‘Tis the season ...

Here in Guisborough, many of us still regard the northern boundary of Yorkshire as being the River Tees, even though you rarely print news of events this far north.

Technically we’re in Redcar and Cleveland and it’s about the actions of this non-Yorkshire authority that I’m writing.

For the past few years, signs have appeared at the entry to Guisborough in late November wishing everyone “Seasons Greetings”.

I know we Christians can get a bit too precious from time to time but the Season the sign refers to is Christmas; so why can’t it be “Christmas Greetings” or “Merry Christmas”?

I’m sure those of other or no religion wouldn’t object to the season being identified.

Or perhaps they would? We’re certainly in a post-Christian society but it’s a shame to lose sight of just why this season is called “merry” and “happy”.

Closure reasons were pathetic

From: Mrs Norma D Mcnichol, Lynwood Drive, Carlton, Barnsley.

I read the letter from Michael Booth (Yorkshire Post, November 19) concerning the closure of the forest drive in Newtondale.

My husband and I were staying in Newton upon Rawcliffe a couple of weeks ago and decided that we would do one of the walks from the Forestry Commission leaflet we had bought on one of our many visits to this area,

We were confused and dismayed to discover that a large barrier had been put across the road and a sign saying no unauthorised vehicles.

I telephoned the Forestry Commission office in Pickering but could not get a proper answer to my query. Then when the report was published in your paper it became clear why we were denied access to the forest.

I think it is a great shame to close this drive and I, too, think that the excuses that were given for closure are pathetic.