WHAT will life be like after lockdown? Most importantly, will things ever return to “normal”?

Politicians tell us it will…in good time. But history tells us the opposite: that times of upheaval lead to radical change. And I actually hope post-Covid Ryedale is never again quite how it was before.

Imagine a world where we look out for our neighbours. Ask how they are doing and check if they need help.

Smile at strangers in the street. Take time to strike up conversation.

Respect our elders and learn from their experiences. Take time to teach the younger generation.

Work from home more. And when heading to the office, actually enjoy the commute.

Appreciate the outstanding beauty right here on our doorstep. Get up and get about. Enjoy Ryedale’s glorious farmland, stunning architecture and breathtaking views.

Shop local. Back the hundreds of amazing small businesses based on our doorstep. Reward our hardworking small business people instead of big corporations.

Eat wholesome meals, cooked from scratch, using meat and vegetables from our Great British farmers.

Thank our amazing doctors, nurses, carers, police officers, firefighters, delivery drivers, supermarket shelf-stackers and council workers.

Hope everyone in the district has a roof over their head, a wage they can live off and food on the table.

Balance work with life. Spend quality time with family. Realise life is too short for petty arguments.

Never again take for granted a Friday night pint in the pub, the taste of a Big Mac or birthday celebrations. Remember just how lucky we really are.

Let us all hope that life in Ryedale is never again quite how it was before, for all the right reasons.

Cllr Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council

Thanks to the NHS

OVER the last few months there has been well deserved recognition for the outstanding work by the NHS in relation to the outstanding work concerning coronavirus, and their efforts cannot be overstated.

However, there is “another” NHS, which I wish to mention.

Recently, I was taken into - as an emergency case - to the cardiology department of the Scarborough Hospital. During my time in Beech Ward I received what I considered to be the very best of treatment from a very professional and understanding staff.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was an underlying sense of humour, which, of course, tended to put one at ease.

My sincere thanks to all concerned.

Arthur Strickson, Wrelton

Search for soldier

I AM looking for information/memories about the stationing of C Squadron, Queen’s own Royal Dragoons in Slingsby at the beginning of the Second World War.

I am in possession of some letters from a soldier who was stationed there, written to a family he’d stayed with back at Slingsby.

The soldier’s name was Frank Garside and the family he stayed with were called the Hardwicks, who lived at Wyville Farm.

If you have any information please contact me by emailing rosannacundall@gmail.com

Rosanna Cundall, Sherburn

75 years of care

75 YEARS ago, St John Ambulance volunteers played a vital role delivering first aid and providing support to both the public and the armed forces on VE Day.

Throughout the Second World War, the global response by St John Ambulance took in the care of prisoners of war, displaced persons, the wounded and missing, ambulance transport and, of course, the training and provision of medical volunteers.

With no NHS until 1948, and stretched hospitals dealing with the casualties of war, St John’s community response on the Home Front saved innumerable lives.

Fast forward to today and our charity is undergoing its greatest ever peacetime deployment and challenge. Our volunteers are working tirelessly to support the NHS, crewing ambulances, delivering assistance in emergency departments and helping in their local communities, as well as providing vital coordination and training behind the scenes.

I would like to pay tribute to all our volunteers, both past and present. Their dedication will not be forgotten.

If readers would like to find out more about our work, or support us, visit sja.org.uk.

Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis, prior and chair of St John Ambulance