This Christmas there really is only one theme in looking back over what has been a truly exceptional year. Rarely have we experienced an issue such as the Covid-19 Pandemic which has impacted upon every single one of us, both professionally and personally. We have had to adapt, and quickly, and it seems unreal that at this time last year very few of us had ever heard of Zoom!
Working in the heritage industry gives us a long view. We know that although we are by no means out of the woods yet, our sites and their exceptional values will endure, the public appreciation of them remains undiminished as does the desire to visit. The creative and resilient professionalism of our sector has shone through across the year and the comradery of our extended ‘world heritage family’ has buoyed us up and kept us going.
Even for those of us working at home, work and home life has often merged, rarely punctuated by holidays away. So, I hope you get the chance to relax and re-charge over the Christmas break. Although it is physically challenging to put your feet up and pat yourself on the back simultaneously, please do give it a go. Stay safe and warm, toast the end of this troublesome year and look forward to the next. Happy Christmas!
Tony Crouch
Chairman of Trustees
World Heritage UK