ALL around the world we see areas of conflict and we fear the action and reaction of some heads of states.

At the same time we hear the predictions of climate scientists about what will happen if we don’t reduce our green house gas emissions.

What can we do? Sometimes it feels as though we are completely impotent and unable to influence what is happening. But we can. We can make an impact and we can help to change things.

In May we have an opportunity to participate in local elections, and in particular in the election of the councillors who make up North Yorkshire County Council.

I would like to suggest two issues (of the many that are important) in which you could become involved by asking questions of candidates and in particular councillors that are seeking re-election.

The council has backed plans that go against the agreement in Paris in 2015 at the UN Climate Conference of which the UK is a signatory.

If all the fossil fuels that are already accounted for are used there would be an increase in the temperature of the earth that would create such damage we would not be able to recognise the world in which we live.

Ask why have the councillors given permission for shale gas (a fossil fuel) extraction to take place in North Yorkshire? Ask why does the pension fund of North Yorkshire County Council have considerable investments in the fossil fuel industry?

How can we change this? First of all question the story we are being told and become involved, make your voices heard, and vote.

Margaret McSherry, Wenningdale Action Network, Bentham, North Yorkshire

Thanks for caring

I WOULD like to say thank you for the kindness and generosity of the girl (who remains anonymous to my knowledge) who donated over £200 worth of Easter gifts to the local families of Ryedale in need.

I am a single mum and struggle to put meals on the table for my children and use services like the Food Bank regularly.

It makes me so sad seeing all the Easter eggs and gifts in the supermarkets every year knowing I cannot afford them, even though I would love to treat my kids, who deserve them. Being able to come home with an Easter egg for each of my children for the first time ever felt so good, and the smiles on their faces were simply incredible.

Such an amazing gesture. I don’t know who you were, but thank you. I feel so blessed to be part of such a caring, giving community. Love to Ryedale.

A grateful Ryedale mum and kids

Excellent feedback

I WOULD like to thank the many people who visited the recent Woodhams-Stone A Lifetime In Collecting exhibition in Malton.

Thanks to our visitors – from far and wide – the exhibition was a huge success and a fitting tribute to celebrate the 80th birthdays of our collectors Sid Woodhams and John Stone. Over the 10 day period we welcomed over 700 people, including visitors from London, Leicestershire and Hartlepool. We received some excellent feedback about the exhibition and lots of requests for further displays of the many fascinating items held in the collection.

I would also like to thank the Fitzwilliam Estate (Malton) for allowing us to use the former Conservative Club in Malton and the many local people and businesses who generously made donations to enable us to run the exhibition.

Many thanks also to our small, but dedicated group of volunteers who worked so hard to stage the exhibition and run it on a daily basis.

The trustees of the Woodham-Stone will continue to work hard to develop public access to the Collection further in the future and to ultimately find a permanent home in Malton or Norton.

Cllr Di Keal, Chair, Woodhams-Stone Collection

Wonderful help

I WOULD like to thank all the people who came to the aid of my mother, Gillian, after she fell and injured herself in Malton last Friday.

Neighbours, shopkeepers from the Shambles and other passersby - in particular Craig and Liz who were visiting from the Thirsk area - showed great kindness while we waited for the ambulance. My mother is recovering well thanks in no small part to the wonderful help you all gave.

Rod Ewing, Malton