Town mayors and Helmsley's council chairman look to the year ahead...


Sue Cowan - Mayor of Pickering

I WOULD like to wish the residents of Pickering a happy and healthy New Year.

Thank you for all the invitations to the many events that have been held, meeting you all has been lovely.

There have been so many highlights that I will recall fondly.

There is always something going on and we have a fantastic band of volunteers who run the events that we all enjoy. I know a great deal of pride is taken by societies and groups in making sure that the town looks nice, not just for tourists but for us all.

I would like to thank all the work that goes on to support the children of Pickering, to enable them to be Scouts, Guides, dance, sing, play music and be good contributors to the community. I also need to thank everyone for their co-operation in all the building and essential works that have taken place – we should soon be seeing a return to normality.

My regret is that George Clooney never got to visit Pickering, but you can’t have everything. I hope 2014 is kind to you all.


Joan Lawrence - Mayor of Malton

I moved to Malton just over 40 years ago from Darlington. When I first came to look at our town, I felt it was special.

I could never have dreamt that one day I would be mayor. Since I became mayor in May, the response from people has been warm and welcoming. I have attended many special events. I enjoy events involving children and young people and I am so proud of the talent we have here in Malton, both in performing arts and sport. I also admire those who do voluntary work, helping others to have a better quality of life.

One highlight was the convention hosted by Malton Lions. Much hard work went into the weekend.

I was privileged to open the convention on the Saturday morning.

During the weekend, I spoke to many people and most said that they would like to visit us in the summer for a holiday. They also said what a warm and friendly community we were.

Next year, I am sure there will be many issues we will face. We have major traffic problems and face the possibility of many new homes being build in our town for which we do not have the infrastructure to cope with.

I pray the weather is kind to us and spares us from any flooding.

I am very proud to be mayor and would like very much to wish you all a very happy new year for 2014.


Ray King - Mayor of Norton

THE past year has been an eventful one for both myself as mayor and for the people of Norton. On a personal note, I have met a lot of very committed individuals whose efforts in our community lead me to believe that Norton has a very bright future.

I have been involved in a number of initiatives with all our local schools and I have been impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of both pupils and teachers – we should be very proud of them all. The Christmas lights switch-on was a lovely, successful event, which we hope to see grow.

In 2014, we are looking forward to events commemorating the beginning of the First World War, to all the churches in Norton coming together in “Love 14” and to Le Tour de France bringing thousands of visitors to Yorkshire.

Of course, at this time of year we should remember those less fortunate than ourselves. This may be due to events out of their control. We now have an excellent community asset in Norton, Derwent Lodge, which aims to help vulnerable youngsters to get back on their feet – we applaud them.

I wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year. Don’t forget to visit the website www.nortononderwent.co.uk for details of all the exciting things happening in our town.


Chris Parkin - Helmsley Town Council chairman

THANK you for this opportunity and, of course, I have to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. I would add as a personal addition Peaceful and Thoughtful to that greeting.

2014 undoubtedly holds some challenges for Helmsley and its residents and it is here I would ask for Peaceful and Thoughtful to prevail in all discussions and actions relating to the town’s key issues.

The final version of the Helmsley Development Plan will be published shortly and I know many residents have commented on the proposals and I believe the document is the better for their “thoughtful” input.

I am personally pleased to see that the houses in Elmslac Road that were the subject of a Prime Minister’s Award soon after they were built are to be included in the Helmsley Conservation Area.

The library and town hall will feature much in minds and discussions in the New Year as solutions are sought for the retention of the library service while determining a sustainable use for the town hall. This issue fires up many residents’ concerns and a “peaceful” considered approach to a solution will always be our best option.

There are, as ever, two and possibly more sides to any matter like this and a personal plea would be for all residents, businesses and visitors to listen to the issues, ask the questions they believe they need too and make an informed decision on any proposal.

Finally, do look out for action on the Baxton Road sports facility. Building work will start soon on updating the swimming pool and the main pavilion’s wet area.

It is a very exciting time for the site as many months and indeed years of planning and fundraising comes to fruition to the benefit all residents.

I will repeat my initial greeting of wishing everyone a happy, peaceful and thoughtful New Year.