As we go to press, my term of office will be coming to an end. I have very mixed feelings about my Year as I am sure you will understand, but there have been many ‘highs’ that have put the ‘lows’ in perspective, although they were very painful.

          I have probably travelled the length and breath of Ryedale, eaten too many wonderful cakes and scones, and met some ‘real people’ that have lived and worked in our area all their lives. Sharing with them their aspirations and views on the world is  indeed very illuminating.

          Prince Charles made a visit, which was very nice – I assure you that his image of being somewhat distant is definitely not correct! Together we visited Appleton-le- Moors and Levisham looking at entrepreneurial organic farming. Whoever thought that our farmers are not forward thinking is very much mistaken, the skills training and development, never mind the employment opportunities at these farms are  brilliant, there are many more in the District.

          There have been lots of opportunities to listen to musical performances of all kinds by musicians of excellent skills, both young and not so young. The Kirk Theatre always delivers great performances and is a real jewel in our crown and needs our continued support, is always a joy.

          In among all of this I have been   working with the newly formed Christmas Lights Group, the 60’s Festival, fund   raising and a surprise for next year!

          The incoming Chairman has given me permission to run my last fund raising event at Ryedale Folk Museum at Hutton le Hole on Midsummer’s Day evening, which is a banquet and fun Dickensian style on 21st June – may I see you there?

          I was very glad to welcome many of you to my Civic Service back in September – I have always relied very heavily on your support that in the main has been unstinting – THANK YOU!

          Now I am concentrating on more local issues, although I am still the Champion for Young People and do represent Ryedale at the Local Government Association and  “SPARSE”, which lobbies government on rural issues and the Rural Commission. I am also the deputy leader of the national Independent Group. On Ryedale I am on the Scrutiny and Planning Committees - so plenty to do! Some people have asked what I will do after 15th May? Well, Pickering is still my main focus, and I will be able to devote more time to that work, and my family, of course, who have stood back this year to give me the space to carry out my duties.

          Thank you all again for your support and good wishes of which there have been many.

Sincerely, Natalie Warriner MBE.