Communities benefit from Duke’s charity

THE Duke of York’s Community Initiative (DOYCI) is a charity which operates throughout Yorkshire.

Its aims are to encourage and enhance community spirit and to recognise community projects which have made a significant impact on people in their own communities.

The initiative, which started in 1997, came about after The Duke of York visited a housing estate in York and saw for himself what a real difference could be achieved by the community working together, identifying their own needs, and deciding for themselves the actions required to find the answers to such needs.

To date, the Community Initiative has helped and supported in excess of 200 community-based projects across Yorkshire.

The 33 applications received this year cover an amazing range of organisations and activities, ranging from a Kung Fu club, based in Kingston upon Hull, to Snappy, in York which works with children with learning difficulties and disabilities, Scuba Diving for All, in Ripon, and the Basement Recovery Project, in Halifax, a not-for-profit social enterprise and recovery service for substance abusersAwards are made annually to organisations and individuals to recognise their significant contribution to their local community. Awards are presented by The Duke of York, president of The DOYCI.

The Community Initiative would like to invite applications for the role of trustee. We are looking for individuals who share a passion for the aims of The DOYCI, have previous board experience (preferably within business and accountancy) and who would welcome the opportunity to serve the communities of Yorkshire.

Applicants should send their CV, together with a short personal statement explaining why they would like to be considered for the position of trustee, to the above address, or email [email protected]

Cash for a celebration

From: Barbara Harrison, Parkside Avenue, Queensbury.

THE apathy regarding the forthcoming Royal Wedding (Yorkshire Post, February 28) could be resolved by the Government bringing joy to this county and other areas that are showing such signs by giving every resident over the age of 18 the sum of £25 to celebrate on the day itself.

If petrol was purchased for a trip out (or some wine for a family “do”), the cost would not be so great as the Government would claw back a lot of the money.

Other purchases and even the cost of a street party (traffic plans and insurance cover; providing food and entertainment) would help local shopkeepers (and the Government would again claw back VAT at 20 per cent) so everyone is a winner and the Royal Wedding would be well celebrated.

From: Anthony Hopkins, Carlton Drive, Guiseley, Leeds.

COUNCILLOR Anne Hawkesworth and Brian Mann are to be applauded for their public spiritedness in organising a street party in Ilkley on the occasion of the forthcomoing Royal Wedding.

But oh dear, Mr Mann, may I respectfully suggest you acquaint yourself before that special Royal occasion with the correct way to fly the Union Jack – broad white diagonal upperrmost towards the pole, contrary to the position of the one you are so proudly waving in the picture.

Dare one ask, was it perhaps a bargain purchase and Made in China?

Qualifications of our MPs

From: Don Burslam, Elm Road, Dewsbury Moor, Dewsbury.

FATHER McNicholas (Yorkshire Post, February 25) believes that MPs are drawn from too restricted a field and becoming an MP depends too much on connections and following a certain career path.

He complains of blunders but politicians have always been guilty of catastrophic errors when MPs were supposedly recruited from a wider base.

A close examination of MPs’ backgrounds reveals a fair representation from business, trade and industry which Fr McNicholas cites with approval; of course even businessmen are not infallible.

There are also several former councillors of long experience and whatever one thinks of local councils, it surely provides a useful training for government, administration and dealing with large budgets.

It is my opinion that MPs are as capable as ever they were, but I am no more qualified or able to reach an objective judgment than Fr McNicholas.