Tom Naylor-Leyland

DECEMBER is upon us and with everything that has been going on, I feel I’m going to do the biggest festive round up. Without getting political, it’s never been more important to support our local traders who have been forced to close in recent weeks and who, with only with a few days left until Christmas, will have to struggle now to catch up.

AS autumn marches on there is rarely time to reflect, but October has made me think of one business which has been here in Malton, day in, day out for the last 12 years.

HERE we are in mid-October already and with this slightly damper weather, my foodie thoughts are turning to more autumnal dishes.

MALTON is looking beautiful at this time of year with a feeling of autumn on the way. Although some lament the last days of summer, I think it’s a lovely time of year. Wet but warm, the moors are looking splendid, the coast sparkling and Malton itself, bustling.

IT’S summertime in Malton and while things are still returning to a new kind of normal, there is at least good news around if you know where to look. Lockdown might have changed a few things in Malton, but not the ability of local traders and producers to keep making wonderful food and offering amazing service.

WELL readers, what a few months lockdown has been. I must admit that with the world briefly turning upside down my column took a little break, but we’re back, and more importantly Malton is back.

THERE’S lots of new things coming to Malton in the coming months and, for those who are interested, one of the very best building restorations has just been completed.

THIS month I would like to share with you a really good news story. Having recently celebrated its first anniversary, Ryedale Free Fridge is something for Malton to be very proud of - in this writers’ view.

Christmas is almost upon us but have no fear though, for we have a plan to make your Christmas shopping easy.

AUTUMN is here and isn’t it a beauty? Misty mornings, leaves turning from ochre to crimson and, of course, in Malton there’s food.