The great majority of Ryedale residents will know about the work and services of Ryedale Voluntary Action (RVA), a charity set up in 1996.

Its main objective is supporting, promoting, developing and representing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations throughout the Ryedale district and neighbourhood.

To fulfil its role, RVA has, so far, received funding from Ryedale District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and the National Health Service, but about two years ago RVA’s trustees looked at the darkening economic future and decided to investigate the possibility of merging with an appropriate partner. Coincidentally, the charity Seachange in Scarborough was also looking into a similar “marriage”.

Having taken advice from accountants and solicitors, the two boards agreed to full merger.

Although the due process of merging continues, there have been one or two murmurings of disquiet and concern has been expressed.

However, the worry that there will be no services or actual presence in Ryedale is wrong: we are looking at the facilities offered in the Stanley Harrison House, adjacent to the station, and if they prove too difficult to manage we shall locate elsewhere – but in our area hereabouts.

Two charities combining into one with a lot more muscle in its armoury will benefit from having no political party dimension and will concentrate on giving the best possible service to all our existing customers/clients/partners/members but, additionally, on seeking out and helping all those deserving residents of our districts; they deserve our support and – given the remit of the new charity – they will get it.

David Wright, chairman Ryedale Voluntary Action, Old Malton