In the second part of her review of the year, HANNAH BRYAN takes a look back at what made the headlines in Ryedale from July to December.


JULY

RECORD breaking numbers of visitors flocked to Ryedale Show which organisers hailed as one of the best so far. Organisers said that more than £5,000 would be donated to local groups and charities.

• It was announced that Malton Hospital’s minor injuries unit (MIU) would reopen at weekends from the beginning of August. The news followed a successful campaign, launched by district and county councillor Lindsay Burr and backed by the Gazette & Herald, which had gathered more than 10,000 petition signatures.

• Gazette racing journalist Tom O’Ryan spoke of the overwhelming support he had received following a freak accident in which he suffered serious injuries. Tom thanked everyone for their help and support in what he described as a “life- changing ordeal”.


AUGUST

Galtres Festival was held at Duncombe Park, in Helmsley, for the first time. Despite the torrential rain, determined music lovers came out to watch their favourite bands, which included headliners Maximo Park and The Stranglers.

• Campaigners fighting to save Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club submitted a successful expression of interest in buying the building. The new committee of Ryedale Community and Leisure Centre joined forces to begin working with professional advisors to form a business plan.

• Families living in Whitwell-on-Hill were told that the bus service, which takes their children to school, would end in September. An assessment of the route showed it to be safe enough for children to walk, if accompanied by an adult, despite being two miles from the school.


SEPTEMBER

BRAVE Lizzy Townend and Laura Cummins prepared to lose their hair to raise funds for the charity which supported their friend through breast cancer. The two friends were inspired to have their heads shaved after witnessing their friend, Kim Storey, battle with the disease.

• Ryedale’s community heroes were honoured at the 2013 Ryedale Rural Community Awards as finalists, sponsors and friends and family gathered at Amotherby Village Hall to hear who had won this year’s titles.

• A retirement community in Pickering was given the green light despite opposition from residents and councillors. Methodist Homes was granted permission to build 168 assisted living units, including 90 care apartments and 78 bungalows on a four-acre site.


OCTOBER

MALTON and Norton’s successful foodbank set up three months ago expanded to Pickering to help more families in crisis. The Malton and Norton branch had already helped 120 people.

• Thousands of runners made history as they took part in the first-ever Yorkshire Plusnet Marathon. The community got behind the event, which saw numerous Ryedale runners taking part in the 26.2-mile race to raise money for causes close to their heart.

• It was announced that in the future the Milton Rooms, in Malton, could see it become the permanent home of the Malton Museum and Woodhams-Stone Collection. The new proposals for the venue were to be discussed at the end of the month.


NOVEMBER

BUSINESS owners and residents of Helmsley expressed their concerns over the possibility of a Tesco Express store replacing the library in the town hall. However, since the potential plans came to light, the town hall committee has temporarily put a hold on talks while independent consultation takes place.

• It was announced that Brass Castle Brewery was relocating to Malton after seeing its potential as the “foodie” capital of Yorkshire.

• Yorkshire Baker’s new £12m factory was officially opened, creating more than 150 jobs. The company, which produces a range of all-butter pastry sausage rolls, pasties, quiche and pies, opened on Norton Grove Industrial Estate, Norton.


DECEMBER

PLANS for a new livestock market, business park and about 300 homes in Malton worth a total of £17m were unveiled. The plans were welcomed by residents who attended a public consultation event, agreeing that it would be a huge boost to the town.

• Vulnerable people were given a “safe haven” to help get their lives back on track. Derwent Lodge, in Church Street, Norton, opened to provide accommodation for up to 14 people aged 16 or over who have nowhere suitable to live.

• 71-year-old Jon Entwhistle, of Ampleforth, told of his shock after he received a letter from a cousin he had never met who was trying to trace him. Jon said he was looking forward to “finally being able to put together my family tree”. The Ryedale man told his emotional story of the moment he was united with his family after 70 years apart.

• Graham Richardson, 27, of Riverside View, Norton, was found guilty at Teesside Crown Court of murdering antiques dealer Peter Battle at his home in Full Sutton, last December.

Year in review part 1>>