State of the District 2007

Dozens of residents and councillors attended the event to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the district – and to reward some of its most hard-working citizens.

You can browse our gallery of photographs taken on the night. If you would like high-resolution versions of any of the images, please contact the Communications Team.

The fifth annual event saw residents split into small groups to discuss housing, transport and waste and recycling issues, with the debate guided by experts from Richmondshire District Council and other organisations.

Issues raised during the debate were noted down and will be discussed by the Council’s relevant committees.

The debate was followed by the first ever Citizenship Awards – a new initiative to highlight the district’s unsung heroes, the people who deserve special recognition for the work they have done in their communities.

Citizenship Awards were made in four categories, with two highly commended nominees and one winner in each.

The award for Young Person of the Year went to Andrew Scott, in recognition of the time and effort he has given to Risedale Youth Centre, and invaluable help at fundraising events. The judges were particularly impressed by his dedicated support for a really worthwhile community initiative.

The Entrepreneur of the Year category was won by Martin Worner, of thecitysecret – which the judges said was regarded as one of the best IT companies to work for in the region, and one that sees itself as more than just a business, but an important part of the local community.

The award for Community Initiative of the Year went to the Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust, for its work at The Station. The judges said that was one of the biggest community initiatives they had ever seen, involving hundreds of volunteers – and the building would make a massive contribution to the district for years to come.

And Volunteer of the Year was Ian Threlfall, who the judges described as “a man with apparently inexhaustible community spirit, someone who never runs out of ideas or enthusiasm”. He had brought Scorton folk together over and over again, always giving his time freely.