No bonfire and fireworks for Norton (From Gazette & Herald)

No bonfire and fireworks for Norton

3:37pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

THE community bonfire and firework display which has been held in Norton for more than 30 years will not take place this November after the town’s Rotary Club announced it could no longer afford to fund the event.

Members of the Rotary Club of Malton and Norton said they had reluctantly come to the decision due to the costs.

President Tony Kingston said one of the contributions the club had made over the past three decades was the organisation of the annual bonfire and firework display held at Brooklyn Centre in Norton.

“However, because of the ever-increasing cost of professional firework displays, in excess if £3,500 in 2011, and the significant reduction in the number of people attending our celebrations, the club has made considerable losses over the past two years,” he said.

“As a result, we have had fewer funds available to support charities and local people in need of help.”

Mr Kingston said the Rotary Club of Malton and Norton was a very small but enthusiastic fellowship.

“Our members have to work extremely hard to raise the funds for the charities we support,” he added.

“Last year, we distributed in more than of £10,000 to local, national and international charities.”

Mr Kingston said they were very sorry for the disappointment the decision would cause and added: “The Rotary Club would be more than happy to support any individual or society wishing to organise a community bonfire in the future.

“To all those within the local community who have support the event over the years we offer you all our thanks and best wishes.”