.

You cannot help, without truly listening. Sadly, it is a gift not given to everyone. Those known to me personally listen more, speak less, then act decisively.

So, whilst we await the outcome, there is something that each of us can do with our cash, pocket money, and debit cards. Put quite simply it is, to choose to use our town’s independent shops. Andover, like Romsey and Stockbridge, are unique in that they are rich in small, interesting shops. We need them; they need us; and together we can make for a thriving local economy.

We cannot now affect or change who gets into the differing seats of power, but we can alter the incomes and livelihoods of those who have chosen to work and open businesses here. Finally, to save our tomorrows, we need to be proactive together today and be part of promoting and saving our town.