Help make difference to dementia sufferers

I WANT to thank everyone in North Yorkshire who united with us during Dementia Action Week (May 21 to 27) to help the more than 10,000 people with the condition in the area. Local highlights included uniting with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to “wrap” two of their fire engines with our United against Dementia logo and deliver Dementia Friends sessions to all their fire officers and dementia awareness stands in libraries, shopping centres and hospitals across the county.

There is still much work to do. During the week new Alzheimer’s Society research revealed that more than 57 per cent of people in Yorkshire and the Humber say dementia is their greatest concern for old age. We know that too many people face the condition alone, without adequate support. If you missed out during the week, it’s not too late to take action on dementia in North Yorkshire. Visit alzheimers.org.uk to find out about the information and support we provide, and how you can get involved and make a difference.

Linda Haggie, operations manager for North Yorkshire

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Thanks for interest

THE local Samaritans would like to thank everyone for the interest shown in our work during the recent Mental Health Awareness event held in The Brunswick Centre Scarborough. We enjoyed meeting you all, talking about our work and hearing about your experiences. If you were unable to drop in and meet us, but would like to find out more about our work and a range of opportunities to volunteer with us, please come along to our information evening on Tuesday, June 26, at 7pm. You can find us at Samaritan House, 40 Trafalgar St West (behind Scarborough police station). You will be very welcome.

M Williams (on behalf of Samaritans)

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Appeal for help

MY name is Roderick Mason and I’m doing genealogy research on my late uncle, James (Jock) Mason, who died in 1971. The Gazette & Herald did a story on my uncle when my father, Alfred Mason, visited my uncle in 1972, when he was in the hospital. As noted in the story, my father had travelled from his home in upstate New York to pay his brother a surprise visit. My father had not seen his brother since he emigrated to America in 1929, which was 43 years ago at the time.

I’m writing at the suggestion of a cousin who lives in Wallasey, to see if anyone remembers Jock and Helen (my aunt) and has any anecdotes to relate. My uncle was the former manager of Selby’s Londesborough Hotel (now The George Inn) for 28 years (1940 to 1968) and, according to his obituary was a member and past president of the Selby Rotary Club, and a member of the RAF Association. Any information that you can provide will be appreciated. Please email me at rmason1@nycap.rr.com. Thanks.

Roderick Mason, USA

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Malton ‘aroma’

CROSSING Yorkersgate on Saturday afternoon, our small pride let out a mighty “Phwoah!” The quintessential Malton aroma had risen to the occasion and, in broad Yorkshire, the stink was “fit t’ fell ye!” Welcome to Malton.

My group walked on as I stood awhile to clear my head. A very polite gentleman fanned me with a Malton Food Lovers Festival brochure and I enquired if his leaflet explained the smell of sewage? He said, “No Sir, but I can tell you that the odour comes from Butcher Corner, and that North Yorkshire County Council has been looking into it for the past two years”.

So there we have it. Malton White Star Band is playing “Feelings”, and all manner of things will be well; Malton’s air pollution, traffic congestion, and the stink of sewage may linger in the collective memory, but fear not, for North Yorkshire County Council is looking into it. Do come again.

Simon Thackray, Brawby

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Sign up to walk

I’M inviting your readers to get their walking boots or  trainers on for the Stroke Association and sign up to the summer marathon challenge, Walk Your Way. In April 2013, a year after my own stroke, I took on the London Marathon. It was a huge step in my recovery and helped to draw attention to this devastating condition while raising money for a wonderful charity that I’m proud to be an ambassador for.

Walk Your Way takes place between June 17 and July 1 to raise money to support stroke survivors and their families. You can walk the whole 26.2 miles in one go, do it over a few days or spread the distance over the two-week period and get sponsored to do it. It’s your chance to take on the distance of a marathon on your own terms. For many stroke survivors, like me, getting your life back means overcoming life-changing disabilities and emotional difficulties. By taking part in Walk Your Way you’ll be helping to reduce your own risk of stroke, and the vital funds you’ll raise will help the charity to support more stroke survivors to regain their independence. Sign up to Walk Your Way now: stroke.org.uk/WalkYourWay.

Michael Lynagh, Stroke Association