Winds of change blowing for 2011 as we bury annus maximus horribilis

On the cusp of changing years, it’s traditional to acknowledge achievers and set out new aspirations. 2010 was no ordinary year. ‘Annus horribilis’ doesn’t come close — ‘maximus’ needs to be inserted.

The worst weather, beyond blame, resulted in abortive travel plans and domestic misery without water. January can’t come quick enough. We can put behind us a year, truly memorable for all the wrong reasons. Survivors can tell their grandchildren whatever future befalls them, “t’was nothing like 2010”.

Historic events of the IMF/EU bailout, bleakest budget and ever worsening bank losses have been so well documented as to not require repetition. It would be wrong to assume that a calendar change will avert the course, causes or depth of our ongoing problems. Beneath the surface fundamental shifts are occurring in the economy and society. The postal service won’t reverse the advantages of email for efficiency, speed and cost.