New Years Resolutions of Worcestershire's famous faces

That tradition is quite the same for Worcestershire’s famous faces who enter 2022 with their own ambitions.

Without further ado, here are the New Years Resolutions of just some of the characters who help shape the identity of this brilliant county.

Warriors player Ethan Waller is aiming to cut out some bad habits. Photo: JMP/Robbie Stephenson

Ethan Waller – Worcester Warriors prop

“Takeaways, swearing and beer. Not necessarily in that order.”

Stephen Hodgson – Mayor of Worcester

“When I was a teenager, I decided my New Year resolution was to no longer make them as they were usually broken very quickly - something I have kept ever since.

“Not repeating mistakes and doing things better is what I always strive for, regardless of the time of year. In 2021 we were able to do far more than in 2020 due to the positive effect of the population been vaccinated against Covid. My mayoral theme is ‘coming back together’, so any resolution should be keeping your vaccinations up to date so that this may continue.”

Stephanie Jones – Library manager at The Hive

“This year I really want to return to reading the classics. I used to love getting lost in a Dickens or an Austen as a child, and haven’t read them for so long!

“It’s so easy to access them either by loaning them from your local library or by listening to the audiobook via our online service Borrowbox; I haven’t really got an excuse not to tick this year’s resolution off the list!”

John Inge – Bishop of Worcester

“My New Year’s resolution is to do everything I can to spread Christian hope in a world filled with gloom.”

Liz and Mabel at RSPCA Worcester both have big plans for 2022

Liz and Mabel – Volunteer and cat at RSPCA Worcester

Mabel, the 10-year-old tortoiseshell, is aiming to shift a few pounds with her weight gain having impacted upon her health. Luckily the vet is confident these issues will resolve themselves with a little weight loss.

She is looking for a new home with loving owners to help her achieve her New Years goal.

Liz meanwhile is one of RSPCA Worcester’s longest-serving volunteers, having been with the centre since it opened in 2016.

Liz, and the rest of the branch, has the same goal-year on year which is to endeavour to help even more animals in need and in 2022 they are hoping to set the wheels in motion to expand their intake to dogs too, with a new kennel set to open.

Katie Lowe – Local author currently working on the vaccine rollout in Worcestershire

“Getting some writing done would probably be a good place to start! I’m about a year late in submitting a third book to my agent and editor—but like everyone else involved in the Covid Vaccination Programme I haven’t stopped in months, so the writing has had to take a back seat in favour of that.

“Obviously it’s very worth it, and my publishers have been very understanding—but I’ve always found writing good for my stress levels (the irony of the fact I write thrillers is not lost on me here) so next year, if Covid-19 allows, I’ll be doing my best to carve out a few hours each week to sit down and finish this book at last!”

Worcestershire's MPs all have their own resolutions for 2022

Robin Walker – MP for Worcester

The Conservative MP is planning on shopping on the local high street more and is going to make a concerted effort to ensure the food he eats is from Worcestershire.

Harriett Baldwin – MP for West Worcestershire

“Local people have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last two years as we work together to help to reduce the impact of this ever-changing virus and help to protect the NHS.

“My New Year’s resolution is to continue to encourage people to get their vaccines at the right time, which will help us to get on with our lives and allow our economy to thrive and grow. We are not all protected until everyone is protected so I urge everyone to encourage the best possible take-up of jabs.”

Nigel Huddleston – MP for Mid Worcestershire

“I’m sure that I won’t be the only person in my constituency to say my New Year’s resolution is to get more exercise. As minister for sport I feel particularly obliged to make sure this happens.

“It will also mean getting up (even!) earlier as I always find that if I don’t exercise in the mornings then it doesn’t happen. I’m too tired or hungry in the evenings to go to the gym or go for a run, so it’s going to have to be more exercise and more early morning’s as my New Year’s resolution. I will let you know how it goes!”