I WRITE to congratulate the Milton Rooms for an excellent pre-Christmas entertainment programme – some things organised by others, but the operation and service offered to the public being of the highest standard.

On Friday, December 18, they hosted the Dickens Festival’s superb evening with Miriam Margolis when, together with a Dickens historian adding his own comments about the famous author, the near full auditorium enjoyed a superb evening of readings, acting and humorous entertainment, all aided and abetted by the staff providing a plentiful supply of mince pies and mulled wine. The standing ovation at the end of the evening said it all. We need more Dickensian tribute festivals.

The following night the Milton Rooms staged the York Minster’s Chapter House Choir when a varied mix of classical Christmas carols and solo performances perfectly set up the audience for the festive week ahead.

Another superb evening of entertainment helped with, once again, excellent service from the volunteer staff and some very tasty interval canapes provided from Malton Relish.

The Milton Rooms, now under new management, seems to be gaining support and strength on every occasion and the new seating makes the visit even more complete with warmth and comfort. Congratulations to all are due and I personally wish them a successful 2016 together with further progress in building up and expanding the quality of the premises.

David Lloyd-Williams, Norton town councillor

 

Stand up for us

I HAVE chosen my side on the issue of fracking.

I received my email from MP Kevin Hollinrake spouting the same government spin as usual. It seems that he represents Westminster in Ryedale rather than the Ryedale in Westminster. Please take this holiday period to do some serious thinking. After just nine months your legacy is now becoming apparent as the man who sold Ryedale to the fossilholics.

That must be the estate agent in you, a trade suited to the purpose, which apparently also makes you an expert in fracking.

I chose to believe the numerous other people from Ryedale, who mirrored the same route across the US that you took, and who came back with completely different conclusions.

The announcement of the new additional licences that completely cover Ryedale, and beyond, has swelled the anti-fracking community. Your time is now Kevin. Stand up and regain the respect in the district.

Steve Mason, Malton

 

Fine for drivers

FURTHER to Simon Thackeray’s quest to have lorries banned, I am now proposing something I was guilty of when driving. I used to leave my engine running when stationary.

I am now stating that all drivers should receive an instant fine if they leave their engine running when stationary – simply because I am now in the advanced state of COPD – despite never smoking in my life.

John Taylor, Norton-on-Derwent

 

Close election

IT is often said that “every vote counts”. This has never been more true when reflecting on the recent by-election in Derwent ward.

After a series of very tense rechecks and recounts, the final state of play placed Mike Potter of the Liberals only five votes ahead of Kerry Ennis of the Conservatives.

Through your pages I would like to take this opportunity to say that Kerry fought an excellent campaign.

From Westow to Welburn, Scrayingham to Scagglethorpe, she managed to connect with a great number of residents both in the villages and along farm tracks.

The people of Derwent would have been very lucky to have Kerry as one of their representatives and I very much hope that she considers standing for election again in the future.

I, of course, send my congratulations to Coun Potter, and look forward to working with him in the New Year.

Councillor Keane Duncan, Norton East Ward