WHATEVER your politics, you can’t escape the intolerance, egotism and ugliness that surrounds us right now.

We seem to be spiralling towards crisis and change is inevitable. We don’t yet know if it will be for the better, but maybe we can do something about that.

Humans can be selfish and intolerant, but also generous and kind. It takes one person to change the world, in however small a way.

JK Rowling insisted the cast and crew for Harry Potter were British; the positive impact her decision had on our creative industries was enormous and continues.

One person, one decision, huge effect.

We may not be wealthy or famous, but we do have choices at some level, which give us a small amount of power over our own lives and these can ripple to have more impact than we realise.

When a Glaswegian factory worker refused to service Chile’s jet fighters after the 1973 military coup, his protest all but grounded the air force and may have saved lives.

Others followed, but it began with that one man’s decision.

Nicholas Winton saved 10,000 children with the Kinder Transport.

On a less public scale we can all help someone in need, be kind, generous. We will be remembered for what we did for other people.

Look at our town and the festivals we enjoy, the amazing ‘doers’.

For example, there are Jennie Dennett and Rachael Weaver, who brighten our days with record-breaking events that bring our community together, creating memories to lift our hearts; Dave Crossley who works tirelessly to build Another Fine Fest year on year; Ceri Hutton and the army of volunteers who manage the Coronation Hall and UCE for the good of us all; and everyone at Ford Park who enable us to keep that green space and facilities for our enjoyment.

Individuals, all giving something of themselves to make a difference.

As long as we have choices, we have a responsibility to leave this world a little better than we found it.

Ask yourself, what can I do? Now do it.